Fish Creek Park is more than Greenspace

There’s no shortage of activities to enjoy when you buy a home near Fish Creek Park and it’s probably one of the most exciting features of living in south Calgary.

Whether you buy a home in Shawnessy, McKenzie Lake, Walden, Legacy or Midnapore, you’re never too far to enjoy all of the bountiful natural delights Fish Creek Park has to offer, right in your own backyard.

You’d be surprised how many people choose to buy a home in south Calgary just to be close to what is the second largest urban park in Canada and one of the most beautiful.

Everybody knows that Fish Creek Park has ample opportunities for those looking to cycle, walk, run or just lounge around and enjoy nature, but there is so much more the area has to offer.

Here are some of the activities you can enjoy when you are looking to buy Calgary real estate near Fish Creek Park. In fact, it’s more than a park; it’s a destination!

ANNIE’S CAFÉ/BOW VALLEY RANCHE RESTAURANT

No matter what you’re doing in Fish Creek Park, you would be amiss not to visit these two great businesses located in Fish Creek Park. Annie’s Café is a great spot to enjoy a coffee but that’s not all they serve; try out their ice cream, baked goods, soups, sandwiches and more before or after your Fish Creek Park visit. This picturesque farmhouse was moved to its current spot in 1905 and once housed the ranch workers and their families. And as one of the more popular restaurants in Calgary, the Bow Valley Ranche Restaurant is a splendid historical landmark, located in the heart of Fish Creek Provincial Park. The fine-dining establishment offers exquisite ambiance suited to any occasion and is a favourite among those looking for a romantic dinner with great views.

SIKOME LAKE

Sikome Lake Calgary is a man-made lake (established in 1978) located within Fish Creek Provincial Park and is part of the Bow River basin. It also functions as swimming area, open during the summer as a public beach. Staffed by Alberta Provincial Parks staff, the lake is a popular place for families during the summer. During the season, the 7-foot deep lake is refreshed once every eight days through an on-location water treatment plant. So, grab your beach towels and the kids and head on down to 99-acre Sikome Lake this summer.

MOUNTAIN BIKE SKILLS PARK

Fish Creek Park is popular for those who buy a home in south Calgary and many bike the trails right from their doorstep to the park and back. Others pack their bikes into the cars and make the trip down south to check out the park from wherever they live. It’s a popular spot for cyclists, and now, there is a mountain bike skills park for avid mountain bikers.  The Fish Creek Mountain Bike Skills Park consists of an oval-shaped beginner track, an intermediate/advanced pump track with optional lines, transfers and more, and a skills Loop with easier outer loop and a more challenging inner loop with multiple rock gardens. If you love mountain biking, you’ll want to check this out.

ENVIRONMENTAL LEARNING CENTRE

Located at the west end of the park, the Fish Creek Environmental Learning Centre is a nature school that hosts students in science education from Calgary and area schools.  The facility is open to the public for a variety of presentation and events.  This facility provides a great way to explore local history and learn about wildlife and features access to an amphitheater, park pathways and picnic tables with firepits.

BOW RIVER

With access to the Bow River, this area provides a great place to go rafting, canoeing or fishing, and with a boat launch available, you’ll be hitting the water in no time. It’s actually one of the biggest boat launches in Alberta. It’s important to remember that drift boats, canoes, kayaks, or rafts powered by human efforts are welcome on the Bow River. The Federal Government prohibits any motorized watercraft such as motorboats or seadoos within Calgary city limits.

That’s just a few of the activities and sights you can enjoy when you’re at Fish Creek Park in the city’s south and a glimpse at why this park is so beloved. If you’re looking to buy a home in South Calgary, you’ll never be too far from this provincial treasure.

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Midnapore restaurants

You don’t have to travel far to get great food when you buy a home in Midnapore. 

When looking for the perfect Midnapore real estate, it’s hard not to notice many of the great food options available in and around this popular community.  After Midnapore was established as a Calgary neighbourhood in 1977, loads of amenities started popping up for residents who choose to call the community home.

Residents of Midnapore find themselves just a short drive away from all the amazing food and entertainment options that Shawnessy has to offer as well as its own hidden gems and hotspots. Did we mention nearby community options such as Millrise and Sundance? There is so much to choose from.

With Midnapore being conveniently situated with easy access to Macleod Trail, Deerfoot Trail and Stoney Trail, there is quick highway access to all parts of the city if you want to get out of the neighbourhood for some grub.

But you don’t need to – and you may not want to – once you see all the options this popular area has to offer. It’s nice to know that when you buy a home in Midnapore, you get instant access to a multitude of nearby amenities, including the Midnapore Mall, Shawnessy and Sundance, just to name a few. 

In fact, the food options in this area is about as diverse as the Midnapore real estate; there are a lot of choices and something for everyone!

Here are some ideas to keep in mind for dining out when you live in Midnapore. 

