Best Lakes Near Calgary for Outdoor Leisure & Recreation

Situated just an hour away from the majestic Canadian Rockies, Calgary’s location provides unmatched access to some of Alberta’s most stunning lakes. Within a few hours’ drive, you’ll discover several crystal clear lakes near Calgary perfect for swimming, fishing, paddle-boarding, hiking, plus a full spectrum of other water activities and outdoor leisure year-round.

• Calgary Lake Communities: 16 Neighbourhoods with Lakes

Quick Facts: Lakes Close to Calgary

• Barrier Lake: This man-made reservoir in Kananaskis Country offers clear water, easy access, and is ideal for paddling and hiking.
• Bow Lake: Situated along the Icefields Parkway, it is primarily for viewing and photography due to its reflective waters and dramatic mountain scenery.
• Chestermere Lake: Located just east of Calgary, it is a hub of community activity with motorized boating, sandy beaches, and year-round events.
• Ghost Lake: A popular reservoir west of Calgary, it is a favourite for sailing, windsurfing, and other water sports with its open waters and mountain views.
• Grassi Lakes: A beloved hiking destination in Canmore, these two small, emerald-green lakes are reached by a family-friendly trail with beautiful scenery.
• Johnson Lake: As one of the warmest lakes in Banff, this spot is a local favourite for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing on its sandy beach.
• Lake Minnewanka: This large, glacier-fed lake in Banff offers a wide range of year-round activities, from boating and fishing in the summer to cross-country skiing in the winter.
• Lower Kananaskis Lake: A man-made reservoir in Kananaskis Country, it is a popular spot for paddling, fishing, and camping in a scenic mountain setting.
• Moraine Lake: An iconic, turquoise-colored lake in Banff National Park famous for its stunning beauty, photography opportunities, and access to world-class hiking trails.
• Quarry Lake: Once a coal mine, this reclaimed reservoir in Canmore is now a popular spot for swimming, picnicking, and dog-walking with its sandy beach and surrounding trails.
• Spray Lakes Reservoir: Located above Canmore, this reservoir offers a serene wilderness experience with opportunities for paddling, fishing, and backcountry camping.
• Sylvan Lake: A bustling resort town in central Alberta, Sylvan Lake is a popular destination for swimming, boating, and enjoying its vibrant beach town atmosphere.
• Two Jack Lake: A tranquil lake in Banff National Park, it is a great spot for paddling, picnicking, and camping with beautiful views of Mount Rundle.
• Upper Kananaskis Lake: This stunning lake in Kananaskis Country is a hub for outdoor adventure with world-class hiking trails, paddling opportunities, and campgrounds.
• Waterton Lake: Straddling the border of Alberta and Montana, this lake in Waterton Lakes National Park offers dramatic scenery, boat cruises, and access to world-class hiking.
• Windermere Lake: Located in British Columbia, this warm-water lake is a popular destination for swimming, boating, and enjoying the amenities of the resort town of Invermere.

Barrier Lake

• Location: Kananaskis Country
• Driving distance: ~1 hour west of Calgary
• Activities: canoeing, paddle-boarding, kayaking, hiking, swimming, fishing, picnics

Located in Kananaskis Country, this man-made, glacier-fed reservoir lake offers crystal clear water surrounded by beautiful pine forests. The area features easy accessibility, where visitors can drive right up to lakeside parking, has excellent hiking trails to nearby ridges, and is perfect for paddling and photography.

Find Barrier Lake about one hour from Calgary’s city limits. Turn south on Highway 40 off the Trans Canada Highway, and drive south for about 10 minutes or so before arriving at the lake on your right-hand side. Hikes and campgrounds include Barrier Lake Trail, Prairie View Trail, and Jewel Bay Backcountry Campground to name a few.

Bow Lake

• Location: Banff National Park
• Driving distance: ~2.25 hours west of Calgary
• Activities: hiking, photography, sightseeing, picnics

While primarily for viewing and photography, this stunning lake close to Calgary is situated along the Icefields Parkway Highway 93 and is home to some of Canada’s most beautiful mountain scenery. The lake’s crystal clear water reflects the surrounding peaks perfectly, making for memorable pictures along its rocky sand shores.

