Arbour Lake is a unique northwest Calgary community centered around a man-made lake. Established in 1992, the community has grown into one of Calgary’s premier family-friendly neighbourhoods. No matter where you live in Arbour Lake, you are always only a short walk away from numerous amenities and recreational opportunities, as well as from one of the three schools in the area.
Here’s what makes Arbour Lake a great place to live.
Fishing, Boating, and Swimming at the Lake
Any good guide to Arbour Lake should no doubt include this community’s best feature: the lake itself! Arbour Lake is a large, ten-acre lake sitting at the heart of the community. Inspired by the lake communities of Southern California, developer David Poppitt sought to bring a similar type of living to Calgary’s northwest.
The lake was filled and opened in 1993, and since then residents have enjoyed a variety of different activities both in and around it. You can go swimming, boating, or fishing on the water, build sandcastles and suntan on the beach, or even play with your kids on the nearby playground and in the open, grassy space beside it. There are also tennis courts located within the enclosed lake area.
Lest you think that Arbour Lake is only fun in the summer, you should know that it is also open for ice skating in the winter. Going for some winter skates can help you stay healthy and active during Calgary’s many cold months.
All Arbour Lake homeowners are automatically members of the Arbour Lake Residents Association, and may have access to the lake and all of its amenities. You are also allowed to bring guests, making it a fantastic place to take friends and visiting family.
Shopping and Fun at Crowfoot Crossing
Another major attraction of the Arbour Lake community is the popular Crowfoot Crossing Shopping Centre. As it is one of the largest outdoor shopping centres in the whole city, Crowfoot Crossing is the place to run all of your errands and do all of your shopping. In one convenient location you can do your groceries, see your doctor or dentist, rent a car, or pamper yourself with a visit to The Spa Ritual! You can also hit the gym or the pool at the Crowfoot YMCA, or see a movie at the Cineplex Odeon Crowfoot Crossing theatre.
Crowfoot Crossing is also home to several bars and restaurants, meaning that you don’t have to commute all the way downtown just to go for a nice dinner or have a good time with friends. Some popular locations that you should definitely visit include Schanks Sports Grill, Hudsons, and Joey Crowfoot. Crowfoot is also the perfect place for the sushi lovers of Calgary. You can get your Japanese cuisine fix at Sakana Grill or at the unique Sushi Boat restaurant, where patrons grab their rolls from boats that float around the restaurant on a water track.
A Healthy Lifestyle Community
Built among the rolling hills of northwest Calgary, Arbour Lake is a great location for families who love to spend time outdoors.
On top of the lake, there are also some fantastic paths to exercise on just by the north end of Arbour Lake Drive. Another neat place to check out is a scenic outlook known as the Arbour Lake Lookout, which can be accessed from the cul-de-sac of Arbour Vista Terrace.
A healthy body requires not just exercise, but healthy food as well. Arbour Lake happens to have two health food stores, Amaranth and Community Natural Foods, where you can buy all of the nutritious food and natural home and body products that you are looking for. No matter where you live in Arbour Lake, you are likely to be within walking distance of one of these two locations.
Finally, Arbour Lake is a great place to exercise and nourish your mind as well as your body, as it is the location of the Crowfoot branch of the Calgary Public Library. With Calgary set to eliminate library membership fees come 2015, you won’t have any reason not to go and take out books!
With amenities for a healthy mind, healthy body, and lots of places to play, Arbour Lake has everything you need to make the most of your relaxation time.