Learn how to avoid these mistakes and sell your home faster with our expert tips and tricks.

1. Choosing the wrong real estate agent

Hiring a real estate agent might seem like an unnecessary expense. But it's
not!

Choose a real estate agent who is not just someone who knows their job, but also someone you can trust to represent your best interests and look out for you the whole way.

We know how to get the most money for your property. We know how to market your home so that it attracts potential buyers who are actually interested in buying it.

We have access to tools and resources that help them make sure everything runs smoothly when selling your home.

2. They don't properly fix up the home

There are a lot of variables that might make or break the sale of your house. The state of your home's interior and exterior is frequently one of those variables. Maintaining and making repairs to your home's interior and exterior is crucial if you're considering selling it.

If you intend to undertake some of the work yourself, make sure to hire a qualified handyman or contractor to assist with any significant projects. You don't want to do anything that might end up hurting someone or damaging your property!

Verify that all appliances and electrical outlets are in good working order. If they need some TLC (or replacement). Consider investing in the new appliances prior to placing your home on the market.

3. Bad staging

Staging can significantly affect the pace and price of your sale. It doesn't have to be expensive or time-consuming.Staging your home is the process of making it look more attractive to potential buyers by ensuring that it has the right feel, flow, and aesthetic. Your goal is to make sure your home looks like a place people want to live in—not just any house that happens to be on the market

If your budget allows, you might think about hiring a professional stager who can help make your house more appealing to potential buyers by employing straightforward design techniques like positioning furniture to make the space appear larger than it is or placing fresh flowers from their garden in vases around the house.

Staging makes potential buyers feel comfortable envisioning themselves residing in your property.

4. Unrealistic timeline

There are numerous variables that can influence how long it takes to close a real estate deal. It's essential to plan ahead and ensure you have enough time between when you start and when you're ready to offer your property for sale and when it needs to sell.

Consider the time it will take to have work done on it before you put it on the market. If you aren’t mindful of these things, you can end up rushing through tasks at the last minute and overlooking crucial information.

5. Not accurately knowing the value of your home

If you're like most sellers, you undoubtedly want to sell your house for the maximum money possible. But how do you determine its value?

Several elements determine whether your home is priced appropriately, including: Location; the state of the exterior and interior; the age of the house; the size of the internal space; and any quality upgrades offered.

If you overprice your house, it will sit on the market with no interest for months. If you undervalue it, you'll send the wrong message to buyers in various ways.

And the last common mistake Home Sellers make

6.Trying to go at it alone - FSBO

Selling a house is a difficult, multi-step process that needs professional advice. Real estate transactions can be stressful and you want to receive the best price while selling it, as soon as possible.

It's crucial that you work with a representative that is familiar with the procedure and is capable of negotiating on your behalf.

We will take care of all the particulars of marketing and listing your house, making sure it appears good online, and liaising with prospective purchasers. We will assist you in locating a buyer, dealing with their offer, and finalising the transaction. We will do all of this while keeping your best interests in mind. 92% of people who try to sell it on their own, end up going with an agent anyway!

Even if you choose to sell independently, be aware that we'll be there for you
if/when things get difficult or even plain complicated.

Just know everything you require is available from us, including buyer leads.
Contact me today!

If you're looking to buy a home, you may have heard the term mortgage.

Mortgage is a loan that allows you to purchase property and pay it off over time. It requires you to pay back the loan with interest over time, with your monthly payments going towards paying off the principal and interest.

When should you get a mortgage?

There are many factors to consider when deciding whether to take on debt. The biggest factor is whether or not you can afford the monthly payments. You should also consider whether or not you have any other debts that need to be paid off first, such as credit card debt or student loans. If so, it might be better for you to focus on paying down those debts before taking on the responsibility of a mortgage.

If everything looks good and you think your finances will allow for the extra payment each month, then it's time to start looking into different loan options. There are many different types of mortgages available, including fixed rate and adjustable rate mortgages. Fixed rate mortgages are great because they stay the same throughout the duration of your loan term and don't change based on current interest rates. Adjustable rate mortgages usually start at lower rates than fixed rate options but will increase and decrease over time as interest rates rise in response to economic conditions around the world however this can vary depending on how long your mortgage has been issued for.

