Top 5 Lakes around Calgary
Best lakes around Calgary offer diverse recreational opportunities and natural beauty. The region features a mix of urban aquatic facilities, large reservoirs, and mountain lakes within a short drive. These bodies of water provide settings for various outdoor activities, from water sports to hiking and wildlife observation. The area's geography supports both city-adjacent and more remote natural lake experiences.
Best lakes around Calgary
- The most popular lakes is Weaselhead Natural Area, a forest that spans over 237-hectares and is known for its diverse wildlife. It offers hiking and biking trails, wetlands, and forests as an urban retreat.
- Another must-see spot is Carburn Park Pond, a lake with calm, mirror-like water surrounded by trees and open sky. Visitors can expect easy gravel paths and opportunities to observe wildlife like ducks, geese, and beavers.
- Visitors also love View of the Heritage Public Boat Launch, a viewpoint offering views of the docks and sailboats on Glenmore Reservoir. It provides a perspective on the reservoir's sailing activities.
- Calgary is known for urban aquatic facilities, large reservoirs, and mountain lakes. This variety allows for different types of water-based recreation and natural exploration.
- The lakes around Calgary are appreciated by the komoot community, with 4 highlights and 30 upvotes.
Last updated: May 5, 2026
Weaselhead Natural Area
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Carburn Park Pond
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Elliston Park
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Glenmore Pathway
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Weaselhead Flats Viewpoint
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Tips from the Community
There is a little bench by the trail where you can sit and enjoy the views over the mouth of the Elbow River as it meanders into the reservoir.
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There is an upper and lower pathway shared between hikers and cyclists. From here on the lower path you can take some unmarked side trails down to the water's edge and explore the beach, which is walkable for about a mile and a half.
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Carburn Park Pond is the highlight of the trails here, with calm, mirror-like water surrounded by trees and open sky. As you hike the loop around it, you’ll pass easy gravel paths and plenty of wildlife—ducks, geese, and the occasional beaver working near the shoreline. It’s not a long hike, but the pond’s peaceful setting makes it a great stop to linger, especially when the light hits the water in the early morning or evening.
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Located in southeast Calgary, Elliston Park is best known as the home of GlobalFest’s annual fireworks festival. The park features a large man-made lake surrounded by paved walking paths, open green space, and picnic areas. It’s an easy, accessible spot for a relaxed walk or jog, with plenty of room to enjoy views across the water and the city skyline in the distance.
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The Weaselhead Natural Area spans over 237-hectares. Due to its location at the Elbow River Delta, the nature reserve and city park is known for its diverse wildlife with over 200 species of birds and mammals such as bears, moose and beavers. The area, which was formerly used for military purposes, was developed in the 1980s and now offers hiking and biking trails, wetlands and forests as an urban retreat for nature observation and outdoor activities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which lakes around Calgary are best for families with young children?
For families, Carburn Park Pond offers calm, mirror-like water and easy gravel paths, perfect for wildlife observation. Sikome Lake, a man-made aquatic facility in Fish Creek Provincial Park, is another excellent choice with a sandy beach, lifeguards, and playgrounds. Bowness Park Lagoon also provides a delightful oasis with paddle boating in summer and ice skating in winter, along with picnic areas.
Are there lakes near Calgary where I can go swimming?
Yes, several lakes offer swimming opportunities. Sikome Lake is a popular seasonal choice with a sandy beach and lifeguards. Chestermere Lake is great for swimming and various water sports. For mountain swimming, Quarry Lake near Canmore is known for having some of the warmest mountain waters, and Johnson Lake in Banff National Park is also a family-friendly spot with warmer waters and a sandy beach.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near the lakes around Calgary?
The lakes around Calgary offer a wide range of activities. You can enjoy hiking and biking trails at places like Weaselhead Natural Area. Water sports like canoeing, kayaking, and sailing are popular at Glenmore Reservoir, while Chestermere Lake is ideal for boating, wakeboarding, and swimming. For more extensive outdoor adventures, consider exploring the easy hikes around Calgary or the running trails that often pass by these beautiful water bodies.
Are there any wheelchair-accessible lakes or trails around Calgary?
Yes, Elliston Park features a large man-made lake surrounded by paved walking paths, making it an easy and accessible spot for a relaxed walk. Many urban parks around Calgary also offer paved pathways suitable for wheelchairs, providing views of nearby lakes and lagoons.
Which lakes are suitable for dog owners in the Calgary area?
Many parks and natural areas around Calgary are dog-friendly, though leash regulations vary. Weaselhead Natural Area, with its extensive trails and natural setting, is a popular spot for dog walking. Always check local signage for specific leash requirements and restricted areas, especially around wildlife habitats.
What natural features and wildlife can I expect to see around Calgary's lakes?
The lakes offer diverse natural beauty. At Weaselhead Natural Area, you can observe over 200 species of birds and mammals like bears, moose, and beavers. Carburn Park Pond is known for ducks, geese, and beavers. Mountain lakes like Quarry Lake, Ghost Lake, Barrier Lake, Johnson Lake, and Lake Minnewanka offer stunning Rocky Mountain backdrops, crystal-clear waters, and pine forests, with opportunities to spot various wildlife.
When is the best time to visit the lakes around Calgary?
The best time to visit largely depends on your desired activities. Summer (late June to early September) is ideal for swimming, boating, and water sports, with lakes like Sikome Lake and Chestermere Lake being popular. Fall offers vibrant foliage around mountain lakes like Quarry Lake. Winter provides opportunities for ice fishing and skating on lakes like Ghost Lake and Bowness Park Lagoon.
Are there any lakes near Calgary that allow motorized boats?
Yes, Chestermere Lake is a hub for various water sports and allows motorized boats. Ghost Lake, a mountain reservoir less than an hour west of Calgary, also permits motorized boating and is popular for fishing.
Can I find cafes or other amenities near the lakes around Calgary?
Many urban lakes and parks, such as Sikome Lake and Bowness Park Lagoon, feature concession stands and picnic areas. Glenmore Reservoir has facilities like the Glenmore Sailing Club for rentals. For lakes further out, like those in Canmore or Kananaskis, nearby towns offer cafes, pubs, and accommodation options.
Which lakes are good for fishing near Calgary?
Glenmore Reservoir offers diverse fishing opportunities for species like rainbow trout, brown trout, and mountain whitefish. Ghost Lake is popular for rainbow trout fishing, and Barrier Lake is also a good spot for fishing, though its waters are cold for swimming. Lake Minnewanka in Banff National Park is another excellent fishing destination.
Are there any lakes around Calgary accessible by public transport?
Within Calgary, lakes like those in Fish Creek Provincial Park (Sikome Lake) and Bowness Park Lagoon are generally accessible via Calgary Transit, though some may require a combination of bus routes and walking. For mountain lakes in Kananaskis or Banff, public transport options are more limited, often requiring dedicated shuttles or personal vehicles.
What winter activities are available at the lakes near Calgary?
In winter, several lakes transform into popular spots for ice skating and ice fishing. Bowness Park Lagoon is a delightful destination for ice skating, and Ghost Lake is also used for ice fishing and skating, offering stunning backdrops of the Rocky Mountains.
Where can I find easy hiking trails near lakes around Calgary?
Many lakes offer easy walking and hiking trails. Carburn Park Pond has easy gravel paths perfect for a leisurely stroll. Elliston Park features paved walking paths around its lake. Johnson Lake in Banff National Park also has an easy 3-kilometer hiking loop with beautiful views. For more options, explore the easy hikes around Calgary guide.
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