Honestly, this was one of the most frustrating experiences I've had at VIVO. We had the court booked in advance through a league that regularly uses this facility, so this isn't a one-off visit. We've consistently run into issues with equipment setup here, and this night was easily the worst. We showed up expecting the court to be ready, and the volleyball net wasn't even set up. After asking for help, the staff member who came down brought equipment that clearly hadn't been checked. One of the posts had a snapped rope, and the net was completely tangled, which took a long time to rethread and fix. What really stood out was the lack of urgency and accountability. We were told this was the only net available, and then the staff member just left us there with no solution. Meanwhile, a full group of people who booked and paid for the court were stuck standing around trying to fix broken equipment themselves. I went back upstairs a second time to the front desk asking for help, either to find replacement equipment or another staff member who could actually assist. Eventually, I ended up going into their staff storage area myself as a customer, where I found multiple usable replacement posts sitting there the entire time. So the equipment was available, it just wasn't provided. By the time everything was finally set up, we were over a half hour into our booking and it threw off the entire night. At this point, it's not just frustrating, it's a pattern. For a facility that has repeat bookings from organized leagues, this level of disorganization and lack of preparation just isn't acceptable. read more

Absolutely horrible place to take your kids, they have a lack of cleanliness, or consideration of whatever your concern is. Your only option is to leave, with reimbursement of any kind. If you want to have an enjoyable day with your family, this is definitely not where to go. read more

Vivo - Hello, I'm a cat.. trust me. - Gyms Near Me - Calgary, Alberta

visited Vivo few times, not a member just drop in , and as senior citizen i have to pay 12$ to get in. Than after a few days Vivo is trying to charge 31.50 on my bank card,?? however my bank decline transaction, the Facility is fine but the office personnel have to quit doing this to seniors, Just not right! read more

This place used to be good until the new management took over of this facility forcing new rules upon users and charging an exorbitant amount for the same services. I would recommend other facilities in the area versus this place. Zero stars if I could. read more

This facility is startlingly beautiful. I am primarily reviewing the swimming area but I endorse the entire facility. Library, pool, basketball, snacks, skating et cetera all in one building. I wish it was less expensive to swim. Wednesday morning is discounted for families with 'tots'. The pool is amazing with slides, climbing wall, hot pool, kiddie area and lazy river. Abundant lifeguards, clean changing rooms. Bring a lock for a locker or quarters. Handicap and wheelchair accessible, clean and filled with places to sit and watch the action happening in the different areas. read more

See all

Not worth the $$$$$. Under staffed. Customer service is poor. You're married to the facility for four months before you can cancel. The new pool area is over-rated. Sauna isn't hot. Hot tub is like a lukewarm bath. read more

I always thought this area of the city deserved some sort of fitness centre. Okay, there is that jogging store, but that's about it. You can imagine my delight when Cardel Place opened up. This place literally has everything available to keep you active. There's giant courts that you can play basketball in, they have squash rooms, there's a huge pool for a little play - or serious swim, which ever you prefer - and in the winter there is a family skating rink. The prices aren't even that ridiculous. A one-time drop-in rate for an adult over 18 is only $11. That means you pay that little to be able to swim, exercise and use the weight room. Obviously, the more you buy the better the prices get. If you purchase a ten-time pas it's only $99, and a one hundred-time pass is $803... a $300 value! The staff are all super nice at Cardel as well. If you're confused about how something works, don't hesitate to ask them because I'm sure they've heard stupider things before! Cardel is your one-stop-shop for all your get-fit needs. read more

Vivo - *photo credit cannondesign.com - Gyms Near Me - Calgary, Alberta

See all

Vivo has a lot to offer when it comes to lessons or to work out. They have a good hockey rink, basketball court, exercise area, work out classes, etc. An area of major improvement is the lane pools, however...they do have a decent size swimming area. Vivo also holds a public library where you can enjoy some quiet time to yourself. One thing I would definitely like to see improvement is the out of control teens that hang out in the halls doing nothing but being bad examples for the younger kids. Overall, it's a great place for the entire family to get exercise and keep active. read more

