There are many reasons why Vancouver is a great place to live. You can now add an abundance of top quality boxing gyms to that list. You’re spoiled for choice here. Let’s dive in:
My preference is always for those rare, pure, old school boxing gyms, free of ego, and full of passion for the sport. But sometimes I include the odd boxercise place because I know that not everyone wants the nitty gritty of actual combat.
Why listen to me: I’ve been boxing as an amateur for 6 years and trained in countless boxing gyms around the world from Seattle to Spain. I’ve learnt that picking the right gym can literally change your life and want to help you do the same. Learn more about me here.
PLEASE leave your own opinions and experiences about Vancouver boxing gyms in the comments at the bottom and I’ll continuously update this page to make it as useful as possible!
The 8 Best Boxing Gyms in Vancouver 🥊
1️⃣ Quinit Boxing Gym
- Summary: a top class pure boxing gym in every way
- Address: 1351 Grant St
- Google rating: 5.0
- Opening hours: M-F: 7am – 9pm, S-S: 9am-4pm
- Pricing: $179 / month (unlimited classes)
- Best for: beginners, pros, kids, and everyone in between
- Online: website, Instagram, Facebook
Quinit is the real deal. It’s a genuine old school pure boxing gym founded by a former national champ, but with a modern feel.
The facility is clean, and well equipped. The coaches, led by Jon, are very organised, welcoming, and experienced. And they have a HUGE selection of classes from beginners, to women, to kids, to advanced fighters. They have a competitive boxing team too if that interests you. And even a class for “Hers, Theys, and Gays”.
There really is something here for everyone. One member described it as the most “inclusive” gym they’d ever been to. There are zero egos here, just plenty of passion for the sport and an awesome community.
It might seem a little expensive at $179/month but there are discounts if you commit to multi-month contracts. And trust me, you should, it’s well worth it.
You won’t find a bad word said about Quinit. Definitely one the best boxing gyms in Vancouver – go check it out.!
2️⃣ Contenders
- Summary: A genuine boxing gym that really cares about its members
- Address: Bentall 4 Lower Plaza
- Google rating: 4.9
- Opening hours: M, W, F: 6am – 7:30pm, T & T: 12-7:30pm ,Sa: 10-11am
- Pricing: $199 / month (unlimited classes)
- Best for: beginners, pros, kids, and everyone in between
- Online: website, Instagram, Facebook
Contenders has developed a reputation as being a gym that really cares about its members. All of them. Sometimes boxing gyms can neglect more rookie members in favor of the more advanced boxers, but not here.
Trainers Kevin and Sebastian and team make everyone feel comfortable and have limitless patience that ensures every member can progress and get personal attention.
Their classes are labelled as boxing fundamentals, beginner boxing, and boxing. They will introduce you to sparring and hand-pad classes after a couple of weeks so you can work on the offensive and defensive moves with a partner without being in the ring.
And if you want to train for a competitive fight, then they can do that for you too.
This place is a thriving community with a big heart and full of good people. Highly recommended!
3️⃣ Griffins Boxing & Fitness
- Summary: A great facility with even better staff
- Address: 326 Esplanade E
- Google rating: 4.6
- Opening hours: M – T: 9am – 8:30pm, F: 9am-6pm, Sa: 9am-1:30pm, Su: 8am-12:30pm
- Pricing: $250 / month (unlimited classes)
- Best for: fun loving, friendly types looking for a high-end option
- Online: website, Instagram, Facebook
The thing that stands out most about Griffins is the facility. It is a 12,000 sqft open space, with lots of natural light and amazing views over the city. It is well equipped with everything you could possibly need for your training. A dingy basement boxing gym this most definitely is not!
They have classes from morning till night, seven days a week, for boxers of all ages and abilities. Everyone from kids, to first timers, to aspiring champs are welcome here and will get world class coaching from Dave and his experienced and friendly team.
If you’re just in it for the fitness, that’s OK too. They have fitness classes as well.
Bear in mind that at $250 / month for unlimited classes it is one of the more expensive boxing gyms in Vancouver. You can do fewer classes or just drop in when you like to reduce the cost a little.
4️⃣ Eastside Boxing Club
- Summary: a community focused gym with a massive heart
- Address: 238 Keefer St
- Google rating: 4.8
- Opening hours: M-F: 7am-8pm, Sa: 11am-4pm
- Pricing: $130 / month
- Best for: those on a budget
- Online: website, Instagram, Facebook
Eastside Boxing Club is a non-profit gym with a massive heart. They place community at the core and lots of their work focuses on helping people who need it.
As well as a wide range of boxing classes for all levels and ages, they offer free after-school classes for kids and programs for first responders to help them relieve the stress of their jobs.
These initiatives don’t get in the way of their boxing, though. This is a proper boxing gym that trains real boxing technique 6 days a week with plenty of class times for you to choose from.
It’s a little rough around the edges in some respects but boxing isn’t meant to be fancy. And at $130 / month for unlimited classes it is one of the best value boxing gyms in Vancouver.
5️⃣ DCS Combat Sports
- Summary: high end, super friendly, mixed combat gym
- Address: 276 E Pender St
- Google rating: 4.9
- Opening hours:
- Pricing: $260 / month (unlimited classes)
- Best for: those looking for top quality
- Online: website, Instagram, Facebook
Ok, technically DCS isn’t a pure boxing gym (it also coaches BJJ and MMA) but it’s undoubtedly a top place to learn the Sweet Science.
It is a hugely popular pillar of the local community, and has received over 400 five-star reviews from it’s very happy members.