A bank or other lender will issue you a mortgage loan based on your income, credit score,
and other factors.

They'll want to see that you have enough income to make your monthly payments, and they will look at your credit history to get an idea of how well you've managed other loans in the past. You'll also need enough money for down payment (at least 5% of the total purchase price), on top of any fees associated with the loan.

Once approved for the loan amount and terms, your lender will give you the money to purchase your new home!

So how do you get started? How do you know if you're ready to buy?

We're here to help!

We're talking about it because we know that you've been waiting for the right time to sell your home, but maybe you haven't found it yet. The market is changing, and if you wait too long, you might not get what you want.

For many of us, selling our homes is an emotional journey. It's a time that we look back on
and reflect on the memories we've made in our homes over the years. But it's also a time to
be practical and make sure that our homes are ready for the market!
Here are 3 tips for getting your home ready for sale:

1. Make it look like a home:

When you're selling your house, it's not just about what's inside the walls—it's about how
that space makes you feel. So if you have time, consider making some small changes to
your home to make it more cozy and welcoming. If you don't have time for that, just think
about how you can arrange the furniture in each room so that it feels like a home instead of
just an empty space.

2. Focus on the details:

The little things matter when selling your house, especially if they're in good shape and look
nice! Things like paint color and window treatments are often overlooked when people are
selling their homes because they can be expensive to change out, but they make all the
difference in how much buyers will pay for your house ! If you're thinking about selling soon,
try going through your whole house (including your yard) with a fine tooth comb and making
sure everything looks its best—you'll be glad you did!

3) Make sure everything works!

Test all appliances before showing your home so buyers can
see their potential working order without having to worry about whether or not they'll need to
replace anything before moving in themselves

If you've been thinking about selling your home and are wondering when the best time to do
it is, well—now is the time.
It's not just us—there's data to back us up. The housing market has been booming for years
now, with prices steadily rising and homes selling faster than ever before. But now there are
signs that things may be cooling down a bit: The number of houses sold in September was
down from last year, according to Realtor.com. It's probably only a matter of time before
these numbers start going up again—but if you wait until then, you could miss out on all of
the benefits that come with being an early adopter!

In addition to being a good time for home buyers and sellers alike, now is a great opportunity

for sellers because it's easier than ever before for them to find qualified buyers for their properties. With our extensive network of qualified buyers, we can connect you with someone who wants exactly what you have—and won't waste any time getting it done.

Sell now before the market gets saturated!
You might be surprised at how quickly it sells!

It's a question that many people have: is it better to rent or buy a house?

The answer is different for everyone, but there are some things you should consider.
First, let's look at the obvious: when you rent, you're paying someone else's mortgage. When
you buy a house, you're paying your own mortgage—and if you buy wisely, that means that
over time, your home will become more valuable than it costs.

But, you need to think about your financial situation. If you have money saved up for a down
payment on a house and can afford the monthly payments on the mortgage and other
expenses associated with owning a home, then buying is probably your best bet. But if you
don't have enough saved up and are worried about being able to make those payments each
month, it might be better to rent until you're in a position where buying makes sense.
Another thing to consider is whether or not you plan on moving soon—if so, renting might be
better because it allows you flexibility in terms of location and price range (you can move
anywhere).

On the other hand, if you plan on staying put for a while or want more stability in
terms of location (or having neighbours), buying may be preferable because it gives you
more security than renting would provide.

There are pros and cons to both renting and buying. If you're considering buying a house, here are some things you might want to think about:

• You can live in the same place for years without having to move if you buy a house
• If you buy a house, you'll have an asset that can increase in value over time
• You can customise your home by adding features like new paint colours or a new kitchen
• floor
• If something goes wrong with your home (like a leaky roof), it's up to you to fix it
• yourself—and the costs could add up quickly!
• But there are also some things about renting that might appeal to you too:
• Renting allows you to be mobile and move around more easily—if there's something better
• in another neighbourhood or another province, then renting makes this possible for much
• less money than buying would
• You can often find furnished apartments that allow you to move right in without having to
• worry about purchasing furniture or appliances.
• Renting is better for the stable budget. When you rent, you know exactly what your monthly rent will be, so when things break or need maintenance it is usually the landlord’s responsibility. If you are in a fixed lease then the rental amount is also fixed causing less financial stress. 