Very disappointed. I went to Vivo recently with my 3-year-old on the recommendation of my wife. She recommended their open gym which she has gone to during the week which included activities and a bouncy castle etc. I paid the $19 (ouch!) and went in to the yellow gym. There was nothing set up, no families, no equipment that wasn't already being used by the people overflowing from the red gym. I really thought I went to the wrong gym. After realizing that this wasn't what I had wanted, I went to get a refund. No problem, right? Nope. Apparently, they can only give out free passes. I just wanted my money back so I declined the free passes. They made a copy of my receipt and passed along my info to guest services which, I guess, are the only people who can issue refunds. I probably won't go back anytime soon as I still have yet to receive the refund. read more

I've been coming here for a long time as it's the closest one. I must say that it's dirty and gross. The pool always something if it's a bandaid or just a fluff of dirt, it's always gross. There is nothing interesting in the pool. Very boring. Though it's a good time if you have good people They do have a gym and workout room. It's always crowded in the workout room and you can never find a treadmill. The gym is full ALSO but there are some pretty chill people there. They added a piano upstairs which is nice. And I adore the jugo juice too. Though the library has outdated book but still good reads. Overall it's not the best place as it's also pretty expensive and boring but if you are looking for a place to just chill, Vivo is your place read more

I went here for a workout last week. At first it looked good, that soon changed. With all the signs posted about belongings not being safe, I didn't even want to use a locker. I made sure to take my wallet, keys, watch and anything of value with me. When I work out at World Health I feel like I can leave my things locked up in the locker without worry. I started my warmup on the treadmill and went to put my water bottle in the cup holder. I was disgusted to see gum in the cup holder. I moved to the next treadmill even worse, a used band aid in that cup holder. Geez doesn't this place have cleaning staff with eyes. I put my water bottle on the floor and finished the warm up. I moved on to start my workout in the free weight area. I felt like I was the only one there to actually work out and not hangout with my homies. People were at the benches and platforms, not doing anything with them and clearly not caring that I was waiting to jump in for a set. Overall I felt like I wasted my money, because I didn't get my regular workout done. I'll stick to World Health instead. read more

Wack, price is wack, courts too full, nothing to do around vivo, pool is small and dirty, only good thing is the hot tub.

Compact, library in front with Jugo Juice just behind. Couple of basketball courts, bunch of activities and a fairly well stocked gym but sadly no squash courts and the climbing wall should be open more often. Cardel is great for kids, and that's definitely one thing it doesn't lack. The pool is definitely oriented towards kids. read more

This place is a beautiful facility. Has everything one could ever need. Great location for me and price is in line with most places. Service could be a little more client oriented I think. Pool had to be cleared because of a little something that should not have been there. I get it and understand why this was done. I just felt that the staff was very very slow in dealing with the issue ( this would make the problem worse, I would think) a lot of laughing, chatting, and standing around. Than the pool was closed for over an hour ! Every other pool seems to deal with these issues way faster. Everyone was upset. read more

Great place for the whole family! We have been going here for years. Many drop in classes and the price is very reasonable. read more

A lot to offer... gym, swimming, skating, work out equipment. But for the past three weeks while my kid is in swimming lessons, I have watched what has to be the very worst aqua fitness instructor ever. She just sauntered in late and I know I have taken her class before and she was awful five years ago. They must be desperate for staff. The family change room washroom smells like an outhouse. They have changed processes without communicating those changes. If people are registered for swim class send them an email letting them know how to get into class. Perhaps their new registration system that takes over an hour to register for two classes doesn't provide access to who is actually registered for classes. I have been coming here for 7 or 8 years and the quality of this place just keeps going downhill. read more