Stop by for family photos, some food and drink at Provision Co Cafe, or enjoy a more extensive stay at The Lodge at Bow Lake, an iconic Rocky Mountain hotel perfect for some rest and relaxation before the long drive ahead. Hikers will enjoy the nearby moderate Bow Glacier Trail, which takes you along the lake’s shoreline to the mesmerizing base of a beautiful waterfall.

Chestermere Lake

• Location: Chestermere
• Driving distance: ~15 minutes east of Calgary
• Activities: swimming, boating, fishing, paddle-boarding, canoeing, kayaking, picnics, ice-skating

Perhaps the closest lake to Calgary on this list, Chestermere Lake offers the fun of a lakeside retreat with the convenience of being located right next to the big city. Central to the community, the lake is a hub of activity, especially in the summer, where you’ll find families and friends enjoying everything from motorized boating and wakeboarding to relaxing on its sandy beaches.

Many homes in Chestermere are situated on or near the lake, making it the focal point of the community. Green spaces like John Peake Park line its shores and host numerous events throughout the year, including Canada Day celebrations and music festivals. Winter activities include ice-skating, hockey, and ice-fishing. Make sure to check the City of Chestermere’s website for more information on year-round lake activities and events.

Ghost Lake

• Location: Ghost Reservoir Provincial Recreation Area
• Driving distance: ~45 minutes west of Calgary
• Activities: fishing, boating, sailing, swimming, camping, picnics, ice-skating

Ghost Lake is a highly visited reservoir in the Rocky View County Municipal District of Alberta, about 45 minutes west of Calgary. Well-loved for its wide-open waters and incredible mountain views, this lake is a favourite spot for water recreation sports like sailing, windsurfing, boating, and much more!

Easy access via Highway 1A makes Ghost Lake an attractive option near Calgary for both day trips and overnight camping adventures. Visitors can enjoy the provincial recreation area’s campgrounds, picnic sites, and boat launch. While the water can be chilly and conditions sometimes windy, on a sunny day, you’ll find plenty of people swimming or relaxing by the rocky shore.

Grassi Lakes

• Location: Canmore
• Driving distance: ~1 hour west of Calgary
• Activities: hiking, photography, rock climbing, panoramic views, picnics

Grassi Lakes is one of the most beloved hiking destinations in close proximity to Calgary, famous for its easy difficulty, emerald-green lakes, and spectacular views of the Bow Valley. The trail leading to the lakes is family-friendly, with two route options: an easy path and a more challenging, scenic route that brings you past a waterfall and impressive rock formations.

Located just outside of Canmore, Grassi Lakes is perfect for day trips—either for a family-friendly hike or to explore the area’s beautiful mountain scenery. The vibrant green and blue hues of the lakes, along with the surrounding cliffs and forests, provide an epic outdoor experience that’s great for the whole family.

Johnson Lake

• Location: Banff National Park
• Driving distance: ~1.5 hours west of Calgary
• Activities: swimming, paddle boarding, canoeing, kayaking, picnics, sunbathing

Johnson Lake is a local favourite and one of the best swimming spots in Banff, as its waters are typically much warmer than the surrounding glacier-fed lakes. The lake features a sandy beach, a popular rope swing, and several picnic areas, making it a perfect spot for families and anyone else looking to relax on a sunny day.

This easy-access lake close to Calgary offers a three-kilometre hiking loop suitable for all ages, offering beautiful views of the surrounding forest and mountains. Enjoy convenient access by driving right up to its shores via the Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive Road.

Lake Minnewanka

• Location: Banff National Park
• Driving distance: ~1.25 hours west of Calgary
• Best activities: boating, fishing, biking, scuba diving, picnics, ice-skating

Lake Minnewanka is a large, glacier-fed lake about a ten-minute drive from the town of Banff. Framed by stunning mountain peaks, its deep blue waters offer stunning scenery for scuba divers including a submerged village. Visitors enjoy a full spectrum of activities year-round, including boating, hiking, and some even prefer to swim in its cold mountain run off.