Sales activity reached a new high in February, with 3,305 sales, mainly to a surge in new listings. Adjusted inventories have climbed above last month's levels as a result of the increase in new listings. With only one month's supply, the market continues to favour the seller.

"Due to a lack of supply options in the market, sales have been limited.

"While sellers responded with a record number of new listings this month, demand has been so high that the housing market remains undersupplied, causing price rises to continue," said Ann-Marie Lurie, CREB® Chief Economist.

The city's entire residential benchmark price grew by about 6% from January to February, and was over 16% higher than the same month the previous year. Much of the expansion has come from the detached market, which hasn't seen conditions this tight in over 15 years.

This is the fourth month in a row that the market has experienced much tighter conditions than those experienced in the city last spring. While the surge in new listings will provide buyers more options and eventually lead to more balanced market circumstances, working through the demand will take time.

Detached Homes in Calgary

The detached sector's months of supply has stayed below one month for the third month in a row. Prices have been under severe increasing pressure due to a lack of supply and persistently high demand. The benchmark price in February was $596,400, about $50,000 higher than prices at the end of 2021 and nearly $90,000 higher than prices in February 2021. Every district of the city has seen price increases, with year-over-year increases exceeding 20% in the North, South, and South East regions.

Sales growth has been strongest in the $600,000 to $1,000,000 price bracket after the first two months of the year, as this is where the most new listings have been added. Overall, conditions are still extremely tight across the board, with less than a month's supply for all houses priced under $1,000,000 in the first two months of the year.

Semi-Detached

The record number of new listings in February were matched by record-breaking February sales, adding to the pressure in this market segment. The months of supply fell to one, something that hasn't happened since February 2006.

Prices were pushed even higher by the continuing and unusually tight conditions. The semi-detached unadjusted benchmark price reached $461,400 in February, approximately 5% higher than previous month and 16% higher than February 2021 levels, thanks to advances in every district.

Row

Many clients were drawn to row style residences due to a lack of supply in other property types. However, after several months of high sales compared to new listings, inventory levels have trended lower than we've seen in the past at this time of year. For the first time since early 2007, the months of supply dipped below one month in February, with 537 sales and 535 units in inventory.

The prolonged sellers' market conditions resulted in significant monthly price increases in most of the city's districts. The most significant month-to-month growth happened at the city's north east, north, and west ends. Despite recent gains, prices in all districts, with the exception of the West, remain below prior highs.

Condominium Apartment

After lagging behind other property categories, sales in the apartment condominium sector soared this month, setting new highs for the month. New listings improved as well, but did not have a substantial impact on inventory levels. The months of supply in the apartment condo sector fell below two months for the first time since 2007.

This month, pricing pressure has been supported by recent tightness. However, price increases are far lower than for other property kinds, and prices are still over 14% below prior highs. While this area of the market has not faced the same supply constraints as other property types, if supply constraints persist, we may see more significant price recovery.

Calgary's Suburban Communities

Airdrie

There were a record number of new listings in February, which resulted in a record number of sales. The sales-to-new-listings ratio dipped to 75 percent, the lowest it's been since spring of last year, with 385 new listings and 289 transactions. While recent progress has resulted in a monthly improvement in inventory levels, supply remains extremely low, with months of supply below one month for the fourth month in a row.

Due to continually tight market conditions, notably in the detached and semi-detached segments, the market has seen significant price growth. In February, the unadjusted detached price was $490,800, up nearly 6% from the previous month and 22% higher than last year's prices.

