Sandy beaches, swimming, fishing, and boating

Calgary Lake Communities

Thinking about moving to Calgary, AB? This article shows you the 10 best lake communities in Calgary, Alberta. With stunning views, sandy beaches, and great opportunities for recreational activities year round, Calgary lake communities offer a unique lifestyle with  a sense of tranquility and serenity that can be hard to find in the city.
We'll tour you through Calgary's best lake communities, sharing information about housing options, recreational activities, local shops, restaurants, schools, and transportation. From the upscale lakeside living in Lake Bonavista to family-friendly communities like Lake Sundance, there's something for everyone when it comes to lake living in Calgary.

Lake Bonavista Calgary, Alberta

Calgary Lake Community Real Estate Statistics

Average Price $768K
Lowest Price $245K
Highest Price $1.8M
Total Listings 49
Avg. Days On Market 60
Avg. Price/SQFT $442

Property Types (active listings)

11 Best Calgary Lake Communities in '23

Discover the best places to own Calgary lake homes with Erin Reeves – a Calgary REALTOR® with an inside track on new developments and new communities in Southeast and Southwest Calgary.

Arbour Lake

Arbour Lake is a serene lake community in Calgary that offers residents a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Arbour Lake has plenty of amenities including the lake itself, which is a popular spot for swimming, fishing, and boating in the summer months. There is also a community center, playground, and an outdoor rink.

The community also has an active community association that organizes a range of events and activities throughout the year, such as fishing derbies, winter festivals and BBQs. Arbour Lake has a well-regarded public elementary school, Captain John Palliser, and a Catholic school, St. Luke, making it an ideal place for families with school-aged children.

Aspen Woods

Aspen Woods is a premier lake community in Calgary and the ideal place for those looking for a luxurious, upscale living experience within a peaceful, natural setting. Residents can enjoy boating, fishing, and swimming in the lake, as well as parks and green spaces for picnics and outdoor activities. The community is equipped with recreational centres run by the Homeowner's Association that offer swimming pools, gyms, and meeting rooms. Aspen Woods is known for its lively atmosphere with events and festivals throughout the year.

Homes in Aspen Woods come in a range of styles and prices, including single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments from $400K. Located near major roads and highways, Aspen Woods is well-connected to the city and has a commuting time of around 25 minutes to downtown Calgary.

Auburn Bay


Auburn Bay is a thriving lake community in Southeast Calgary that offers over 6,000 homes and a range of recreational activities for residents. Enjoy a suburban lifestyle with parks, tennis courts, a hockey rink, playgrounds, walking trails, and more - all surrounded by the beautiful community. Homes in Auburn Bay come in a range of styles and prices, from $400,000 to over $1 million. Choose from single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments.

Be the envy of your friends with exclusive access to Auburn Bay's private sand beach, and stay fit with the Auburn Bay Community Centre, offering a hockey rink, swimming pool, gym, and meeting rooms.The community is also known for its lively atmosphere, hosting events and festivals throughout the year.

Enjoy easy access to the city with a 25-minute commute to downtown Calgary, and be near South Health Hospital, YMCA, and schools. Convenient shopping and amenities are just a short drive away. Auburn Bay offers a peaceful escape, lively community, and convenient city access.

Lake Bonavista & Lake Bonaventure

Lake Bonavista is one of Calgary's most coveted lake communities, known for its stunning scenery, peaceful atmosphere, and abundance of recreational activities. Known as Calgary’s original lake community, this 10,000-resident manmade lake community was first excavated in 1968, and has since become one of the most sought-after neighborhoods in the city. With its prime location next to Fish Creek Park, Lake Bonavista provides a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

As a proud homeowner in Lake Bonavista, you'll have exclusive access to two private beach areas, boat docks, pickleball courts and tennis courts. Plus, with a range of Lake Bonavista homes for sale - from single-family homes to townhomes and condos - there's a perfect fit for every homebuyer. With 6 schools in the area, families with children can get a great education for their kids.

Lake Bonaventure

But the real crown jewel of Lake Bonavista is Lake Bonaventure, accessible only to lakefront homes on Lake Placid Drive SE. This exclusive community offers a private lake, upscale homes with breathtaking views, unparalleled access to recreational activities, and a peaceful escape from the city's hustle and bustle - making it one of the most expensive amongst Calgary's lake communities.

Coral Springs

Northeast Calgary's Coral Springs offers charming homes for sale and community amenities, including a golf course, lake club, swimming pool, gyms, playgrounds, and a community center run by the Homeowner's Association. Just 25 minutes from downtown Calgary, Coral Springs is a great location for those who work in the city.

Mahogany Lake

Mahogany is a popular lake community located South East Calgary, AB that is renowned for its stunning location, breathtaking natural beauty, great restaurants, and fantastic amenities. The lake provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities - like beach volleyball, boating, paddleboarding, swimming, ice skating, and fishing for rainbow trout - making it popular with families and outdoor enthusiasts.