This is my favourite pool in Calgary. I know it is a tad small when there is a class and regular customers but somehow it always works out. Some days the changing rooms are cleaner than the other days but overall they are clean and welcoming. I love shower curtains, gives you privacy. But the main thing I like about this pool is customer service. Young people at reception are always friendly and lifeguards in the pool are very attentive. read more

Review #17 of Yelp's 30 Day Challenge 2012 We started coming to Cardel Place shortly after it opened. Our kids have been involved in swimming and skating lessons as well as have hosted birthday parties here. We've also come for different events that occur during the year. When we first switched swimming lessons from the City of Calgary Recreation we were pleased to learn Cardel had a salt water pool. Not too long after the pool went from a salt water to chlorine....which really wasn't an issue except we still to this day do not know why. Our kids have pretty much done all their swimming lessons in this pool and as such we've seen many an instructor. We've had issues with the instructors in the past but some issues have been resolved and we continue to come back. There are definitely areas they have to work on to make this a better recreation facility. Such as there is no leeway with cancelling swim lessons. Let's say you book your child into session 1 and then the next level session 2 right after because you have to book that far in advance on the day registration opens. Said child does not pass session 1 so you are automatically screwed and lose most of your money for session 2 because the child can not advance if they don't pass. There is no compassion or concern for a child that didn't pass or whatever reason you may have to cancel the lesson. This is a money grab that needs to be addressed... "we have your money, not caring if you need to cancel, end of story". Another disappointment I must add is which is not entirely Cardel's fault is when swim lessons are happening the waiting area and family change rooms are absolutely disgusting. I do see employees around cleaning but you also see disrespect in the parents who walk around with their dirty shoes, getting the floor filthy, when it is very clear and obvious you are not to wear dirty outdoor shoes in the pool area. I guess people can't read. You also have parents who go into the family changes rooms and save/hold them for up to 15 minutes waiting for their child even though there are signs that say you are not allowed to do this making others wait. I've tried to find somebody to complain to about this but never anyone around that can do anything to help. We spend a lot of time at this pool and nothing has changed in this area in almost 7 yrs. They need full time policing, a guard or some form of full time supervision. Parking can be frustrating when they have an event going on here and you don't know about it but yet still have to get your kids in for swimming lessons. And it is always busy (which I think is a good thing?) but should also mean there is funding available for improvements. More food options would also be a great idea. The first birthday party we had here in 2009 went over really well and everyone was very helpful. The latter one in 2011 let's just say new employees when booking parties who were not as friendly but the kids still had fun and the party was a success. In the end we do enjoy coming to Cardel Place. Registration is fairly easy even though you need to be on the phone the minute registration opens and then pray you get through. We like that the pool is geared towards kids and is warm. If only some of the aforementioned areas could be improved upon.....we would love it instead of just liking it there. read more

I really like this facility, but I don't love it. Its location is great if you live in the Northern Hills, it is clean and most of the staff here are great but there are a couple of issues with it that I will elaborate on. I usually enrol my kids in swimming here but good luck trying to get them into skating if you miss the first day of registration! I find that although the space itself is large, the swimming area is small compared to Thornhill and Village Square, hence, the limited classes. Also the lesson times are only half an hour where other places run for at least 45 minutes and have a 5-10 free play session. Beware, if you have to cancel a swimming session, the cancellation fee is about half of what the session costs! I was unaware of that till I saw my receipt. They really should stress that! Also, there was one specific instructor whose name rhymes with Derek who made my kid cry on his first day of swimming. I guess I was not the only parent with issues with this guy because I have not seen him there since my kids last swimming session. PS he failed my son because of jumping in the pool when it wasn't his turn. What an ass. These kids are like 6. What kind of professionalism does he expect out of a 6 year old? That aside, it has great birthday packages for kids and they do offer some pretty cool classes at decent prices and seasonal activities throughout the year. My kids love the climbing wall! I enjoy the library there and love the little kids section for my little guys to hang out and get their nerd on. Rink time is limited and unless you are in a class or have it reserved; there is only 1 free skate on Sunday afternoon. There are not many options for grub there, really, the only thing I noticed was a sandwich place and a Jugo juice, but there are many places near-by to eat. For its location, variety of classes offered, and friendly staff I give it a solid 3 stars. Would have given it 4 if it wasn't for the asshole swim instructor. read more