Cochrane

In February, the number of new listings hit a monthly high. Sales, on the other hand, virtually matched the number of new listings, forcing inventories to drop even further and months of supply to collapse to the lowest levels ever recorded, at less than half of a month's supply. The months of supply have been below one month for the fourth month in a row, and the sellers' market conditions are putting significant upward pressure on prices, particularly for detached and semi-detached properties.

The unadjusted detached benchmark price in February was $548,400, about 7% higher than the previous month and over 21% more than the previous February. All property types have seen price increases, but apartment-style properties have continued to record prices below their 2007 highs.

Okotoks

Gains in new listings, like in other markets, aided sales in February to reach new highs. However, the increase in new listings was insufficient to make a significant difference in the low inventory scenario. With only 56 pieces in stock at the end of the month, February's inventory is the lowest it's been since 2006. Strong sales paired with low inventory prompted the months of supply to go even lower, to less than one month for the third month in a row.

Prices rose as a result of the market's continued tightness. The benchmark price for a detached home in February was $554,900, over 8% higher than last month and nearly 15% more than last February.

Check out one of our latest home tours in Lakeview, Calgary!

Another great month, we have achieved #8 for Top Individuals last month

Thanks to all of our clients who have bought and sold homes with us over the past month!

We are so excited to see some of our past clients settle into their new homes in time to enjoy the holiday season this year!

We look forward to kicking off 2022 new marketing, videos, and more! Stay tuned for walkthrough videos, neighborhood tours, real estate advice and other content on our website and social media.

If you don't already follow us, here are links to my pages:

Follow us on Facebook HERE

Follow us on Instagram HERE

Wishing everyone happy holidays and looking forward to seeing what is to come in the new year!

Calgary real estate is predicted to remain balanced in 2021, despite persistent economic pressures tied to the oil and gas industries, as well as COVID-19.  

According to Re/Max, the outlook for Calgary real estate in 2021 is a 3% increase to just over $470,000

Demand for Calgary homes is now driven by upsizing and first-time buyers, and is predicted to continue beyond 2021. These purchasers choose single-family houses.

In Calgary, first-time buyers are mainly singles or young couples seeking for single-detached houses. Due to low borrowing rates, many first-time homeowners have opted to purchase.

Calgary condos average just over $225,000. The supply of condos in Calgary is presently 7 months, and this is not projected to change in the next 1-2 years due to the significant quantity of used properties and new development. The average starting price for a luxury property in Calgary is $750,000.

Northern, Southern, and Northern/Central Western Calgary were the top areas for home sales.

It's close to the airport and downtown, whereas South Central is newer and close to the hospitals. These areas will remain popular in 2021 due to their proximity to amenities and transit. Calgary's new-home sales are slowing, and many developers are seeking for property to build on. A proposal was rejected a few months earlier owing to COVID-19 and the present economic climate. The quantity of new houses being built in Calgary is adequate to fulfil current demand, and new home prices are highly competitive.

Canadians are relocating. The re-location trend across the Canadian housing market is significant, and we expect solid national house price increases.

A persistent and widespread housing supply deficit will certainly persist, posing hurdles for purchasers and driving up costs. Moving-over purchasers from other cities and provinces will continue to drive market activity in early 2022.

Move-up purchasers will likely be a significant driver of property market demand in 2021 In 2021, 52% of Canadians say real estate will be a good investment. We anticipate the supply issue, pent-up demand, and record low loan rates will continue to fuel activity in 2021.

Coach Hill/Patterson Heights is in southwest Calgary, established in the 1970s. It is a mixed-use development with detached homes, townhouses, and flats. The region was named after the Old Banff Coach Road, which used to transport stagecoach passengers to Banff.

Patterson Heights began in the 1980s. Previously, it was mostly privately held land. Patterson Heights has two landmarks. The CFCN tower gave the region its original name, Broadcast Hill. The Crandel family operated the first brick factory in Alberta and lived in a historic brick mansion nearby. The plant located in Edworthy Park, near Brickburn Railway Station. The Patterson family, for whom the neighbourhood is named, bought the Crandel home.

