If you're looking for somewhere to cool off and soak up some amazing views, these scenic Calgary lakes won't disappoint!
Sikome Lake
Price: Day passes are $8 for adults
Address: Fish Creek Provincial Park, Sikome Cir SE, Calgary, AB
When: Monday to Thursday 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Friday to Sunday and holidays 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Why You Need To Go: When the weather heats up in Calgary, many people head to Sikome Lake in Fish Creek Provincial Park. It's located in the south of the city, so it's easy to get to even without a car.
Also called Sikome Aquatic Facility, this man-made lake has a sandy beach and calm water to splash around in. There is a concession and beach shop on-site, as well as public restrooms with showers, playgrounds and picnic tables.
Because Sikome Lake is right in the city, it can get pretty packed on hot days. You might want to come early to snag a spot on the sand.
Learn more about Sikome Lake here
Quarry Lake
Price: Free
Address: Sprays Lake Road, Canmore, AB
Why You Need To Go: Once an old mining area, Quarry Lake Park was reclaimed and now features a beautiful turquoise lake that is up to 100 metres deep in some parts. The park is located just outside of Canmore about an hour's drive from Calgary.
Swimming is the main draw to Quarry Lake, as the lake is fed by an underground spring that makes the lake deliciously cool in the hot summer months.
When you're not swimming in the lake, you can set off on hiking trails in the park, enjoy a packed lunch at the picnic tables, chill out on the grassy areas or play with your four-legged friend in the off-leash dog area. The park also has public restrooms.
Quarry Lake Park website
Ghost Lake
Price: Free
Address: Highway 1A, west of Cochrane, AB
Why You Need To Go: Located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains just west of Cochrane, Ghost Lake is a reservoir that was formed when the Ghost Dam was created in 1929. It's a beautiful body of water set against the backdrop of mountains.
Ghost Lake is about 34 metres deep in some parts, making this a great place to go swimming or boating. The area can get pretty windy, so it's also ideal for sailing and windsurfing.
The drive from Calgary to Ghost Lake is about an hour. You can access the lake via the Ghost Reservoir Provincial Recreation Area. There is a marina on the lake and several campgrounds nearby.
Learn more about Ghost Lake here
Grassi Lakes
Price: Free
Address: Spray Lakes Road (highway 742), outside of Canmore, AB
Why You Need To Go: The Grassi Lakes are definitely among the lakes in Alberta that you have to visit once in your life. Nestled amid cliffs in the Rocky Mountains, the Upper and Lower Grassi Lakes sport spectacular aquamarine hues.
The lakes are located just southwest of Canmore and can be reached via an easy two-kilometre hike along an old road that winds through the forest. You can also take a slightly more challenging hike to see a waterfall and sweeping views of Canmore.
Once you arrive at the lakes, you'll find sandy areas where you can relax and soak up the views of all those gorgeous green and blue shimmering colours.
Learn more about Grassi Lakes here
Chestermere Lake
Price: Free
Address: Chestermere, AB
When: The parks are open 5 a.m to 12 a.m. daily
Why You Need To Go: Just east of Calgary lies the small town of Chestermere and the beautiful Chestermere Lake. The lake is a popular spot for swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding and water skiing.
There are several parks around Chestermere Lake where you can chill out on a beach blanket or a patch of grass. Some have sandy beaches. John Peake Park has a boat launch and Sunset Park has barbecue pits and picnic tables.
Chestermere Lake is an easy 30-minute drive from Calgary. It can get busy during the summer months, so you may want to come early to stake your spot next to the water.
Learn more about Chestermere Lake here
Barrier Lake
Price: Free
Address: Bow Valley Provincial Park, Kananaskis Country, AB
Why You Need To Go: Spread out below Mount Baldy, Barrier Lake is a man-made reservoir that was created in 1947 when a dam was built on the Kananaskis River. It's fed by glacier waters, so the waters are crisp and chilly — perfect for beating the heat on a hot day!
Barrier Lake is located in Kananaskis Country about an hour's drive from Calgary. There are two day-use areas around the lake, as well as hiking trails and a boat launch. Many people bring stand-up paddle boards and kayaks to get out on the water.
If you want to see Barrier Lake from a bird's eye view, the Prairie View Trail takes you up Yates Mountain where there are several viewpoints that overlook the lake.
Learn more about Barrier Lake here
Lake Minnewanka
Price: Free
Address: Banff National Park, Banff, AB
Why You Need To Go: If you don't mind driving a bit to get your cool water fix, Lake Minnewanka is a stunning glacial lake in Banff National Park. The drive will take you about an hour and a half from Calgary.
What many people don't know about Lake Minnewanka is there is a hidden city underneath the water. Minnewanka Landing was once a thriving resort town, but it slipped under the surface when water levels rose in the 1940s.
It should be noted that the waters of Lake Minnewanka can be super chilly all year round, so you may want to think twice about hopping in. A fun way to experience the lake is on the Beer Voyage Cruise where you can sample local craft beers as you glide across the water.
Learn more about Lake Minnewanka here
Forget-me-not Pond
Price: Free
When: Picnic areas are open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily
Address: Elbow Falls Trail, Kananaskis Country, AB
Why You Need To Go: Forget-me-not Pond is not technically a lake, but it deserves a mention because it's a pretty awesome place to spend a day swimming and sunbathing.
The pond is located in Kananaskis Country about an hour's drive southwest of Calgary. There is a parking lot at the site, as well as picnic tables, barbecue pits and public restrooms.
The pond itself is typically cool and refreshing, making it ideal for a dip on a hot day. Many people also bring kayaks or paddle boards to navigate the waters. If you want to stay overnight, the Little Elbow Campground is nearby.
Learn more about Forget-me-not Pond here