Great place for families. Swimming, working out, gym, rock climbling etc etc. something for everyone. We have gone many times and even signed up in programs at this location. Highly recommended. read more

Wish the water in the pool was warmer. My twins lips are always turning purple and they get so cold :(

Fun place for me an some friends to hang out. I love this place! Basically a second home for me

Excellent facility! Gym is nice, pool could be bigger but no complaints. Friendly staff. Overall awesome gym!

Vivo facilities are very good! BUT I am giving them 1 star for a couple of reasons! ONE: their change rooms for the swimming pool are DANGEROUSLY SLIPPERY! I fell and hurt myself badly, and VIVO did NOTHING to rectify the situation. I have never been back to swim because I actually have anxiety about the change rooms now. I was changing when I suddenly slipped and fell, I wasn't even walking when it happened. I really should have sued VIVO... The SECOND reason is this: Their washrooms that are by the Jugo Juice main area do not have a women's washroom. There are men's and universal! I am perfectly fine VIVO offering a universal washroom for families, transgender people etc. BUT you took away MY RIGHT as a woman to have a woman's washroom! I am NOT comfortable being in a washroom with a man next to me! How ignorant of VIVO to infringe on MY rights. Yes, I am just plain jane "woman"...I know...but I have the right to feel comfortable too! I think this is an issue I may take further than just google reviews! read more

Overall, a very nice facility! Friendly staff, everything is kept very clean. HOWEVER, parking is ridiculous!! Terrible design. The place is over capacity and doesn't even have enough parking for its members...I shouldn't have to park at the high school or transit lot to come to a place I pay good money for. They need to fix the problem or face losing customers. They already lost my family. I went to Genesis...At least they have a parking lot to fit all its members!! read more

Hi, this place is ok, if u don't have anything to do !! Especially what is not appreciated is , one is expected to shower when getting in the pool and then most times u find pool being contaminated ! especially during busy hours !! On the other side you see these immigrant families who would come in full cotton clothes covered from head to toe , in leggings and Tshirts, head scarfs etc , in the swimming pool and sauna !! no wonder the pool gets contaminated !! This should be well managed in terms of appropriate SWIM SUIT OR WHOLE BODY SUIT made mandatory to enter the swim pool and hot tub . All the cultural required ments are ok as far as they maintain the water quality , sanity of the pool and DO NOT CONTAMINATE , offering due respect to OTHER CUSTOMERS who are in proper swim suits . Rowdy kids need to be cautioned as well , that this is a facility for families and they need to behave with due respect to all , offering EQUAL opportunity to all community members . read more

I love, love, love the total body workout classes by Marcella. Definitely worth it. My kids have been registered in swimming lessons there on a regular basis and love it as well. Schedules are great for a full time working mom. read more