SIT DOWN AND ENJOY

Who doesn’t love a good sit-down meal? Whether you’re on a romantic date night or a night out with the family, there is no shortage of options to dine out at when you buy a Midnapore home for sale. In Midnapore alone, you can find popular restaurants to dine at including Mighty Mango, Raj Palace, Dixon’s Public House, Golden Village and more. If you want to venture out a little more into nearby Shawnessy, you will find even more options including IHOP, Hudson’s Pub and Eastside Mario’s, just to name a few. Sundance also has a variety of options, including CattleBaron Steakhouse and Original Joe’s. The fact of the matter is, you won’t have to eat at the same place twice when you buy a Midnapore home. Unless you want to, of course.

PIZZA AND FAST FOOD OPTIONS

You can’t buy a home in Midnapore and not have quick and convenient access to dozens and dozens of fast food eats. With fast food staples such as McDonald’s, Wendy’s Tim Horton’s, Taco Time, Opa Souvlaki and Subway at your fingertips, you’ll never go hungry. And when it comes to pizza, you won’t be disappointed, especially not with Sammy’s World’s Great Pizza located nearby at Bannister Road, Vern’s Pizza located in Millrise and Canadian Pizza Unlimited located in Sundance. You’re also just a short trip away from franchise favourites such as Panago, Papa John’s, Dominoes and Chicago Deep Dish, just to name a few. There are so many guilty pleasures to choose from, we have trouble listing them all.

COFFEESHOPS GALORE

We all love coffee and there is no shortage of options when you buy a home in Midnapore. Whether you’re a Starbucks fan, a Second Cup client or a Tim Horton’s customer, you always have something to choose from in Midnapore, Shawnessy and Sundance and there are many different locations to choose from. Whether you take it to go, hit a drive-through or sit with a friend inside, there are many options to choose from.

TASTY TAKEOUT

Whether you’re ordering take-out on your way home or ordering in via food delivery, you’ll find yourself in one of the city’s hotspots when it comes to food options. When you choose to buy a home in Midnapore, you will have no shortage of food options to order from on your favourite food delivery service. UberEATS, Skip the Dishes and Door Dash all service this area and drivers are usually easy to find at any hour of the day. You’ll find yourself with options further north on Macleod Trail and with access to the east and west of Midnapore as well.  With hundreds of options at your fingertips, you’ll never want to leave Midnapore to eat out!  

Our experienced and knowledgeable real estate professionals are excited to share every detail with you if you’re ready to learn more about this fantastic southeast Calgary community. Talk to one of our Calgary real estate experts today to find out more about Midnapore! 

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McKenzie Lake – Activities 

There’s no shortage of activities to partake in when you buy a McKenzie Lake home.

The charming southeast Calgary community was originally built  in 1982 and boasts a wide variety of family-friendly activities to enjoy both indoor and outdoor, regardless of the season.

Modelled after Lake Bonavista’s popular ‘lake community’ project, McKenzie Lake is known for its highly coveted island of homes that each have a waterfront location at the core of the community. The activities available to enjoy in the community is as diverse as the McKenzie Lake real estate options.

While the lake a signature feature of this community, that’s not all the area has to offer when you buy a McKenzie Lake home. When choose to live in this community, you are immediately connected to a multitude of greenspace options with ample amenities and entertainment to choose from as well as quick access to weekend getaways to the mountains.

Here is a snapshot of some of the activities the McKenzie Lake area has to offer.

MCKENZIE LAKE AND MCKENZIE LAKE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

Let’s start with one of the most desirable aspects of living in this popular community. The 43-acre lake is combined with an 18-acre park and both are run by the McKenzie Lake Residents Association with a wide variety of  programs available to residents. With a litany of programs offered to those who buy McKenzie Lake real estate, there is no shortage of community-based youth baseball, soccer and hockey programs, dance classes, martial arts, exercise classes, church groups and more offered to residents.  Pre-school and after-school programs are also offered.

The McKenzie Lake Residents Association is a non-profit organization that works year-round to  provide a wide array of recreational services, programs and facilities for its members and their guests. In addition to the lake, members have access to tennis courts, basketball courts, a beach volleyball area and a toboggan hill. Whether it’s spring, summer, fall or winter, there is no shortage of activities available year-round. In fact, the community’s outdoor skating rink is quite popular during winter months. 

The lake is maintained by the community association and acts as a gathering space for community events and family-fun activities including fishing in the summer and skating in the winter. Find out more about McKenzie Lake lifestyle here.

MCKENZIE LAKE SHOPPING AND ENTERTAINMENT

There is no shortage of shopping, entertainment and amenities nearby when you buy a McKenzie Lake home for sale. The community is served by the McKenzie Towne shopping area as well as the bustling South Trail Crossing commercial district to the north along 130 Ave. S.E.  Residents can also access the shopping centres located along Macleod Trail via Stoney Trail, only a few minutes away. Shawnessy has everything you could possibly need and more from restaurants and fast food joints to retail stores and a multitude of services available.

