Most Queen's students use the Athletic Centre without thinking about alternatives. It's included in student fees, it's on campus, and it's functional. But depending on your program, schedule, or where you live in Kingston, there are situations where the ARC isn't the right answer — overcrowded peak hours, equipment you need that isn't there, or you're a Loyalist student without the same access. Here's what else exists.
Queen's Athletic and Recreation Centre (ARC)
Cost: Included in full-time Queen's student fees
Location: On campus, off Union Street
Equipment: Full weights, cardio, pools, courts, fitness classes
Hours: Early morning to late evening on weekdays, reduced weekends
The ARC is the baseline. For most students it's the right answer — free (included in fees), convenient, and well-equipped. The problems: peak hours (5-8pm weekdays) mean wait times for equipment, especially during January when everyone starts their resolutions. Early morning (6-8am) and lunch hour are the least crowded windows.
Graduate students, part-time students, and some other enrollment categories have different fee structures and ARC access levels — verify yours with Student Wellness Services if you're uncertain.
YMCA Kingston
Cost: ~$40-50/month with student rate (confirm current pricing directly)
Location: Multiple Kingston locations
Equipment: Full gym, pools, fitness classes, courts
Hours: Early morning to late evening; longer weekend hours than ARC
The Y's main advantage over the ARC: better weekend and early-morning hours, and multiple locations across Kingston (not just on campus). If you live in the west end or downtown and the campus commute doesn't work for you, the Y is the practical alternative. Ask about the student membership rate at the front desk — it's not always advertised online.
GoodLife Fitness Kingston
Cost: ~$25-35/month depending on membership level and current promos
Location: Multiple Kingston locations including Princess Street and Kingston Centre area
Equipment: Standard GoodLife setup — good cardio and weight selection, machines
Hours: Most locations open 24/5 or extended hours
GoodLife's advantage is 24/7 or near-24/7 access at some locations. If you study or work late and want to gym at 11pm, GoodLife accommodates that. The equipment is standardized and reliable. Cost is higher than the ARC (which is already paid for in your fees) but lower than a boutique gym.
Planet Fitness Kingston
Cost: ~$10-25/month
Location: Check current Kingston locations
Equipment: Basic to intermediate — good for most student needs
The cheapest standalone gym option in Kingston. Equipment covers the fundamentals. The limitation is that Planet Fitness gyms don't have heavy free weights (no deadlift platforms, no barbells over certain weights), which matters if you're a serious lifter but doesn't for most students doing general fitness work.
Loyalist College Fitness Centre
Cost: Included in Loyalist student fees (confirm current access terms)
Location: On Loyalist campus
Equipment: Weights, cardio, fitness facilities
Loyalist students have equivalent on-campus gym access to Queen's ARC students. Use it.
The Practical Answer for Most Students
Use the ARC (or Loyalist centre) — it's already paid for. Go during off-peak hours to avoid waits. If you want pool access or court sports beyond what's available, the YMCA is the step up. Planet Fitness or GoodLife make sense if you live far from campus and the commute to ARC doesn't work for your schedule.
Is the Queen's Athletic Centre free for students?
Yes — full-time Queen's students have ARC access included in their student fees. You don't pay separately. Graduate and part-time students may have different arrangements; check with Student Wellness Services or the ARC directly if your access level is unclear.
What's the cheapest gym in Kingston for students?
The Queen's ARC is effectively free (covered by student fees). For students without ARC access, Planet Fitness is the cheapest paid option (~$10-15/month for the basic membership). GoodLife runs promos that sometimes match Planet Fitness pricing for the first few months.
