Victoria, where the landscapes are gorgeous, the tea is piping hot, and the pickleball courts are waiting for your best (or worst) serves!
The sport seems to be a growing trend across the country, and Greater Victoria is no different.
Pickleball is a popular paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. Played on a smaller court with a net similar to tennis, players use paddles to hit a perforated plastic ball, similar to a wiffle ball, over the net.
The game can be played in singles or doubles and is known for its accessibility, making it suitable for all ages and skill levels.
If you’re up for a challenge, here is a list of locations you can give the sport a try:
The Courts at Uptown
The Courts at Uptown is the latest addition to the list of locations where you can play pickleball. Nestled in the vacant lot of a future development, there are two courts available for $20 per hour per court, which comes to only $5 each if there are four of you! You can also rent paddles. Make sure to book online!
Victoria Pickleball Centre in Langford
This 15,000-square-foot facility is entirely dedicated to pickleball and is the first of its kind in the area! There are six dedicated courts. For non-members, prices start at $10 an hour and allow 24 hour advance booking.
Carnarvon Park in Oak Bay
There are five dedicated outdoor pickelball courts at Carnarvon Park in Oak Bay. You do need to reserve your spot and will cost $10 per hour to play.
Beacon Hill Park in Victoria
The pickleball courts in Beacon Hill Park are near the sports fields, surrounded by trees and greenery. They are asphalt with white boundary markings. The courts are free to use and do not require reservations, although players may need to wait for a court to become available during peak hours.
Centennial Park in Central Saanich
While not an official pickleball court, Centennial Park does have two dedicated courts for pickleball plus a two tennis courts that could be used. Temporary nets are available to set up and two of the four courts are lined. The cost is $5 per hour to use.
Barnard Park in Esquimalt
While Barnard Park doesn’t have an official pickleball court, there are two lined tennis courts that are available to use in a pinch.
Pickleball at the Victoria Curling Club
Enjoy a game of pickleball at the Victoria Curling Club is now available at the Victoria Curling Club!
They’re offering 1.5-hour blocks with a variety of drop-in options to suit everyone, including Beginner Play, Intermediate Play, Women’s Only, and Single Court Bookings. The cost varies and you should book ahead of time.
Tolmie Park in Saanich
There are two dedicated pickleball courts in Tolmie Park but keep in mind they’re closed on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. If Tolmie Park doesn’t work there are also two dedicated courts available at McMinn Park—play is restricted to 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
Outdoor Pickleball Courts in Saanich
Saanich has also outline nine of the tennis courts for pickleball in the following five parks
- Two courts at Copley West
- Two courts at Hampton
- Two courts at Rosedale
- One courts at Majestic
- Two courts at Prospect Lake
Most recreation facilities have pickleball courts
Majority of the recreational centres in Greater Victoria offer some form of pickleball court, this includes: Esquimalt Recreation Centre, Juan de Fuca Rec Centre, Saanich Commonwealth Place, Cedar Hill Rec, Pearkes Rec Centre, Henderson Rec Centre, and Greenglade Community Centre.
The above is just a short list of locations where you can play a game of pickleball, for a full list, visit the Victoria Regional Pickleball Association for a much larger list of locations.