The Mahogany Beach Club is a central hub within the community, offers exclusive access to sandy beaches, a splash park, tennis courts, play equipment, a fishing pier, non-motorized marina, indoor and outdoor fitness facilities, barbeque pits, and a hockey rink.

The community offers a range of housing options, from single-family homes and townhouses to apartments. Mahogany homes for sale provide buyers with the opportunity to own a piece of this incredible community, while Westman Village condos for sale offer maintenance-free living. With its prime location near the Bow River, Mahogany Lake is considered by many to be the best lake community in Calgary southeast.

McKenzie Lake

McKenzie Lake is a premier lake community in Calgary where residents have access to a world of outdoor adventures, from boating to fishing and swimming in the lake, as well as indoor amenities provided by the McKenzie Lake Homeowners’ Association. This includes swimming pools, fitness centers, and meeting rooms.

With a lively community spirit, McKenzie Lake is home to a host of events and festivals throughout the year, fostering a fun and vibrant atmosphere. Homes in McKenzie Lake come in a range of styles and prices, ensuring there's a perfect place for everyone, whether you're looking for a single-family home, townhouse, or apartment.

Conveniently located near major roads and highways, McKenzie Lake is just a short 30-minute commute to downtown Calgary. Enjoy the best of both worlds with access to a serene lake community, recreational opportunities, community facilities, shopping, and city life. Experience a harmonious blend of tranquil beauty and urban convenience at McKenzie Lake.

Midnapore

Midnapore is a charming and well-established lake community in Calgary that offers residents a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Surrounded by parks and green spaces that are perfect for picnics, sports, and outdoor activities, Midnapore homes come in a range of styles and prices, from $400,000 to over $1 million. Single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments are available, so you can find the perfect place to call your home.

Throughout the year, Midnapore hosts events and festivals, creating a lively and friendly atmosphere for its residents. Recreational centres run by the Homeowner's Association provide swimming pools, gyms, and meeting rooms for residents. Midnapore has a commuting time of around 30 minutes to downtown Calgary via Macleod Trail.

Sundance

The idyllic community of Sundance is nestled in the heart of Southeast Calgary next to Fish Creek Provincial Park. This lake community boasts stunning views of Fish Creek Park and provides a peaceful escape from the bustling city.

At the center of the community is the Sundance Lake, providing a serene setting for residents to enjoy boating, fishing, and swimming. The Sundance Residents Association operates recreational facilities that include swimming pools, a hockey rink, and a gym. The Sundance community is located near major roads and highways, with a commuting time of around 20 minutes to downtown Calgary.

Cochrane Lake

Cochrane Lake is a hidden gem of a lake community located just outside of Calgary. Surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes and situated around the artificial lake of the same name, Cochrane Lake offers a sense of seclusion and privacy that is hard to find in other lake communities.

Homes in Cochrane Lake are available in a range of styles and prices, with options ranging from $400,000 to over $1 million. The community is composed mostly of single-family homes and townhouses, situated on large lots with ample space between properties. Cochrane Lake residents are known for being friendly and welcoming, and the community is 40 mins drive to Calgary International Airport.

FAQs About Calgary Lake Communities

CAN YOU SWIM IN CALGARY LAKES?

Yes, you can swim in certain lakes in Calgary, Alberta. Calgary has several natural lakes, like Sikome Lake and Chestermere Lake (located east of the city), that are popular for swimming, boating, and fishing in summer.

There are also private, man-made lakes within some Calgary residential communities, like Auburn Bay, Mahogany, Lake Bonavista, and Lake Bonaventure.

These lakes are typically only accessible to residents of the community, and have designated swimming areas, beaches, and amenities such as picnic areas, playgrounds, and change rooms.

HOW MANY LAKES ARE THERE IN CALGARY?

As of 2023, there are at least 16 man-made lakes in Calgary, including Arbour Lake, Aspen Woods, Auburn Bay, Lake Bonavista, Lake Bonaventure, Bowmont, Lake Chaparral, Coral Springs, Douglasdale, Mahogany, McKenzie, Midnapore, New Brighton, North Haven, Pine Creek, and Sundance.

WHAT ARE THE NICEST LAKE COMMUNITIES IN CALGARY?

Many Calgarians consider Lake Bonavista, Lake Bonaventure, and the newly-built neighborhoods of Mahogany, and Auburn Bay to be the nicest lake communities in Calgary, AB due to their scenic beauty, recreational opportunities, location, community events, and housing options.

Reeves & Associates | Calgary REALTORs® With The Canadian Real Estate Association

If you‘re looking to purchase a home in one of these communities, Reeves & Associates can get you the inside track on the latest property listings, upcoming developments, and community events. For the latest lake home listings in Calgary, Alberta, contact our team of real estate agents at Reeves & Associates.