I feel like Charlene's review is a little much, however she is indeed entitled to her opinion. I've been a member here for a few months now while my wife has been a member for around 5 months. We both exclusively use the fitness centre so my review will focus on that & the overall building. Although the membership is a little high ($101 for my wife and I) when you compare it to prices of other fitness centres, it's not that bad. Included in the fee is the ability to use the swimming pool, rock climbing wall and gymnasiums for various sports which most places do not include. In regards to the fitness centre, I would give it a 4.5/5 overall -- they have numerous machines, all of which are in great condition and the fitness centre was just recently renovated. Personally, I wish they had a larger area where they could keep more benches, however if you are able to get there prior to 3pm (when the high school kids are let out of their cages) you shouldn't have any issues finding a bench for yourself. The staff are friendly and more importantly the fitness centre is constantly being cleaned by the cleaning staff. The "community cleaning towel" that Charlene is talking about is taken by the cleaners and staff members often and I would only assume they are laundered after being replaced. If the "community cleaning towel" grosses you out, you can always use the paper towel they have to clean the machine/bench you used. My only issue is an issue that is basically unavoidable at most fitness centres -- some of the people that go to Cardel to work out are extremely annoying. I would say the biggest issue are the high school kids (I believe they are from Notre Dame five steps away from Cardel Place) -- Yes, some of them do in fact use the fitness facility to work out and keep to themselves in little groups. However, there are some that either have no idea what they are doing & as a result are just wasting the machines ... or use the fitness centre as a social setting. After 4pm, the fitness centre is an absolute zoo -- it's nearly impossible to get a personal bench, most of the dumbbells are being used and if you're claustrophobic you might have an anxiety attack. The few times I've showed up around that time it's been ridiculous; there are basically zero dumbbells on the rack, no benches available and the place looks like a hospital during a zombie attack. Basically avoid the gym after 4pm if you can -- I'm not sure if it dies down during the late evening, but hopefully it does. There are also some individuals who either have not showered in weeks, refuse to put on deodorant prior to working out or just emit a disgusting odor. I can't fault Cardel for these people, however standing next to them while trying to do tricep exercises will make them nearly impossible. In regards to what Nikki O. said, I am in total agreement -- having to pay full price just to swim (or workout) is ridiculous if you're not a member. I think I paid around $14 prior to being a member just to workout for two hours. Also, if you enjoy badminton or basketball, it seems as though these are the main 2 sports that are being played in the gymnasium on a regular basis. There is a scheduled for other sports that are played (soccer, zumba, etc.) but it's basically basketball & badminton for the most part. read more

Would really love it if they offered just a fee if you want to swim like the YMCA does, I don't want to pay almost 30 for my children to be able to swim for a couple of hours. Other than that great facility, clean and lots to do read more

Seriously it's a place where the staff is horrible, the people insulting me, and people immigrants who use this place as a cheap alternative for free showers!!! Did I mention the swimming pool? It's horrible because the pool always get contaminated. This place is horrible!!! read more

Vivo has recently low flow shower heads in the changing rooms. Ridiculous! I can't wash the shampoo out of my hair. I mean it's a trickle of water-no lie. So cheap and chintzy. Come on, Vivo-- save money other ways. Being able to shower off soap and shampoo at a fitness gym is a pretty basic requirement. read more

I'm so grossed out by this place & will only use it if I'm passing by & need to use the washroom, even then I'll hover. My son went here a couple days ago & was freaked out with some of the other users & filth, he won't go back either. This place is within a km of my home & is only 12 years old but boy it sure isn't looked after. The cleaning people clearly don't know how to clean, they don't have anybody training or supervising their work, yuck! You'll be sick for certain if you use the pool. I stopped going to the fitness centre there years back because they use a community cleaning towel & watered down spray cleaner. They regularly have out of order cardio equipment that's awaiting repairs & people are lined up almost standing over your shoulder waiting for you to finish on the equipment you've just started using. If this is what a fitness centre is I'd rather not have a membership. The cost of memberships here is higher than a city facility, this place hasn't seen any renovations or upgrades in 12 years. How are the interior concrete stairs in such disrepair. & chipped away so badly? The pool is small, no slides or waves - nothing to do there either. Even the food court is a joke. Go to a City of a Calgary recreation centre. Parking is impossible even at the best of times. read more

more family change rooms are needed / better parking is needed / a drive thru library book return chute would be nice / access to the pool from the back rink would help the parking situation / the hiring has gone down hill - getting the typical snotty teens working there, used to be great customer service but (sigh) no more / lifeguards like to hang out and socialize rather that watch your kids / viewing area for parents is not that great / pool deck is so slippery I saw 8 kids in 1/2 hour fall and hit their heads (no they weren't running) .. but this facility is ok, fairly clean, you can see they really try to offer great options for families. read more