The Bow Trail connects Coach Hill/Patterson Heights to downtown. The region has great views due to its height. The community facility is surrounded by greenery and has a playground, soccer fields, a baseball diamond, and an outdoor rink. Some of the popular activities at the community centre include: line dance, Celtic dancing, Tae Kwon Do and Girl Guides and Brownies. The Girl Guides help clean up the town and preserve gardens and green spaces. Coach Hill/Patterson Heights co-ordinates sports with Strathcona/Christie. Coach Hill/Patterson Heights also hosts annual activities such as a Stampede breakfast.

As a mature Neighborhood, Coach Hill continue to see new projects and developments

Even though Coach Hill Patterson Heights is a well-established neighbourhood, there are still many changes happening inside and around it, for example, Kumlin Sullivan Architecture Studio and the proprietor of 1186 Prominence Way SW want to apply for a land-use redesignation within the area for a future development.

Outdoor Activity Center & School Redesign

The community is currently converting the present Adopt-a-Rink location into a year-round outdoor activity centre. 

The Calgary Board of Education revealed in late June 2021 that the completed plan for High School Resignation is the same plan presented on June 1, 2021.

Despite strong community opposition, kids from Coach Hill and Patterson Heights will attend Bowness High School rather than Ernest Manning High School. Coach Hill and Patterson Heights used to attend EMHS, but due to overcrowding, communities were forced to relocate.

Trinity Hills/ Medicine Hill

The Paskapoo Slopes stretch 4 km west and northwest of Patterson Heights along Highway 1 to COP. 

The 260-acre parcel was sold to Trinity Development Group, and in 2015 the City Council authorised a plan to develop around 100 acres of land on the Paskapoo Slopes into a mixed-use community named Medicine Hill. Visit the Trinity Hills website for further details.

SW Ring Road

The completion of the SW portion of the ring road has improved the accessibility of this area considerably. Access South Calgary, businesses on MacLeod such as Chinook Center, and get out to Kananaskis easier than ever before!

Why Coach Hill?

If you are looking to enjoy the advantages of a mature community in West Calgary, Coach Hill is a great option with its close proximity to inner city Calgary, LRT access, and short drive time to escape out to the mountains.

Home sellers know they are competing both with the new infills in neighboring communities like Rosscarrock and Killarney, as well as the newer homes out west in communities like West Springs and Aspen woods. Homeowners in this area are well aware of this and that is why we have seen quite a few extensive rennovations featured on many of the houses we have listed here recently, in fact this might be a sweet spot for value in West Calgary that is often overlooked when consumers are faced with the marketing for newer communities further out west.

Not only do homes in Coach Hill feature larger lots than those in adjacent communities, but there is far more green space and pathways in the area than neighboring inner city communities.

Commuters will also enjoy the convenience of getting to downtown on Bow trail, which can often be a more pleasant experience than that had by those who live further North and need to cross the river to get downtown.

It goes without saying that we think this is an underrated community that should be considered by anyone looking for a home or investment property in West Calgary that is far enough away from Downtown to enjoy larger lots, but close enough to enjoy the LRT, and relatively easy access to Downtown.

We just listed a great completely modernized and renovated townhome in the neighborhood, check it out here!

If you have any other questions about this area or are looking for help buying and selling in the area, don't hesitate to get in touch with us today.

Calgary's autumn estimates are mostly unchanged, with prices expected to remain flat or increase by 1%. RE/MAX brokers in Edmonton and Calgary have witnessed this trend, where buyers are taking advantage of increased purchasing power as a result of local house affordability and lower borrowing rates.

October sales totalled 2,186, a monthly high and approximately 35% higher than long-term norms. Year-to-date sales are already 61% higher than the previous five-year average.

According to local RE/MAX agents, this is projected to continue for the remainder of 2021. This can be credited to market changes, where oil prices are reverting to 2014 levels, which corresponds to a rise in Calgary condominiums.

Re/Max recently issued its Canada 2021 Condominium Report, which examined activity in five major locations and discovered that Calgary had the strongest growth, with sales increasing by more than 80 percent year over year from January to August.

