Get ready for summer registration: new virtual waiting room

Text banner that says "New! Virtual waiting room" superimposed on an image of hands on a laptop keyboard.

A smoother, more transparent way to register 

We're introducing a virtual waiting room for seasonal registration — including swimming, skating, tennis, camps and general programs. The waiting room helps manage high volumes of online traffic during our popular seasonal registration days. Instead of a rush to refresh the page, everyone gets a place in line with a real-time wait estimate. It’s a more reliable and transparent way to register.

The virtual waiting room is only active during high-traffic periods on seasonal registration days. Other registrations — like weekly Book-a-Visit classes — are not affected.

Watch the video to learn more 

Get ready to register

All summer programs are now viewable online. Browse programs in advance, note your course ID numbers (8 digits each), and arrive on registration day ready to go with your list. 

Registration dates 

The virtual waiting room will be active starting at 6:45am on the registration days listed below. 

Swimming
Wed, May 20
7 am — residents
9 am — non-residents
Camps & general programs
Thu, May 21
7 am — all registrants
Adult tennis
Wed, May 27
7 am — residents
9 am — non-residents
Junior tennis
Thu, May 28
7 am — residents
9 am — non-residents

How the waiting room works on registration day

  1. 6:45 – 6:59am
    Visit the registration site
    You'll see a holding screen. There's no benefit to arriving before 6:45am — if you do, refresh your browser after 6:45am to enter the waiting room.
  2. 7am
    Get your place in line
    Everyone who arrived between 6:45–6:59am is randomly assigned a number. You'll see your place in line and an estimated wait time. Your spot in line is secure. Please do not refresh your browser at this point.
  3. After 7am
    Signing on later? No problem
    If you arrive after 7am, you'll be added to the line in the order you arrive and can still see your position and wait time.
  4. When it's your turn
    Add programs and check out
    Add all programs you want to your cart and complete checkout in one visit.  This is different from what you may be used to, but it's important because once you check out, you'll have to go back to the end of the line for any additional registrations. Act quickly as spots aren't confirmed until checkout is complete.  

 

Top tips for a smooth registration

Write down your course IDs before registration day
Browse programs and write down the eight-digit course ID numbers so you can register quickly when it's your turn.

Use Google Chrome on a charged device
The Google Chrome web browser will give you the best experience. While waiting, avoid opening other apps as they can cause your browser to refresh.

Don't close your browser tab
Closing or navigating away while in the line or during checkout may result in losing your place in line.

Questions & Answers

We hope this change improves your registration experience.

Questions?  Call our Customer Service team at 604-987-7529 or email CustomerService@nvrc.ca