Do you dream of lounging on the sand in the sun with your toes in the water? Maybe it’s a frozen lake ready for skating that you are looking for? While Calgary may not have sizable, natural lakes a lot of thought went into creating the lake life in communities in and around the city for residents to enjoy.

With a variety of options, like community and direct lake access, here are some of the communities which will provide lake-living at its finest:

Arbour Lake

Located in the northwest, the 1992 neighbourhood is only 20 minutes from downtown and was named the 2nd best community in 2012 by Calgary’s Avenue Magazine

Auburn Bay

This community in the southeast is close to the South Calgary Hospital and is a newer area with development for all demographics. This award-winning lake is both beautiful and super functional in design and amenities.

Bonavista

Also in the southeast, this well-established community has lake living down to an art. One of the oldest man-made lakes in Calgary, is always bustling with beachgoers and is close to shopping too!

Chaparral

Established in 1995, this charming southeast community enjoys the lake, trails with easy access to Stoney and the Shawnessy shops.

Coral Springs

This California-style community is the only one boasting a lake in all of northeast Calgary. Built in the 1990’s, the architecture adds a beachy charm to this vibrant area.

Heritage Pointe

If you are looking for the beach AND golf life? Well, this community just might feel like home. Only a few minutes from the southeast city limits, this is truly luxury, country living with all the amenities of the big city close by.

Mahogany

This neighbourhood has the most exclusive beach front for resident and their guests at 21 acres. The 2012 best new community by the Calgary Home Builders Association accommodates many demographics and is close to shopping and Calgary’s newest hospital.

McKenzie Lake

This lake is most known for the island in the centre which is a favorite for exploring by boat in the summer and circling by skates in the winter. Built in the mid-1980’s, this community is ideally situated with easy access to Deerfoot, Stoney and all amenities.

Midnapore

This awesome neighbourhood not only has a lake but direct access to Canada’s largest urban park, Fish Creek Park. Rural/urban living at its best while being 20 minutes from downtown.

Sundance

The final community on the list is very connected with the last entry sharing both a community centre with Midnapore and the access to Fish Creek Provincial Park. Well established with something for everyone, especially the nature enthusiast.

Give me a call if you are thinking of taking a dip in one of these amazing communities…I’ll rent the kayak. Visit me on Facebook and Google!