Want to catch a movie? No longer do you have to drive back towards downtown as Seton has its very own Cineplex movie theatre now where the popcorn is fresh, and the seats are comfortable. If you prefer, there is another movie theatre located in Shawnessy as well.

Feeling energetic? Check out Brookfield Residential YMCA at Seton, which is a 330,000 square foot facility in the heart of the community. The centre provides a blend of leisure, sports, arts, cultural and recreational amenities for individuals and families.

Amenities available include the fitness area, gym, library, art studios, theatre, daycare, multipurpose/community rooms, two arenas and competition and recreational pool areas. The ​​Seton recreation facility also includes a full-service regional library branch of over 23,000 square feet.

CONNECTING WITH NATURE

When choosing to buy a home in McKenzie Lake, you’re choosing a community that boasts great access to outdoor recreation and greenspaces. McKenzie Lake is conveniently located near Stoney Trail and in just 30 minutes, residents of this community can be connected to Bragg Creek enjoying nature the way it was intended.  That’s just one example. If you’re eager to head to southern Alberta, Black Diamond, High River and Turner Valley make great options for a day trip or sightseeing and they are just a short drive away.

McKenzie Lake is also connected to Calgary’s interconnected bike path network and Fish Creek Provincial Park is also just minutes away. Fish Creek Park is one of the city’s most popular and enjoyed greenspaces and makes the perfect location for an all-day bike ride, a walk with the dogs, an evening run and so much more. With Fish Creek Park practically in your backyard, there will be no shortage of opportunities to connect with nature.  Those feeling extra adventurous can take a journey along the bike path up to the Bow River and enjoy the parks along the way.

If you’re looking to buy a home in McKenzie Lake, our experienced and knowledgeable real estate professionals are excited to share every detail with you if you’re ready to learn more about this fantastic southeast community. Talk to one of our Calgary real estate experts today to find out more about McKenzie Lake homes for sale!

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McKenzie Towne Amenities

McKenzie Towne is a master planned community that is just over a decade old. It offers a variety of styles and types, from single dwelling, to duplexes, to condos. This is a community that balances suburban living with walkability. The community is divided into four areas, each with their own architectural style.

McKenzie Towne is a large neighbourhood with around 16,000 residents and is an ideal choice for families with small children.  The community is an example of the new urbanist movement that seeks to re-create small town structure within city communities. With its pedestrian friendly design, classic small-town architecture, landmark community buildings and a thriving main street business centre, McKenzie Towne in southeast Calgary has been called a pioneer of new urbanism, according to the community association website.

At the heart of McKenzie Towne is a vibrant commercial district that is designed for walkability. A sense of community is stronger here than in other parts of the city as a result, with many small local businesses operating here. There is a large number of fantastic restaurants and bars to enjoy, as well as places to take care of life’s necessities.

You won’t be disappointed with the selection of high-quality amenities in McKenzie Towne. Whether you are flying solo, with your family or a group of friends, there is no shortage of things to do when you buy a McKenzie Towne home for sale. Here are a few of our favourite highlights in this community.

SKATE PARK, HOCKEY RINK AND RECREATION

The McKenzie Towne skate park is the only skate park in southeast Calgary and if you buy a McKenzie Towne home for sale, it’s right here in your backyard. But that’s not all. Not only is there a much-used skateboard park, there is also a basketball court – many actually – and of course, a hockey rink. This recreational hub along McKenzie Towne Gate and McKenzie Towne Link are a hit among youth and families in the area.

PRESTWICK FOUNTAIN PARK

In the heart of McKenzie Towne is Prestwick Fountain Park, where in the summer you’ll find residents playing in the water fountain and in the winter skating along the ice. It’s a fun place to relax and catch some sun with the family and remains a popular destination for those who buy McKenzie Towne real estate no matter what time of year.

MORE PARKS!

When you buy a McKenzie Towne home, you have direct access to one of the most popular parks in the area. The popular Butterfly Park built for – you guessed it – butterfly lovers. Adorned with stunning butterfly decorations and artwork, this park’s shrubbery and flower designs allures people from all parts of the community. 

Several more parks can be found throughout McKenzie Towne, each with its own name; Inukshuk Park, Pirate Ship Park, Trike Towne, Drawbridge Park, and Elgin Hill are just a few of the community’s most popular parks but it doesn’t stop there.

PONDS!

There is not one, but two ponds located in this community; Prestwick Pond and Inverness Pond. Thought you can’t swim in them, these ponds are popular for cyclists, runners and walkers to enjoy in morning and night and make for a great photo background at sunset. Popular among walkers, there is also a variety of walking trails for residents throughout the community and offer a great backdrop to any morning or evening stroll.

MCKENZIE TOWNE HALL

McKenzie Towne Council also offers a ton of benefits to residents, and the facility called The McKenzie Towne Hall is often used for community events and can be rented out. This facility features community gymnasiums, multi-purpose rooms and banquet facilities.

