Calgary is home to stunning lake communities that offer a unique blend of urban convenience and waterfront living. Whether you're looking for a serene retreat or an active lifestyle filled with year-round outdoor recreation, these communities provide an exceptional quality of life. In this guide, we’ll explore the lake communities in Calgary and the surrounding areas, their amenities and important considerations for prospective buyers.

Benefits of Living in a Lake Community
- Exclusive access to private lakes and beaches
- Four-season recreational opportunities
- Scenic views and a peaceful atmosphere
- Strong sense of community with events and activities
- Higher property value retention

Amenities in a Lake Community
- Clubhouses with availability to rental spaces for various occasions and events
- In the winter time lake communities offer skating rinks and ice fishing
- In the summer months take advantage of splash parks, swimming, fishing, and non-motorized activities like stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking
- Throughout the year there are park amenities like playgrounds, walking paths and sport courts to name a few

Calgary Lake Communities

Mahogany
Amenity Feature: Mahogany has introduced a Farmers’ Market bringing members the freshest produce, handcrafted goods, and a vibrant community atmosphere.
HOA: Mahogany Homeowners Association

Auburn Bay
Amenity Feature: Auburn Bay’s Beach Paw Patrol helps keep the lake clean by reducing birds—applications open mid-March 2025 on a first-come basis!
HOA: Auburn Bay Residents Association

Arbour Lake
Amenity Feature: This lake community hosts movie nights on the beach for the perfect lakeside entertainment.
HOA: Arbour Lake Residents Association

McKenzie Lake
Amenity Feature: The McKenzie Lake Community Association provides before and after school programs for local families.
HOA: McKenzie Lake Residents Association

Lake Bonavista
Amenity Feature: PADI-certified members and guests can enjoy scuba diving in the community lake, with certification required for all divers.
HOA: Lake Bonavista Homeowners Association

Lake Sundance
Amenity Feature: Love disc golf? This lake community has the perfect course for you!
HOA: Lake Sundance Residents Association

Lake Midnapore
Amenity Feature: Offers tennis lessons for members, perfect for all skill levels!
HOA: Lake Midnapore Residents Association

Chaparral
Amenity Feature: This lake community offers a range of summer camps, from science to martial arts.
HOA: Chaparral Residents Association

Coral Springs
Amenity Feature: Coral Springs features a beach volleyball court—need we say more?
HOA: Coral Springs Residents Association

Calgary’s Surrounding Lake Communities

Cochrane Lake (Cochrane)
Cochrane Lake offers a serene, natural setting with public accessibility for those who enjoy passive recreation and scenic green spaces. Unlike some community lakes, Cochrane Lake is not managed by an HOA, preserving its tranquil, rural charm.

While the lake has potential for recreational use, it’s important to note that as a natural body of water, it faces water quality challenges, including algae growth that can limit activities. Revitalization efforts are underway to enhance its condition and improve its recreational appeal.

Learn more about Cochrane Lake Living & the revitalization plan.

Chestermere
Amenities: A true four-season lake community with boating, fishing, beaches, and lakeside parks.
HOA: Lakefront Properties are a part of the Chestermere Lakefront Owners Association (CLFOA)

Chestermere offers public lake access points for everyone. One notable location is Anniversary Park & Beach, located at 208 West Chestermere Drive. This park features a beautiful sandy beach, a lakeside promenade, rolling grass hills, picnic spaces, and increased green spaces. Seasonal washrooms are also available on-site for visitors' convenience. Cove Beach is secluded, lots of sand for young kids & pirate ship play structure. Sunset Park is a great locaiton for evening bbqs & beach volleyball.

While the lake itself & recreational use is public, the boat launch has a fee for use. Chestermere residents can obtain a seasonal pass for a fee, while public daily rates apply to non-residents.

Residents owning lakefront homes have direct access to Chestermere Lake from their properties. These homeowners can join the Chestermere Lakefront Owners Association (CLFOA), which represents nearly 400 lakefront homes and over 1,000 residents.

Elbow Valley (West of Calgary)
Amenity Feature: The Elbow Valley Residents Club hosts legendary events like the Stampede Breakfast, wine club nights, car show, children’s movie nights, art shows, chili cookoff, Christmas parties, Easter egg hunt, guided nature walks, New Years fireworks display, and family beach party, to highlight a few among the myriad of events programmed for the benefit of its community members.
HOA: Elbow Valley Residents Club

Harmony (West of Calgary)
Amenity Feature: Adventure awaits in Harmony - a lakefront village! With its very own Adventure Park featuring a climbing wall and the highly anticipated Village Centre on the horizon, this master-planned community is designed for connection and convenience.
HOA: Harmony Homeowners Association

Heritage Pointe (South of Calgary)
Amenities: This lake community offers a large array of equipment to its residents including stand up paddleboards, canoes, single or tandem kayaks, pedal and row boats, life jackets/PFD’s (mandatory use enforced), beach games, fly fishing kits, ice fishing kits and more!
HOA: Heritage Pointe Homeowners Association

