Calgary Lake Communities: A Guide to Every Residents’ Lake

Last reviewed October 2026 · By Tod Hall and Tausha Hall, REALTORS®, TNT Real Estate Pros | Real Broker

Short answer: Calgary has seven residents’ lake communities, all in the southeast quadrant: Lake Bonavista, Lake Midnapore, Lake Sundance, McKenzie Lake, Lake Chaparral, Auburn Bay and Mahogany. Each lake is private, open to residents who pay an annual association fee. Mahogany Lake is the largest at 63 acres. Chestermere Lake, just east of the city, is a public lake in its own municipality.

Lake living is one of Calgary’s more unusual options. These aren’t public beaches: each lake is run by a residents’ or homeowners’ association and paid for through an annual fee. This guide lists every residents’ lake in the city, what we know about each one, and the questions to ask before you buy.

Every Calgary residents’ lake at a glance

All seven are in the southeast quadrant, south of Glenmore Trail. The table shows what’s confirmed as of October 2026. Where an association doesn’t publish a figure we could verify, we’ve said so rather than guess.

Lake community	Area	Community began	Lake size	Annual fee (as of Oct 2026)	What membership covers
Lake Bonavista	SE (CREB South)	Late 1960s	Ask the association	Confirm with the association	Lake, beaches and residents’ facilities
Lake Midnapore	SE (CREB South)	1970s	Ask the association	Confirm with the association	Lake and beach access for members
Lake Sundance	SE (CREB South)	1980s	Ask the association	Confirm with the association	Lake and beach access for members
McKenzie Lake	SE (CREB South East)	1980s	Ask the association	Confirm with the association	Lake and beach access for members
Lake Chaparral	SE (CREB South)	Late 1990s	Ask the association	Confirm with the association	Lake and beach access for members
Auburn Bay	SE (CREB South East)	2005	43 acres, with a private 13-acre beach and park	$523.92 standard; $720.41 lake access; $1,047.80 lakeshore (GST included, 2026/27)	Lake, beach, spray park, skating, Auburn House, sports courts and programs
Mahogany	SE (CREB South East)	2008	63 acres, with over 21 acres of beach	Annual homeowners association fee; confirm amount	Two private beaches, Mahogany Beach Club, non-motorized boating, fishing, winter skating

“Community began” is the decade the community was first developed, as a rough guide to the age of the housing. Fees change yearly and can differ by property type. Always confirm the current amount with the association and on the land title.

The lakes, one by one

Lake Bonavista

Lake Bonavista was Calgary’s first residents’ lake community, developed from the late 1960s. Homes are mostly established detached houses on mature lots, with many owners who have stayed for decades. The lake is used for swimming and boating in summer and skating in winter. It’s a popular pick for move-up buyers who want an established neighbourhood with a lake, close to Fish Creek Provincial Park.

Lake Midnapore

Lake Midnapore serves the community of Midnapore, west of the Bow River and next to Fish Creek Park. The housing is mostly from the 1970s and 1980s. It can be a more accessible way into lake living than some newer communities, though older homes may need updates that should be part of your budget.

Lake Sundance

Lake Sundance sits in the community of Sundance, just south of Midnapore. Homes date mainly from the 1980s and 1990s. Like the other lakes, access is limited to residents who are members of the lake association.

McKenzie Lake

McKenzie Lake is east of the Bow River, near Deerfoot Trail and Stoney Trail, which helps for commuting. It sits beside the Bow River valley. Lake privileges are tied to a defined membership area, so confirm that the house you like is included before you count on lake access.

Lake Chaparral

Lake Chaparral is in the community of Chaparral, at the south end of the city off Stoney Trail and Macleod Trail. Development started in the late 1990s, so homes are newer than in the older lake communities. Our Chaparral community guide covers schools, shopping and getting around.

Auburn Bay

Auburn Bay is Brookfield Residential’s four-season lake community, started in 2005, around a 43-acre lake with a private 13-acre beach and park. The residents’ association fee is mandatory and has three tiers, which makes it a good example of how lake fees can vary within one community. The South Health Campus and Seton’s shops are next door. See our Auburn Bay community guide for more.

Mahogany

Mahogany is Hopewell Residential’s lake community, with show homes first opening in 2008. Mahogany Lake is 63 acres, and the community has over 21 acres of beach across two private beaches, more beach area than any other Calgary community. The Mahogany Beach Club is a 22,000 sq. ft. residents’ facility. Building is still under way, so you can choose between new construction and resale. Read more in our Mahogany community guide.

Public lakes nearby

If you want water without an association fee, two public options are close:

• Chestermere Lake is in the City of Chestermere, on Calgary’s eastern boundary. It’s a reservoir built for the Western Irrigation District, with public beaches, a boat launch, a marina and the Calgary Yacht Club. Chestermere is its own city with its own taxes. Our Chestermere guide explains more.
• Sikome Lake is a public swimming lake inside Fish Creek Provincial Park, open seasonally. It’s not tied to any community.

You’ll also see stormwater ponds and wetlands in many newer Calgary communities. Some are attractive features with pathways, but they aren’t residents’ lakes and generally aren’t for swimming.

Lake access or lakefront: which do you need?

In most lake communities, buying anywhere in the membership area gives you the same right to use the lake. Lakefront homes cost a lot more, and the premium buys you the view and your own spot on the water, not extra access.

Here’s how to think about it:

• Lake access (off the water): you walk or bike to the beach. You get the lifestyle for a much lower price, and often a quieter street.
• Lakefront or lakeshore: your lot backs onto the water. These homes are fewer, so they hold a special place in the market, but you pay for it in price, taxes (higher assessment) and sometimes a higher fee tier.
• Walking distance matters: a home five minutes from the beach is used very differently from one that needs a drive. If the lake is a big reason you’re buying, test the walk.
• Resale: lake communities have long been in demand in Calgary, but a lakefront premium depends on the specific lot, view and home. Compare against recent lakefront sales, not the community as a whole.

Questions to ask about lake fees

The fee is part of the cost of owning, just like property tax. Before you write an offer, get answers to these:

1. Is the fee mandatory? In many lake communities, the fee is registered on the land title, which means every owner pays. In others, some homes are included and some aren’t. Your lawyer can check the title.
2. What’s the current amount, and which tier applies? Auburn Bay, for example, has standard, lake access and lakeshore rates for 2026/27.
3. Is the seller paid up? Ask for confirmation that fees are current, and that any outstanding amount is dealt with at closing.
4. What does it cover? Beach, clubhouse, programs, boat storage and guest passes vary from lake to lake.
5. Are big projects coming? Older lakes may need dredging, shoreline or facility work. Ask whether any special levy or fee increase is planned.
6. What are the rules? Boats, motors, pets, guests and hours are set by the association. Read them before you buy if a paddleboard or family visits are part of the plan.

If you’re thinking about lake living, we can help you compare communities, fee tiers and lake-access homes against lakefront ones. Reach out or call 587-875-6640 for a no-pressure conversation.

Sources: Auburn Bay Residents Association; City of Calgary; City of Chestermere; Alberta Parks: Fish Creek Provincial Park.