Best Calgary & Alberta Lakes for Beach Games This Summer
Alberta isn't exactly known for its coastline, but there's more sand, sun, and open shoreline within a couple hours of Calgary than most people expect. Plenty of it has the space and setup to handle a proper afternoon of Spikeball, Crossnet, or a paddle. Here's where locals actually go.
Sikome Lake — Right in the City
For a no drive option, Sikome Lake inside Fish Creek Provincial Park is Calgary's go to sandy beach, complete with existing volleyball courts, changerooms, and concession. It's a manmade lake with warm, treated water, which makes it especially popular with families. Worth knowing: it charges an entrance fee and doesn't allow paddleboards, so it's better suited to lawn games like Spikeball or Crossnet.
Chestermere Lake — 30 Minutes East
Just a 30 minute drive from downtown, Chestermere Lake is a solid all around choice with three separate lakeside parks (Anniversary, Cove, and Sunset), each with volleyball courts, picnic areas, and open grass. It's a popular spot for boating and water sports too, which makes it a good pick if your group wants to mix beach games with time on the water.
Sylvan Lake — Worth the Drive
About an hour and forty minutes north, Sylvan Lake is one of Central Alberta's most popular beach destinations, with a long sandy shoreline, a boardwalk, and existing volleyball courts. It's busier than closer options, but the amenities (rentals, food, activities) make it an easy full day trip if you're willing to make the drive.
Kinbrook Island (Lake Newell) — For a Full Day Out
A bit farther south near Rainier, Kinbrook Island Provincial Park on Lake Newell comes with volleyball nets already set up, along with boat launches and playgrounds. It's a good option if you want a proper day trip destination rather than a quick evening stop.
Quarry Lake — For Mountain Scenery
Near Canmore, about an hour west, Quarry Lake is known locally as one of the warmer mountain lakes in the area, with a sandy beach on the shallow end. It doesn't have dedicated volleyball courts the way some of the others do, but the open grass areas nearby work well for a portable Spikeball or Crossnet set.
Packing List for an Alberta Beach Day
Spikeball or Crossnet: both pack down small and don't need a dedicated court
Sandsocks: some of these beaches run more gravel or rocky than sandy
A SUP if your destination allows it (double check ahead, as some don't)
Sunscreen and water: Alberta sun at altitude is stronger than it looks
Before You Go
A few of these spots (Sikome in particular) charge entrance fees or restrict certain gear, so it's worth a quick check before you load up the car. Otherwise, most of these beaches already have the open space beach games need you just have to bring the games.
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