A popular year-round destination, visitors can take an interpretive boat cruise, rent a motorboat for fishing, or hike and bike the numerous trails, such as the one up to the Alymer Lookout, along its 21-kilometre shoreline. In winter, the area transforms into a serene landscape perfect for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Lower Kananaskis Lake

• Location: Kananaskis Country
• Driving distance: ~1.5 hours southwest of Calgary
• Best activities: canoeing, kayaking, hiking, fishing, camping, picnics

Lower Kananaskis Lake sits in a stunning Rocky Mountain setting, surrounded by thick forests and scenic mountain peaks. This man-made reservoir is a popular spot for paddling activities, shoreline fishing, and enjoying easy access to numerous hiking trails and campgrounds.

Facilities include several picnic areas, boat launches, and well-maintained campsites, all perfect for family getaways or a quiet day in nature. The lake’s calm waters make it ideal for exploring by canoe or kayak, with plenty of opportunity to spot local wildlife along the tree-lined shores. Nearby recreation includes Gypsum Ridge, Gypsum Mine Trail, Lower Lake Campground, Boulton Creek Campground, Elkwood Campground, and a day-use area ideal for picnics.

Moraine Lake

• Location: Banff National Park
• Driving distance: ~2.25 hours west of Calgary
• Best activities: sightseeing, hiking, photography, canoeing, picnics

Moraine Lake is a dazzling turquoise gem surrounded by towering peaks and glaciers, offering one of the most iconic vistas in the Canadian Rockies. Sunrise from the short Rockpile Trail is legendary, flooding the valley with golden light and drawing photographers from around the world.

Rent a canoe to glide across the mirror-calm water, or set out on family-friendly lakeshore strolls and classic hikes on nearby trails like Larch Valley, Sentinel Pass, and Consolation Lakes. IMPORTANT: Personal vehicle access is restricted from spring through fall, so plan to arrive via Parks Canada shuttle, Roam Transit, commercial tour, or by bike for a stress-free visit.

Quarry Lake

• Location: Canmore
• Driving distance: ~1 hour west of Calgary
• Best activities: swimming, hiking, picnicking, paddle-boarding, off-leash dog park

A hub of leisure and recreation, Quarry Lake has a designated swimming area, picnic tables, family-friendly walking trails, and a nearby off-leash dog park and pond. Once an open-pit coal mine, paddle-boarders and canoers can traverse narrow river-like sections that take them towards the mountains, making it a favourite for water recreation.

This beautiful lake near Calgary offers some of the warmest mountain swimming water (although it’s still quite cold). The sandy beach and mountain backdrop make it perfect for summer days, while the surrounding hiking trails offer year-round activities.

Spray Lakes Reservoir

• Location: Kananaskis Country
• Driving distance: ~1.5 hours west of Calgary
• Best activities: canoeing, kayaking, camping, fishing, hiking

With sweeping views of the Rockies, Spray Lakes Reservoir sits on a high plateau above the town of Canmore and offers an authentic wilderness experience. It is a long, scenic lake near Calgary that is popular for canoeing, fishing, and backcountry camping, with several campgrounds and day-use areas along its shores.

Hiking and mountain biking trails provide visitors access to panoramic viewpoints and the chance to see local wildlife. The lake is considered to be quite serene, with not as many visitors throughout the year. Access Spray Lakes either via Canmore or Highway 40 through Kananaskis, but if the latter, be prepared to drive on dirt and gravel roads.

Sylvan Lake

• Location: Sylvan Lake
• Driving distance: ~2 hours north of Calgary
• Best activities: swimming, water park, boating, paddle-boarding, sailing, beach, fishing

One of Alberta’s most popular summer destinations, Sylvan Lake is famous for its vibrant beach town feel. The lakeside promenade buzzes with swimmers, paddlers, and boaters in summer, while the sandy beach is perfect for families. Aqua Splash, located at 5104 Lakeshore Drive, offers fun floating obstacle courses, trampolines, and a ton of other family-friendly water-based leisure.

Water sports abound—rent a paddleboard or kayak, cruise on a pontoon, or take a refreshing swim in the clear waters. The town hosts regular festivals, markets, and events, making this a lively choice for both day trips and longer stays.