MCKENZIE TOWNE SHOPPING

There is no shortage of shopping, entertainment and amenities nearby when buying a McKenzie Towne home for sale. The community is served by the McKenzie Towne shopping area as well as the bustling South Trail Crossing commercial district to the north.  Residents can also access the shopping located along Macleod Trail via Stoney Trail, only a few minutes away. Shawnessy has everything you could possibly need and more.

If you’re looking to buy a home in McKenzie Towne, our experienced and knowledgeable real estate professionals are excited to share every detail with you if you’re ready to learn more about this fantastic southeast community. Talk to one of our Calgary real estate experts today to find out more about McKenzie Towne homes for sale!

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What to Eat in Cranston?

Some foodies might mistakenly feel that Calgary’s downtown is the only place to get good grub, but they would be categorically wrong.

When buying a home in Cranston, for example, you have more food options at your fingertips than you probably realize. Not only are there great eats within the community, but there are many must-try food options in surrounding communities, too.

With Cranston being conveniently situated with Deerfoot Trail to its east and Stoney Trail to its north, there is quick highway access to all parts of the city if you want to get out of the neighbourhood.

But you don’t need to – and you may not want to – once you see all the options this popular area has to offer. It’s nice to know that when you buy a home in Cranston, you get instant access to a multitude of nearby amenities, including South Trail Crossing on 130 Ave. SE,  the newly built Seton, which is a booming commercial area that is home to many shopping and dining options as well as Mahogany, Auburn Bay, Shawnessy and more.

In fact, the food options in this area is about as diverse as the Cranston real estate; there are a lot of choices and something for everyone!

Here are some ideas to keep in mind for dining out when you live in Cranston.

SIT DOWN AND ENJOY

Everyone loves to go out for a nice family dinner or a romantic date night. When you buy a home in Cranston, you will have no shortage of breakfast, lunch and dinner options to choose from. Cranston itself has the popular Berwick Public House, which is a trendy bar and pub type of restaurant. And one bonus about buying a home in Cranston is you have access to the great restaurants southeast Calgary has to offer, including the very popular Starbelly in Seton and Tommyfield Gastro Pub. both just a short drive away in Auburn Bay. Also, nearby, Mahogany has such delights as The Canadian Brewhouse and local breakfast favourites the Bro’Kin Yolk and recently opened Diner Deluxe. We haven’t even mentioned the dozens and dozens of staples in Shawnessy such as popular franchise, including IHOP and Eastside Marios, just to name a couple.

QUICK EATS – AND PIZZA, LOTS OF LOTS OF PIZZA

You can’t buy a home in Cranston and not have quick and convenient access to dozens and dozens of fast food eats. There is no shortage of the usual suspects in this area and you don’t have to go far to find a selection of great pizza joints such as Western Pizza Express, Canadian Pizza Unlimited,  Papa Johns or Cranston’s very own New York Pizzeria, to name a few.  What would living in Cranston be without those fast food temptations of Subway, Opa Souvlaki,  Wendy’s or perhaps the healthier options of Chopped Leaf. With 130 Ave SE not too far and Shawnessy just a short drive away, you’ll never have to eat the same thing twice. There are so many guilty pleasures to choose from, we have trouble listing them all.

COFFEE, COFFEE, COFFEE

When you just want to get out of the house for a bit, meet up with a friend or maybe walk along the neighbourhood and peruse other Cranston real estate, you will want to make sure to do it with coffee in hand. With great options just minutes within each other, you’ll enjoy Good Earth Café or Starbucks in Cranston,  Analog and Second Cup in Mahogany and so much more nearby. Of course, you’ve also got your Tim Hortons options, and there are a lot of them.

STAY IN AND ORDER

Maybe you don’t want to go out for dinner, but you don’t want to cook, either. Why not order in? When you choose to buy a home in Cranston, you will have no shortage of food options to order from on your favourite food delivery service. UberEATS, Skip the Dishes and Door Dash all service this areas and drivers are usually easy to find. With hundreds of options at your fingertips, you’ll never want to leave Cranston!

Our experienced and knowledgeable real estate professionals are excited to share every detail with you if you’re ready to learn more about this fantastic southeast Calgary community. Talk to one of our Calgary real estate experts today to find out more about Cranston Homes for Sale! 

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South Calgary day trips

Living in south Calgary is pretty fantastic.

Great views, convenient location, a diverse range of south Calgary homes for sale and loads of greenspace and parks at your fingertips.  

But when you buy south Calgary real estate, you’re also setting yourself up future day trip adventures south of Calgary and all you need is a tank of gas.

South Calgary communities such as McKenzie Towne, Seton, New Brighton, Mahogany and Shawnessy are just a few examples of great south communities just a short drive away from hidden gems south of Calgary including High River, Black Diamond and more.

Here are  five of our favourite short day trips to keep in mind when you buy a south Calgary home for sale.