Most of the praise is directed at the beautiful new 20,000 sqft facility and the welcoming atmosphere where everyone is made to feel like a long lost family member.
Owner and head coach Ryan diaz is a former MMA world champion so you know that you’re going to be learning from the best here.
And if all that isn’t enough, I have never seen a gym with so many classes to choose from everyday. They have up to 30 different options, including designated classes for women, kids, sparring, strength. Everything you can imagine, they’ve got it here at DCS.
It’s a bit expensive but if you can afford it, then it’s definitely worth it.
6️⃣ Beyond Boxing
- Summary: a solid all-round gym for boxers of all levels
- Address: 5552 Hastings St
- Google rating: 4.8
- Opening hours: M-F: 5am-7:30pm, Sa: 9-11:30am, Su: 10am-12:30pm
- Pricing: n.a.
- Best for: beginners, pros, and everyone in between
- Online: website, Instagram, Facebook
Beyond Boxing has been coaching fighters of all levels since 2007. Since then they’ve developed a legion of happy members who are full of praise for the friendliness and professionalism of the coaches.
Boxing gyms can feel intimidating to newcomers but not here, they place a big emphasis on make the gym feel inclusive to all.
They have a wide variety of classes to suit everyone’s needs: kids, beginners, those wanting to spar, fitness junkies. You’ll find what you’re after here.
There’s nothing fancy about the facility but that’s fine, boxing gyms aren’t meant to be posh
7️⃣ Lions MMA
- Summary: top class MMA gym with plenty of boxing
- Address: 1256 Granville St #1
- Google rating: 4.9
- Opening hours: M-F: 6:30am-9pm
- Pricing: n.a.
- Best for: those looking for mixed combat training
- Online: website, Facebook, Instagram
As the name suggests, Lion MMA is not a pure boxing gym. However, it holds boxing classes every day of the week, and is a much-loved gym that would be worth anyone’s time to train at. It’s hard to find a bad word said about it.
The boxing coach, Cian, is a former pro, so will put anyone through their paces and ensure they are learning from someone who really knows what they’re talking about.
The rest of the staff are equally as experienced and friendly, creating an atmosphere that will keep you wanting to come back for more.
And wow do these guys work hard. The gym is open from dawn until dusk, and they have over 15 different classes everyday for you to choose from.
8️⃣ Sugar Rays
- Summary: decent facility but some management issues
- Address: 1738 W 3rd Ave
- Google rating: 4.4
- Opening hours: 24/7
- Pricing: $160 / month (unlimited classes)
- Best for: those on a budget looking for personal coaching
- Online: website, Instagram, Facebook
Sugar Rays is a pretty traditional-style boxing club, you show up whenever you want, there’s coaches around from 2-10pm, and if you want instruction or advice you have to ask for it. There aren’t any classes. It’s very hands-off.
If you’re looking for a decent facility to practice bag work and get some one-on-one instruction then Sugar Rays could be a good option. But, if you’re after group classes (which I’d strongly recommended) and world class coaching, then you’re better off at one of the other amazing boxing gyms in Vancouver.
There are a few negative comments towards owner Bob who can be impolite and unfair with contracts. So, if you want to try out Sugar Rays then I’d recommend paying upfront for a week or two, trying it out, and seeing how you find it before committing to something longer.
I don’t like that they have lots of additional fees for “admin” and “access keys”. Seems a bit confusing and over the top.
Related articles:
How to pick a Vancouver boxing gym❓
- Coaches – an experienced, motivating coach makes all the difference. Not just when it comes to improving your technique but also in encouraging you to keep coming back time and time again. Becoming a good boxer takes a long time and so it’s important you find a coach that you click with if this is something you want to do for many years. Reviews will often focus on coaches so try looking for those for some insights.
- Convenience of location and class timings – this is key. My boxing gym is on the same block as my home so I have no excuse not to go almost everyday, even if I’m not feeling up to it. Finding a gym that’s close to home or work will make your life much easier and help to make going to boxing training a habit. The same applies to class timings, if you have to massively disrupt your day to get to a class because it doesn’t fit your schedule then you’re going to be less likely to go.
- Gym focus – I don’t have a problem with boxercise classes, but make sure you know what you’re signing up for if you join one of these. Boxercise is very different than actually learning how to fight and getting sparring experience. If you truly want to learn how to box then you need to box. That involves punching other people and getting punched yourself.
- Trial class – most boxing gyms will allow you to have a free trial class so you can get a feel for the place before you sign up. This is a great way of evaluating whether you like the coach, the energy, and the focus of the gym. Always worth asking for a free trial class if you’re not sure whether it’s offered.
How much do boxing gyms in Vancouver cost? 💰
- Monthly memberships: There’s a huge range here from ~$50-200 per month. Most places offer unlimited classes to their members. Be sure to check for this.
- One-on-one personal training: Depending on the gym, costs are around $70 per hour as a minimum.
- Drop-in boxing classes for non-members: ~$15-$30 per class
- Initiation fee: not all places make you pay one of these (and I’m not a fan of it) but those that do usually charge a one-off fee of $50-$100
12th Round 🔔
Get me back to Vancouver. With places like Quinit, Contenders, DCS, Griffins and several others, this city has no shortage of top quality, true boxing gyms for you to train at. Pick one and get stuck in.
Happy fighting! 🥊🥊
All that is worth seeing in good boxing can best be witnessed in a contest with soft gloves. Every value is called out: quickness, force, precision, foresight, readiness, pluck, and endurance. With these, the rowdy and ‘rough’ are not satisfied.
John Boyle O’Reilly
