The Best Calgary Neighbourhoods With a Community Lake: Lakefront Living in Cowtown

While Calgary is rife with natural beauty from the Rocky Mountains to the foothills, many neighbourhoods have taken outdoor living to the next level with man-made lakes that serve as the centres of these communities. With lakeside living just a short commute from the downtown core, you can experience the best of both worlds in Alberta’s most populous area. Check out these top Calgary communities with central lakes to channel the resort-style life you have been dreaming about. 

Chaparral

A residential neighbourhood in Calgary’s southeast quadrant, Chaparral has been gaining traction in recent years as a highly desirable place to live. Located at the southern edge of the city, it offers access to some of Alberta’s most striking natural beauty as well as walking, hiking, and biking trails to fully immerse yourself in the area’s plentiful green spaces. Chaparral is bordered by the Bow River Valley to the east, Stoney Trail to the south, and Macleod Trail to the west. But the biggest perk of Chaparral is its 32-acre, man-made lake and its 21-acre park, which is home to two waterfalls, a recreation centre, and facilities for boating, skating, diving, and fishing. The community was first established in 1995, and since then, the lake has become the centrepiece of the community, around which people congregate, socialise, and enjoy the utmost in outdoor recreation. Governed by a non-profit organisation and staffed with friendly volunteers, the Chaparral Lake project has been incredibly successful in revitalising a beautiful part of Calgary’s most far-reaching suburbs. If you are looking to make your home in this welcoming lakeside community, you can expect home prices in the $500,000 to $700,000 range. 

Arbour Lake

Northwest Calgary’s only lakeside community, Arbour Lake prides itself on fostering a tight-knit neighbourhood built on the pillars of outdoor recreation, socialisation, and preservation of nature. The namesake Arbour Lake itself is a pristine body of water with many resident rainbow trout speckling its waters. Residents of the community also enjoy neighbourhood parks, spectacular mountain views of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, and even a biking and walking pathway carved through the area’s rolling hills. If the lake was not enough of an attraction, Arbour Lake also provides its residents with countless world-class amenities and a welcoming, engaging lifestyle modelled around the relaxation and recreation typical of lakeside living. At Arbour Lake, your activities are limited by only your imagination. You may choose to spend your time fishing, ice skating, boating, and more. The lake itself is about ten acres large, and its shimmering blue waters reflect the sun on a beautiful summer’s day in Calgary. Initially built in the early 1990s, the Arbour Lake community has been updated and many homes now feature modern finishes and features that lend themselves to the luxurious lifestyle residents here have become accustomed to. So what does it cost to live at Arbour Lake in Calgary? Prices for a single-family home typically hover around $500K while condos are between $200K and $300K.

Mahogany

After it was recognized as Calgary’s “Community of the Year” not once, not twice, but seven times, there is no doubt that Mahogany offers something special to its residents. It is one of Calgary’s newest lakeside communities, built in 2007, and it offers an amazing enclave of relaxation and recreation in Calgary’s southern sector. With a genuine sense of neighbourhood spirit, Mahogany offers not only lakeside living “blue spaces” but also countless green spaces – think parks, pathways, wetlands, and beaches with lush landscaping and stunning views. Mahogany offers everything you could imagine in a new construction community… and then some! Living lakeside four seasons out of the year offers a unique set of perks, including amenities like the community’s Beach Club, sport courts, local restaurants, boutique shops, and so much more. Private beaches are reserved exclusively for residents, adding to the desirability and safety of this neighbourhood. There are a range of different home styles and sizes here, meaning that everyone can find the exact floor plan that fits their needs. As for pricing, condos start in the high $200,000s while lakeside estate can easily exceed $1M – and in between, you will find bungalows, cottages, and more. 

Sundance

Home to a 33-acre man made lake, Sundance is one of Calgary’s most sought after lakeside and beach communities. In addition to private access to Sundance Lake and its beaches, residents can also easily walk to the public beach of Sikome Lake. Established in 1982, this community has recently gotten a facelift as many residents have been making aesthetic updates to their homes to bring the quaint charm of this neighbourhood into the 21st century. With about 10,000 people living in the bounds of this community, Sundance is one of the more spread-out lakeside living options in Alberta – but you will still find a sense of community spirit and neighbourly connections. The Sundance neighbourhood itself takes up an area of about four square kilometres. Additionally, the walking and hiking trails that serve as the neighbourhood’s boundaries make it easy to enjoy all of Calgary’s gorgeous natural scenery. If you are looking for affordable lakeside living in Calgary, look no further than Sundance. Homes here typically list in the mid $400,000s. 

Harmony

Situated in the heart of the Springbank region, the community of Harmony is just eight minutes west of Calgary. Without leaving the downtown core too far behind, residents here enjoy lakeside living couples with top-tier golding and striking views of the Canadian Rockies. The man-made lake and its accompanying beach club are the centrepiece of the community, and you will find many residents swimming, fishing, paddling, or simply relaxing on the sand on a sunny day. But Harmony takes resort-style amenities to the next level by surrounding the lake with so many other attractive concepts: an adventure park, dog park, pathways, playgrounds, Mickelson golf clubhouse, driving range, and so much more. If you’re hoping to dine and socialise, look no further than Harmony’s bustling Village Center, where you will find sweet boutiques, charming cafés, and delectable meals. If living in Harmony sounds like your dream life, there are home sizes and styles for everyone. Townhomes begin in the mid-$600,000s while the lakeside estates can exceed $1.6M – and there are plenty of options in between.   

Why Choose a Lake Community in Calgary?

Natural Beauty and Serenity: Most lake communities in Calgary offer unparalleled natural beauty and tranquility. Living near a lake, or even a large community pond, means you'll have access to stunning water views, lush green spaces, and a peaceful environment that's perfect for relaxation and unwinding after a busy day.

Outdoor Activities: Calgary's lake communities are an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. From swimming, boating, and fishing in the summer to ice skating and hockey in the winter, there's never a shortage of activities to keep you and your family entertained.

Strong Sense of Community: One of the standout features of lake communities is the strong sense of neighborly camaraderie. These areas often host community events, clubs, and social gatherings, fostering a tight-knit, welcoming environment where lifelong friendships are made.

Key Considerations When Buying a Home in a Calgary Lake Community

Budget and Pricing: Homes in lake communities can come with a premium price tag due to their desirable locations and amenities. It's essential to set a realistic budget and understand the cost implications, including potential homeowner association (HOA) fees for lake maintenance and community services.

Property Type and Size: Lake communities offer a variety of property types, from single-family homes to townhouses and condos. Consider what type and size of property will best suit your needs and lifestyle. Think about factors such as the number of bedrooms, living space, and yard size.

Amenities and Services: While the allure of a lake and outdoor activities is a significant draw, also consider the availability of other amenities and services. Look for communities with convenient access to schools, healthcare, shopping, and dining options.

Future Development Plans: Research any future development plans for the community and surrounding areas. New developments can impact property values, traffic, and the overall ambiance of the neighborhood. It's crucial to understand how these changes might affect your investment and quality of life.

Environmental Factors: Living near a lake comes with specific environmental considerations. Ensure the property is not at risk of flooding, and understand the measures in place for water quality and lake maintenance. Additionally, consider the local wildlife and their impact on daily living.