Church Ranches (North West of Calgary)
Amenity Feature: Nestled in vast home spaces this exclusively private lake community (yes, trespassers are reported to RCMP) has frequent woodland visitors and is dedicated to the preservation of upholding natural spaces for all (animal and human) to enjoy.
HOA: Church Ranches Homeowners Association

Crystal Shores (Okotoks)
Amenity Feature: Crystal Shores offers beautiful gazebos for rent to both members and the public.
HOA: Crystal Shores Residents Association

Things to Consider When Buying in a Lake Community

Purchasing a home in a lake community comes with unique factors that buyers should be mindful of. Homeowners' Association (HOA) fees are common and cover lake maintenance, security, and community amenities. HOA fees range from $200 to $500 annually, with higher fees (around $1,000+) for larger homes on the water. Each community has its own set of recreational rules, including permitted watercraft, fishing guidelines, and ice safety regulations. While most man-made lakes in Calgary are designed for year-round use, seasonal restrictions may apply. Some communities offer equipment rentals for residents, while others require homeowners to have their own gear. Regulations around guest access and nanny privileges also vary, so it’s important to review the HOA rules before purchasing.

Final Thoughts

Calgary’s lake communities offer an unparalleled lifestyle with a stunning mix of nature, recreation, and luxury. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly neighborhood, a waterfront retreat, or a community with strong investment potential, these communities provide exceptional options for homebuyers. If you’re considering making the move to a lake community, working with an experienced real estate professional can help you navigate the process and find the perfect home for your needs.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

Are we the generation of renovation? It sure seems like it. Everywhere you look, homeowners are upgrading, remodeling, and investing in their spaces. And while some renovations are worth every penny, others? Not so much. If you’re planning to sell your home in Calgary, you want to focus on upgrades that increase your home’s value and attract buyers.

So, what are the top renovations that almost always pay off? Before you start budgeting a $50,000 kitchen renovation and trying to sell your home in a 2-week period, make sure to consult with me first. We will factor in your real estate goals to decide what is the best move forward. Let’s dive in.

1. Fresh Paint – The Ultimate Short-Term Upgrade

A new coat of paint is one of the easiest, most cost-effective ways to transform a home before selling. Neutral colors make a home feel larger, cleaner, and move-in ready—a major selling point for buyers. Not sure what to paint it? Reach out to me ASAP.

Why it pays off:

• Instantly refreshes the space

• Covers up scuffs, dings, and outdated colors

• Appeals to the widest range of buyers

Pro tip: Stick to neutral colors for walls, but consider a fresh coat of white on trim, doors, and ceilings for a crisp, updated look.

2. Kitchen & Bathroom Updates – The Smart Investment

You don’t have to gut your entire kitchen or bathroom to see a return. Small updates—like painting cabinets, upgrading hardware, replacing light or plumbing fixtures, and updating countertops—can add major value without a major renovation budget.

Why it pays off:

• Kitchens and bathrooms sell homes

• Small changes can make a big impact

• Buyers see updated spaces as move-in ready

Pro tip: If your cabinets are in good shape but look outdated, consider painting them instead of replacing them. Swapping out cabinet pulls and upgrading to a modern backsplash also creates a high-end feel without a hefty price tag.

3. Curb Appeal Boost – First Impressions Matter

The exterior of your home is the first thing buyers see, and it sets the tone for their entire experience. The good news? You don’t need a full exterior makeover to make an impact. Simple changes like power washing, fresh landscaping, and updating the front door or garage door can dramatically boost curb appeal.

Why it pays off:

• Creates a great first impression before buyers even step inside

• Makes the home feel well-maintained and cared for

• Can increase the perceived value of the entire property

Pro tip: A new garage door is one of the highest ROI renovations you can make. According to recent cost vs. value reports, it’s one of the few upgrades that can recoup nearly 100% of its cost in resale value.

Honorable Mentions: Other High-ROI Upgrades to Consider

While the three upgrades above are almost always worth it, here are a few more that can maximize your home’s value before listing:

• New light fixtures – Modern lighting changes the entire feel of a space.

• Updated flooring – Hardwood or luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring is a buyer favourite.

If you are getting your home appraised and want to try and earn the highest appraisal value, read the Appraisal Insititutes of Canada's informative brochure on how to value your renovations.

Finally, renovating your space for you to enjoy versus to increase market value are two very different actions. Renovating for personal enjoyment means tailoring the space to your style and needs, while renovating for resale requires a strategic approach to maximize market appeal. Unique, highly personalized upgrades might make your home perfect for you, but they don’t always translate to a higher sale price. If resale value is the goal, focusing on timeless, high-ROI improvements—like kitchens, bathrooms, and curb appeal—can make all the difference!

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.