Alberta is known for its jagged mountains and pristine glacial lakes, but sandy beaches and warm water are harder to come by. But don’t worry, you don’t need to vacation outside of our landlocked province to enjoy a good beach day. You might just be surprised at how many places there are nearby where you can enjoy a day in the water. That’s why we’re sharing the top 15 outdoor places you can swim near Calgary, Alberta.
Before You Head To The Water…
Even though Alberta summers tend to be on the temperate side, treat a beach day here like you would anywhere else: stay hydrated, protect yourself from the sun, and know the nearby safety regulations and recommendations before you go.
Many Alberta swimming spots aren’t close to amenities with the option to buy what you forget, so check these items off your packing list for the best experience:
- Floaties, paddleboards, boats
- Life jacket, water wings
- Goggles, swim cap
- Beach games, sport balls, water activities
- Chair, towel and/or blanket
- Book, waterproof speaker (be respectful)
- Lots of water!
- All the snacks
Looking for more places to get outside in Calgary? Use our interactive map, the YYC Adventure Atlas.
Get 15+ outdoor summer activities sent directly to you in our FREE Fun In The Summer Sun Outdoor Activities Guide.
Outdoor Swimming Spots In Calgary, Alberta
Now we’re going to level with you — Calgary doesn’t have many great public outdoor swimming spots. So we’ve rounded up the top 15 outdoor places you can swim near Calgary, Alberta that include province-wide options so you can get your fix, no matter where you choose to adventure.
If you know other places to swim outdoors in nature, comment below so we can check them out!
Sikome Lake
This manufactured lake located within Fish Creek Park in south Calgary is one of the best swimming spots in the city. With soft sand, beach volleyball courts, picnic tables, concession, beach shop and lifeguard on duty, Sikome Lake is an ideal swimming spot for families. There is a paid entrance fee of $8/adult and $19/families. Find more Sikome Lake info here.
Griffith Woods
A beautiful natural spot fully surrounded by nature, Griffith Woods is home to many shallow waterways — some are suitable for wading, and even swimming. If you’re keen on fully swimming here, make sure to check the water levels before you go, as they vary throughout the year.
Sandy Beach
Although this beach doesn’t live up to its name — the rocky Elbow River bed is too shallow to swim in — you’ll often see kids, adults and dogs alike wading through the water on hot summer days. Check the water advisory before you go — the Elbow River doesn’t always meet recreational water quality standards (and nearby River Park also happens to be an off-leash dog-park). Find AHS precautions here.
Pearce Estate Park
Located just east of Calgary’s downtown, Pearce Estate Park is hugged by the Bow River. While there are only a few small areas with water moving slow enough to wade in safely, you can pop in for a quick dip to cool off or enjoy watching kayakers navigate Harvey Passage from the shore.
Best Lakes To Go Swimming In Throughout Alberta
Chestermere Lake
Location: 30 minutes east of Calgary, Alberta
While this isn’t our top pick for “swimming,” it is the closest lake to Calgary with some sandy hang-out spots. Chestermere Lake doesn’t boast crystal clear water, but you’ll find people lounging by the lake, kids splashing in the water, and others enjoying paddleboarding, watersports and motorboats.
Newall Lake
Location: 2 hours southeast of Calgary, Alberta
Coined the warmest lake in Alberta, Newall Lake is located in Kinbrook Island Provincial Park. Found near the city of Brooks, this lake has RV hookups, camping and hiking trails to complete your outdoor adventure. Spend your day swimming, floating, paddling, or using the boat launch.
Sylvan Lake
Location: 1.5 hours north of Calgary, Alberta
The sand and gentle water of Sylvan Lake make it arguably the most popular Central Alberta beach. Here, you’ll enjoy a grassy pier, picnic tables, beach volleyball courts and boat launches, all within walking distance of the town’s downtown core amenities (ice cream at the Big Moo is a must!). You can also take the kids to Sylvan Lake Aqua Splash for hours of outdoor beach fun.
Discovery Canyon
Location: 1.5 hours north of Calgary, Alberta
This outdoor, river-fed water park in Red Deer is a great adventure day for kids. And better yet, the park has free entry with the option to rent tubes for $5 so you can float the lazy river. You’ll also find a manufactured waterfall, wading pool and beach while exploring the area.
Gull Lake
Location: 2 hours north of Calgary, Alberta
Larger and more peaceful than Sylvan Lake is Gull Lake, located in Central Alberta about 15 minutes off Highway 2. Relax on the sand, picnic on the grass or tables, and use the boat launch to enjoy your favourite watersports. Complete with RV hookups, you don’t have to drive home after a day of soaking up the sun if you want to adventure longer.
Pigeon Lake
Location: 2.5 hours north of Calgary, Alberta
Located an hour south of Edmonton, you’ll find Pigeon Lake complete with beaches, boat launches and kayak rentals. Sometimes, there are blue algae warnings in the area, so it’s best to shower before and after you go in the water here.
Natural Swimming Holes In The Mountains
Forgetmenot Pond
Location: 1 hour southwest of Calgary (Kananaskis)
Located west of Bragg Creek, Forgetmenot Pond is a small body of water that’s fun to lounge in or float on. We’d recommend you pack a picnic and head out here for the day. It’s a great spot to practice your balance if you’re new to paddleboarding. For more SUP location recommendations, check out Best Spots Near Calgary For Paddleboarding
Quarry Lake
Location: 1.25 hours from Calgary (Canmore)
This 100-metre-deep lake is surrounded by sand and framed by the Rockies. Fed by an underground mountain spring, you can swim in Quarry Lake throughout July and August. You’ll also find picnic tables and toilets on-site. Find Quarry Lake details here.
Johnson Lake
Location: 1.5 hours west of Calgary (Banff)
Picturesque Johnson Lake near Banff, Alberta has grassy beaches, picnic tables, and plenty of swimming opportunities. It’s best enjoyed in July and August as the warmer weather warms to water. Hang out on the main beach, the side beach, or look for secluded coves where you can relax in nature.
Two Jack Lake
Location: 1.5 hours west of Calgary (Banff)
If you’re ok with cool water, Two Jack Lake is a stunning clear-water oasis surrounded by jagged mountains. Check out the canal running along the highway (awesome for paddleboarding!) and the stunning lake itself. You can even stay overnight in the campground — there is Two Jack Lakeside and Two Jack Main. If you plan on swimming here, pick a warm sunny day or bring a wet suit.
Lake Annette & Lake Edith
Location: 5 hours northwest of Calgary (Jasper)
There are countless gorgeous alpine lakes found near Jasper, but for warm-ish crystal clear water, we recommend Lake Annette and Lake Edith later in the season. These two lakes are right beside each other, making it easy to swim (or paddleboard) both in a single afternoon.
Looking For More Places Swim In Calgary?
Check out “river access” and “pool & splash park” filters under Park Amenities on our YYC Adventure Atlas! Better yet, ask us in the comments below or join our free Parks of Calgary community to ask fellow outdoor enthusiasts.
Wanna spend more time outside this summer? Get 15+ outdoor activities sent directly to you in our FREE Fun In The Summer Sun Outdoor Activities Guide.
If you know of other places to swim outdoors in nature, comment below so we can check it out!
