Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre Tours and Activities

Catch an ice hockey game at the Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre, where Canada’s Olympic hockey team was born. Expanded for the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, this state-of-the-art stadium hosts concerts, performances and a range of sporting matches.

Watch a game of ice hockey in the massive arena newly built for the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. The centre is part of the main campus of the University of British Columbia. During the winter, watch an exciting UBC Thunderbird hockey game here on Fridays or Saturdays.

The centre played an important part in Canada’s sporting history. See the 1,750-seat Father Bauer Arena, named after David Bauer, who coached Canada’s first national hockey team in the 1964 Winter Olympics. 

Visit the complex during the day to skate on the main rink. Skates are available to rent for a fee. Check the calendar on the centre’s website to see when the rink is available for drop-in skating, since it is sometimes booked for hockey practice.

During the off-season, the centre features a variety of events. Watch a range of sporting matches, including volleyball, basketball and tennis. The venue also hosts performances by famous international musicians. Acts such as The Killers and Deadmau5 have played here. Listen to your favourite band and enjoy the atmosphere inside the arena, which can accommodate up to 7,000 spectators.

Explore the surrounding University of British Columbia campus. Spread across a forested peninsula west of town, the campus is a beautiful place for a walking tour. See giant carvings at Totem Park. Make your way to Wreck Beach, a 5-mile (8-kilometre) sandy shore on the Strait of Georgia. Be aware that the beach calls itself North America’s largest naturist beach, so you may see nudists when you visit.

The Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre is located about 5 miles (9 kilometres) west of Vancouver’s city centre. It is accessible by bus. If you are driving, park for a fee at the lot next to the centre. Purchase tickets for games and concerts in advance online.