Aspen Crossing/Mossleigh – About one hour southeast of Calgary

Aspen Crossing, located in the small hamlet of Mossleigh Alberta, is just one hour southeast of Calgary in located in a portion of the Canadian Badlands. Mossleigh itself is a small town that is loaded with a variety of photography options if you’re into that kind of thing. Besides the small-town, abandoned farmhouse feeling, the sprawling prairie landscape makes for great photos and a history lesson in Alberta’s grain industry. The true gem of this area though, is Aspen Crossing,  is home to an authentic 1887 Pullman dining car that now operates from April to December with a variety of events such as escape rooms, haunted train tours, brunches, dinner theatre and more. These train excursions are a great way to spend three hours doing something unique in one of the prettiest landscapes this area has to offer. You won’t want to forget your camera at home for this adventure.  Tip: At night you might be able to get a peek at the Northern lights if you time your visit right.

Bar U Ranch National Historic Site in Longview, Alberta – One hour south of Calgary

Now a historic site, this stunningly preserved ranch in the rolling foothills was one of Canada’s principal ranching operations for over 70 years. Deep-rooted in Alberta’s ranching past, this day trip adventure is loaded with history and beauty. The facility hosts reenactments and tours to give visitors a glimpse into the province’s history in ranching.  The Bar U Ranch National Historic Site sprawls over 148 hectares and is accessed by horse-drawn wagon or on foot. Enjoy the drive along Cowboy Trail for an added bonus!

Turner Valley – Black Diamond – About 35 minutes south of Calgary – five minutes apart

We would be amiss not to mention both of these beautiful towns together as they often go hand-in-hand for any day trip south of Calgary. Considered a gateway to Kananaskis Country, the towns of Black Diamond and Turner Valley are located on The Cowboy Trail and are immersed in western culture.  Surrounded by beauty, greenspace, mountains and more, there is no shortage of recreational opportunities for visitors to enjoy. The towns themselves also offer a selection of quaint and unique stores and restaurants you want to make sure you visit on your trip. Bonus: Check out the paved pathway connecting Turner Valley to Black Diamond called the Friendship Trail, which is an easy and accessible stroll connecting the two towns together.  

The Saskatoon Farm/Granary Road – 20 mins south of Calgary or less

When you buy a south Calgary home for sale, you literally find yourself less than 20 minutes away from the popular Granary Road Market and the Saskatoon Farm. Both offer year-round market style activities, but winter and Christmas are even more special. Saskatoon Market offers Saskatoon bushes, fruit trees, shrubs, berries, and perennials in the summer and a popular Christmas market in the winter. Granary Road is a farmers market style featuring local vendors, food, activities and more. Do yourself a favour and visit both when you have time for an adventure.

Waterton Lakes National Park – 2.5 hours south of Calgary

Sure, this day trip might be better if you can make it an overnighter but Waterton is popular with visitors from all over Alberta and beyond. With views of the prairies to the east and the Canadian Rockies to the west, Waterton Lakes National Park has stunning views in every direction. Sharing its border with the United States to the south and British Columbia to the west, Waterton Lakes National Park is a scenic two-and-a-half-hour drive from Calgary. Photograph opportunities pave the way along your drive to and from, and there is so much to do that you will need two days to do it properly.  This town is open year-round, and the winter experience is almost as beautiful as the summer experience.

Our experienced and knowledgeable real estate professionals are excited to share every detail with you if you’re ready to learn more about south Calgary real estate for sale. Talk to one of our Calgary real estate experts today to find out more about South Calgary homes for sale.

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Auburn Bay winter activities 

Your winter adventures await you.

We can’t take credit for that slogan though; it was penned by the Auburn Bay Residents’ Association about their plethora of winter activities in the popular south community.

Auburn Bay is located in southeast Calgary, nestled near McKenzie Towne and Mahogany. With access to Stoney Trail, Deerfoot Trail and 130 Ave., it’s the perfect location to enjoy activities within the community and outside of it, too.

When you buy an Auburn Bay home for sale, you immediately have access to a multitude of year-round activities and events, but the winter is an extra special time in this neighbourhood.

From ice rinks to Christmas lights and both indoor and outdoor programs, there is no shortage of things to do in the winter when you buy a home in Auburn Bay.

Here is a snapshot of some of our favourite things to do in Auburn Bay each winter.

AUBURN HOUSE

Indoors and outdoors, there are plenty of fun activities awaiting Auburn Bay residents. In fact, there is something for everyone. Registration for the Winter season programs are open to residents and many of the classes are still available. From boot camps and fitness classes to youth dance and skating programs, there is always something going on in Auburn Bay courtesy of the Auburn Bay Residents’ Association. If you catch the right time in November and December, you can also find Christmas Holiday Markets to take the whole family to. More information on these programs and events can be found at  www.AuburnBayRA.ca.

AUBURN LAKE

Perhaps the most popular aspect of buying a home in Auburn Bay, is having access to the popular Auburn Lake. In the summer, it’s a favourite among Auburn Bay residents who float, swim, relax and suntan. But it becomes a winter playground when the ice forms and you’ll be able to find friends and families skating, playing hockey and enjoying some hot chocolate in and around the lake. Those who buy a home on the lakeshore of Auburn Lake have all of this and more right at their back doorstep. This lake is not only a great place to play some hockey with other residents, but there is a Zamboni that clears off the outer edges of the lake, making it smooth skating for those who want to lace up some skates and go for a leisurely adventure.