Two Jack Lake

• Location: Banff National Park
• Driving distance: ~1.25 hours west of Calgary
• Best activities: kayaking, paddle-boarding, hiking, picnicking, camping

Framed by Mount Rundle and lush forests, Two Jack Lake is a tranquil, less crowded spot than neighbouring areas. Visitors enjoy paddling on its calm emerald waters, launching from the day-use area, or relaxing at lakeside picnic sites. In summer, the campground is a favourite for its serene setting.

While the water remains chilly, it’s a picturesque place to swim, take photos, or watch wildlife like bighorn sheep. The area is also lovely for sunrise or sunset photography, making it one of the best lakes in Calgary’s proximity for social media posts, hands down.

Upper Kananaskis Lake

• Location: Kananaskis Country
• Driving distance: ~1.5 hours west of Calgary
• Best activities: hiking, canoeing, kayaking, camping, fishing, panoramic views

Surrounded by forested slopes and rocky peaks, Upper Kananaskis Lake is a stunning spot for outdoor adventure. A paved road leads to multiple trailheads, picnic areas, and campgrounds along the shore. Two famous hikes include Rawson Lake and Sarrail Ridge, both well worth your time and effort.

The lake has calm waters perfect for paddling activities, plus a classic loop hiking trail that remains relatively flat over 16 kilometres with impressive viewpoints and waterfall stops. Picnicking and fishing are popular here, and the area is renowned for wildlife viewing and autumn larch hikes. A handful of backcountry camping spots are found along its shores, offering a true wilderness experience.

Waterton Lake

• Location: Waterton Lakes National Park
• Driving distance: ~2.5 hours south of Calgary
• Best activities: boating, canoeing, hiking, picnics, dining, hotels, sightseeing

Nestled at the juncture of prairie and mountains, Waterton Lake dazzles with its vivid blue water and dramatic scenery. The scenic cruise along Highway 2 into Glacier National Park is unforgettable, while the lakeside town offers charming shops, lodges, and picnic spots.

The blend of rugged mountains and rolling grassland is a hallmark of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stay a night or two in the town of Waterton to enjoy some of the best hiking trails in southern Alberta. We enjoyed Red Rock Canyon, Crypt Lake, Bear’s Hump Trailhead, Bertha Lake Trail, and several more.

Windermere Lake

• Location: Invermere
• Driving distance: ~3 hours west of Calgary
• Best activities: swimming, boating, water sports, paddle-boarding, golfing, beach activities

Located in B.C’s Columbia Valley, Windermere Lake offers warm water and wide sandy beaches—an inviting destination for families and water lovers. The charming resort town of Invermere features laid-back lake culture, summer festivals, and a thriving arts scene.

Popular activities include boating, water skiing, paddleboarding, wakeboarding, tubing, sea-dooing, swimming, and all other water recreation and leisure. The area also boasts top golf courses, natural hot springs nearby, and beautiful lakefront parks, making it one of the best lakes near Calgary.

Lakes Near Calgary: Frequently Asked Questions

What lakes near Calgary are best for swimming in the summer?

Sylvan Lake, Ghost Lake, Eagle Lake, Johnson Lake and Quarry Lake are your best bets for swimming in the summer, ranked from the warmest to coldest.

What lakes near Calgary are best for ice-skating in the winter?

Lake Minnewanka, Vermilion Lakes, Johnson Lake, and Two Jack Lake offer some of the safest ice-skating recreation and leisure during the winter.

Can I swim in Lake Minnewanka?

Some people choose to swim in the lake, but it is considered by many to be way too cold for an enjoyable experience, even on the hottest days of summer.

What is the warmest mountain lake for swimming near Calgary?

Johnson Lake is often considered to be the best lake for summer swimming in the area because it is not glacier-fed, making it a refreshing spot to enjoy with the whole family.

Are there lakes within Calgary that I can swim at?

Yes, Sikome Lake is one of Calgary’s only public lakes and is found in Fish Creek Provincial Park. It has sandy beaches, change rooms, playgrounds, showers, bathrooms, food and drink services, and lots more, making it a preferred summer lake for Calgarians.

Do I need a park pass to visit lakes close to Calgary?

If you’re visiting Kananaskis Country or Banff National Park, then yes, you require a pass to ensure you’re not ticketed by officers; these passes can be bought easily online.