ICE FISHING

Did you know you that those who buy Auburn Bay real estate can actually ice fish on the lake in the winter? In the summer, there is regular fishing from the boat. And in the winter, you can go ice fishing.  The 43-acre lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout and Grass Carp. It is stocked twice annually with Rainbow Trout. Once in the spring and once in the fall, depending on the temperature of the water. It’s a fishers delight!

AUBURN BAY HOLIDAY LIGHTS

Like many friends and families from across the city enjoy doing, hopping in the car or going for a late-night walk can be a great time to peruse the community and check out the festive lights from your neighbours. But those who live in Auburn Bay are also treated to the annual Parade of Lights each holiday season. Many floats participate in the popular community event and local businesses/organizations serve delicious complimentary hot chocolate to spectators along the parade route. It’s a great way to connect with your neighbours while enjoying time with friends and family each year.

Those are just a few of the great things to enjoy when you choose to live in Auburn Bay. There always seems to be something going on, whether it’s a Christmas festival, a pick-up hockey game, spectacular holiday lights and even Christmas markets and parties. You could even grab the dogs and bring them to the Auburn Bay Dog Park for some fun in the snow, but one thing is for sure; you’ll never be bored.

If you’re looking to buy a home in Auburn Bay, our experienced and knowledgeable real estate professionals are excited to share every detail with you if you’re ready to learn more about this fantastic southeast community. Talk to one of our Calgary real estate experts today to find out more about Auburn Bay homes for sale!

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Spruce Meadows and Surrounding Area

It’s more than a multi-sports facility – it’s a destination.

With no shortage of events and activities to partake in at Spruce Meadows, buying a home in south Calgary means you have easy access to a slate of year-round events.

Whether you a buy a home in Silverado, Shawnessy or Bridlewood in the Calgary’s southwest, or peruse real estate in southeast Calgary, including Mahogany, McKenzie Lake or Cranston for example, you are just a short drive away to loads of family fun.  The benefits of buying a home in south Calgary are endless and this popular venue is just one of them.

Spruce Meadows, located near 22X and Marquis of Lorne Trail, opened in 1975 after being built by the Southern family and was tabbed as a multi-purpose sports facility near Calgary. Now, the city has grown so much that it almost feels like it’s another great southern community.

Here are three of our favourite things to see and do at the popular Spruce Meadows, which is just a short drive away when you buy a home in south Calgary.

HORSES!

We would be amiss not to mention the main activity this popular venue is known for. According to Wikipedia, the facility contains an equestrian show jumping complex that spans across two kilometres. The first equestrian tournament happened in 1976 and the site has been hosting thousands of major events ever since.  The venue hosts 500,000 visitors annually and has the stable capacity for up to 1,000 horses. Spruce Meadows is open for visitors year-round, and as an all-season facility, it also hosts conventions and trade shows as well as showjumping and dressage events. Spruce Meadows breeds, trains, and sells Hanoverian horses, and holds the popular annual “Name the Foal” contest, in which three foals are selected to be named by the public. There are six major outdoor tournaments and eight indoor tournaments at Spruce Meadows annually.

CHRISMAS! AND OTHER EVENTS

Christmas is a very special time at Spruce Meadows. Not only do people who buy a home in South Calgary venture to the site every winter for these special holiday events, but people come from all over the city and out of town, too. Running throughout the holiday Season, the Christmas Lights at Spruce Meadows is a very popular event where friends and families can enjoy a spectacular Christmas light show, with hot chocolate, bon fires, snacks and more. It runs every December and is a popular night time favourite. Also, popular, is the annual Christmas Market, dubbed, MARKT by Spruce Meadows. This year, 2020 marks the popular holiday tradition’s 20^th anniversary and features a new virtual way to enjoy the hundreds of locally curated items from the safe confines of the home due to the ongoing pandemic.  

SPORTS!

Not only is the facility known for its equestrian events, but it is also the home venue of the Cavalry FC of the Canadian Premier League, a soccer team that is owned by Spruce Meadows Sports and Entertainment. With a 6,000-seat stadium, there is loads of room for sports and soccer fans to catch a game on the pitch.  The 6,000-seat stadium, known as ATCO Field for sponsorship reasons during soccer use, is within the facility. The “Meadows on the Green” ring  officially opened on May 4, 2019 and has been a popular spot since. Designed to allow for future growth, a 4,500-seat covered grandstand was built on the east side of the stadium, along with 1,500 seats in other areas.

Our experienced and knowledgeable real estate professionals are excited to share every detail with you if you’re ready to learn more about our fantastic southeast and southwest Calgary homes for sale. Talk to one of our Calgary real estate experts today to find out more about South Calgary for Sale!

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Ever wanted to live in Auburn Bay, but needed more information on the schools, where they are and just general details?  Here are some great schools in Auburn Bay and the Elite Group can help you find the perfect home near them!

Just interested in Auburn Bay Homes for Sale?  Click here to get full listings!

Southeast Calgary Schools: Auburn Bay

Auburn Bay is a four-season lake community located in Calgary’s southeast that captures the spirit of cottage country. Auburn Bay’s paved pathways, off-leash dog parks and amenity-rich create a community that is perfect for growing families. For families looking for a neighbourhood that can grow with them, Auburn Bay has multiple public and Catholic school options located right within the community. 

Auburn Bay School

For children just starting their learning journey in the public school system Auburn Bay School offers Kindergarten to Grade 4. At Auburn Bay School, each student from Grades 1 to 4 is assigned a home-room teacher that leads the overall education of the student. However, each day students learn with a variety of educators through a variety of classes and learning opportunities. These opportunities include access to flexible learning environments, Auburn Bay school was designed and built to provide students with learning environments that are purposeful, adaptive and responsive. Although students are assigned a homeroom within the school when the school day begins, students can utilize the flexible learning environments to fit them as unique learners. Typical examples of how students use these spaces include:

•      Moving throughout the school collaborating and learning
•      Accessing a wide range of technology and print resources in the Learning Commons
•      Engaging in learning through Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)
•      Deepening understanding and building social-emotional Learning through cross-grade collaboration
•      Developing 21st Century skills such as coding and robotics throughout the school   

Students at Auburn Bay School can also participate in a variety of clubs throughout the year. The teachers of Auburn Bay School offer a range of clubs such as; choir, hand-chimes, leadership, running, coding and robotics, environmental design challenge and intramurals.

Kindergarten at Auburn Bay School is available to children whose parent or guardian’s primary residence is located in Auburn Bay. Kindergarten programs at Calgary Board of Education public schools are half-day and offered either in the morning or afternoon, with hours varying from school to school.  See some great Auburn Bay Homes for Sale.

Prince of Peace School

Prince of Peace School is the Calgary Catholic School District school for Auburn Bay. It serves students from Kindergarten through Grade 9. For students graduating from ninth grade, the defined boundary area, the high school for Prince of Peace, is All Saints High School. Prince of Peace opened in September 2016 and has capacity for 900 students. For students in grades, one to nine, the school day at Prince of Peace begins at 8:50 am and ends at 3:20 pm. For Prince of Peace elementary students, there is a break for recess and lunch. In contrast, junior high students are given a nutrition break after the second period and lunch after the fourth period.

Most students can work effectively in achieving their potential within the regular classroom; however, some require additional supports. For students attending Prince of Peace that have diverse learning needs, the school offers a diverse learning teacher who provides supports to assist in programming for students who require them. Diverse learning teachers work in collaboration with classroom teachers to help to identify and support students with diverse needs. In situations where students need additional academic intervention and/or therapy services, the school helps to facilitate. For students transferring from another school, the diverse learning teacher also works with teachers from other schools to support successful transition planning.

Along with the standard curriculum, students at Prince of Peace have a variety of clubs and options to choose from. Optional course selection for junior high students includes programs such as drama, art, French, music, computer science, leadership, esthetics, legal studies, photography, fashion, and design, brain science, movies and film and outdoor pursuits. Clubs available to students include: 

•      Yarn Club Grade 3 – 9
•      Prayer Pals – Open to all students.
•      NFL Club – Open to all students.
•      Chess Club
•      Art Club – Grade 5 – 6

Prince of Peace Catholic school also has a wide range of sports teams for students to join. The Prince of Peace team name is the Spartans, a name that symbolizes strength, resiliency in overcoming any obstacle and defending the schools’ values as “Protectors of Peace.” Teams available to students include cross country running, volleyball, basketball, badminton, flag football and track and field.

For children in Kindergarten, Prince of Peace offers options of either morning or afternoon programming within a faith-based learning environment. Registration is ongoing throughout the school year. To be registered, children must turn five years on or before December 31 and parents may preregister your child after their first birthday.  See some great Auburn Bay Homes for Sale.

Auburn Bay Catholic School

Construction for a new Calgary Catholic School is currently underway in Auburn Bay. The new Auburn Bay Catholic School with serve students from Kindergarten to Grade 6 and have a capacity for 600 students. The new school is scheduled to be open in Fall 2020 for the new school year.

Sheelagh Olson has been chosen as principal for the new Auburn Bay Catholic school. Sheelagh has been a part of the Calgary Catholic School District for over thirty years and is currently in her eleventh year as principal. During her career with Calgary Catholic School District, Sheelagh has had the opportunity to teach in elementary and junior high, as well as special education.

If you are looking to make a move to four-season lakeside living with your family, Auburn Bay is a great neighbourhood to consider adding to your list.

Need the help of an expert? An excellent real estate agent can help ensure that you’re ticking all the boxes like access to the right schools that suit your child. Our team at the Elite Home Real Estate is always available to answer any questions you may have and help you navigate the entire process of finding the perfect neighbourhood and home for your family.  Contact us today!

More Auburn Bay Real Estate Information can be found at:

Auburn Bay Homes for Sale

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Fitness/Moving in Mahogany 

Staying healthy and active shouldn’t have to be another stressful item on your to-do list that requires you to drive you or your family halfway across town. It should be something that you can easily fit into your routine and maybe even be fun!

One of the best parts of life in Mahogany is that when it comes to different ways to keep active, there’s no shortage of options. At some point in your life, you’ve probably experienced a lousy fitness fit, whether it was the class, the distance or you didn’t have the right gear. It just didn’t work. With all the choices in Mahogany, we’re confident you’ll find the one that’s just right.

So whether you’re new to the area, thinking about buying a home or just looking for something new, we’ve put together a list of great places you can break a sweat in Mahogany. All without having to leave the neighbourhood!

CORE Spin Club Mahogany

Located in the Mahogany Village Market, CORE Spin Club is run by a husband and wife team with over 20 years in the fitness training industry and a passion for creating a supportive, fit and healthy community. With a combination of spin, HIIT, barre and yoga classes that are both challenging and fun, you’re bound to find the right one for you. CORE Spin Club’s HIIT classes include the one of a kind SkillMill, a treadmill powered by you, not a motor. Combine this with the full circuit functional training, and you’re bound to leave the studio sweaty, smiling, and feeling muscles you didn’t know you had!  Are you interested in Mahogany as a place to live and want to see some homes in Mahogany?

MODE Fitness Studio

If your looking for a fitness studio that offers lively and engaging but never intimidating classes, then MODE Fitness Studio might be just what you’re looking for. Located in the Mahogany Village Centre, MODE Fitness offers spin, yoga and barre classes. New members can sign up for one month unlimited at a discounted rate so you can try each type of class to find the right “mode”. Membership also includes shoe, mat and towel rental, so if you don’t have the right gear, they have you covered. For even more incentive, MODE also offers special member pricing for residents of Mahogany’s Westman Village. For anyone who needs every ounce of motivation, there is even heated underground parking available so you have absolutely no excuse not to go.

Mahogany Beach Club

If boutique fitness studios aren’t really your thing, and you like to keep things simple, look no further than the Mahogany Beach Club. The club is located right in the middle of the Mahogany, so no matter what area you’re in, you’ll be so close you can walk, bike or even longboard over. The Mahogany Beach Club is available for all members of the Mahogany homeowners association. It has a wide range of activities and equipment. From weekly classes to gym equipment to recreational sports for the kids or the whole family.

All weekly classes take place in the Main Beach Club or West Beach. All instructors are well-trained and certified in their specialty. All of the programs offered by the Mahogany Beach Club offer a no-pressure environment so you can feel safe returning to your favourite class or trying one out for the first time.

If all you really want to do is to play a little shinny with friends or family, you can pop over to the Mahogany homeowners association outdoor rink for a bit of hockey or a fun family skate. The outdoor rink is located right beside the Mahogany Beach Club for easy access.  There are many great homes for sale in Mahogany that could put you right into this great community!

Black Belt Jung’s Taekwondo

Black Belt Jung’s Taekwondo offers martial arts classes for all ages and is perfect for those looking for something with a little more edge or an activity the whole family can do. It even has classes you can do as a family. Master Jung’s Taekwondo is also excellent for anyone with a busy schedule. They offer flexible class times that accommodate any schedule, which means you don’t have to commit to attending the same class on the same day and time each week.

With over 25 years of Taekwondo experience, Master Jung’s Taekwondo will help every student get the most out of each and every class. Taekwondo is great for improving flexibility, strength and endurance, all while having fun and learning valuable life skills that will carry over to other aspects of your life.

Oxygen Yoga and Fitness

Maybe all that sounds a little too high energy or hectic, when what you really want to do is get in some movement while finding a sense of calm. Oxygen Yoga and Fitness offers a mix of 60-minute yoga and fusion fitness classes. So while you can have the option of an intense cardio or core workout, you can also balance it with deep breathing and relaxation. Classes at Oxygen Yoga and Fitness allow you to step outside of your daily chaos and into a heated, darkened candle-lit studio so you can focus on you. Oxygen Yoga and Fitness uses state of the art FAR Infrared technology to help heat you up from the inside out and allowing the air in the room to remain warm but comfortable. At the same time, they pump-in and circulate fresh oxygen, so you to breathe comfortably all through your class.

If all else fails and classes, studios and gyms aren’t your thing, a daily walk around the beautiful Mahogany lake is sure to wash away the stress of any day. Leaving you refreshed and recharged and ready to take it all on again tomorrow.

So if you’re ready to get moving in this beautiful and vibrant lakeside community of Mahogany, contact us to find your dream home in Mahogany that fits your lifestyle.

We’re here to help YOU!

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