Demand for lower-priced condominiums is being driven by relative affordability: Calgary is one of the few cities in Canada where a sub-$300,000 condo unit in a desirable location is available.

Condo sales plummet because they compete with single-family detached and semi-detached homes in the $400,000 to $500,000 price range.

According to brokers, there are two types of condominium buyers. First-time homebuyers who cannot afford a single-family home but want to get into the market being the first kind, the second would be customers looking for high-end urban options in their lifestyle.

Breaking down the numbers

While new listings climbed over last year, higher sales reduced inventory levels, which were 16% lower than last year and longer-term averages for the month. Although high sales have contributed to the decline in months of supply, supply has failed to keep up with demand. The supply was little over two months in October.

Because of the tight market conditions, benchmark prices increased this month. October's benchmark price of $460,100 was slightly higher than last month's and more than 9% more than the previous October's price of $422,600.

Today we’re taking some time to showcase one of our favorite classic Calgary neighborhoods: Lakeview & North Glenmore Park!

Lakeview is a mature inner-city neighbourhood in southwest Calgary, near the north bank of Glenmore Reservoir, with magnificent views of the lake and the Elbow River Valley. Lakeview, which was annexed in 1956 and began construction in 1962, provides a diverse range of houses and many outdoor recreational activities that contribute to its unique sense of place. The Lakeview neighbourhood has a very active community association. North Glenmore and Lakeview Community Halls provide places for youth, meetings, and sports organisations, as well as wine tastings and weddings!

They are always creating new projects and activities, the most recent being programming for a Tai Chi class and a knitting class. Lakeview has an incredible feeling of community, which is felt by its proud inhabitants. With Glenmore Park, Glenmore Reservoir, Weaselhead Flats, and Heritage Park just outside your door, it's easy to understand why so many people call this neighbourhood home. With the community's Funday, winter hockey, skateboarding, soccer, and baseball, this plethora of facilities is only a taste of what Lakeview has to offer.

Old or new, big or small... whether you are looking for a move-in-ready home, to make a classic home yours with some chic decor or start fresh with a new build on an existing lot, there are a variety options in Lakeview for every budget and lifestyle! From apartment rentals, Lakeview Green townhomes, single family in Lakeview or North Glenmore Park, to Lakeview Village executive homes. Lakeview's sister community, North Glenmore borders the reservoire to the northeast and offers many of the same characteristics and lifestyle!

With several beautiful parks and reserves, Lakeview is bound to have some stunning views! You can catch beautiful twilight-lit views of the Glenmore Reservoir as you drive through the neighbourhood or take a walk through Fish Creek Park!A unique aspect about a mature neighbourhood like Lakeview that is not found in newer subdivisions is its great canopy. Huge, mature trees help create comfortable shade in the summer and create a sense of privacy within your lot. No matter where you live within Lakeview, a stunning view is to be seen!

Moving to Calgary? Upsizing or relocating? Realtor® Ron Garneau is the go-to choice for Lakeview and North Glenmore Park!

A quick walk-through Glenmore Park showcases some of the modern, luxurious properties in Lakeview Village, But did you know there are also many homes at very reasonable price points? There are still opportunities to buy in Lakeview below the 500,000 mark, as well as some very well priced condos, perfect for new families!

We’re the go-to team for Lakeview homes and properties. If you have any questions about this community and finding the right home here, we’d love to hear from you!

Ron's first priority is to make real estate transactions fun, easy, and stress free for his clients. Working in the Calgary and area makret since 2002, we would love to help you make your next move.

Lets have a look at this amazing property in one of our favourite future NW Calgary districts: Evanston

Evanston, which is situated northwest of Calgary, offers all of the facilities you'll need to take advantage of all the city has to offer. For those travelling for business or leisure, the Stoney Trail NW passes beside Evanston and provides convenient access to downtown Calgary.

Do you wish to have a relationship with nature? Nose Hill Park's wide-open spaces are nearby, and you can easily access the TransCanada Highway for a weekend getaway in the Rockies if you so choose. Because the Calgary International Airport is near by, your out-of-town friends and relatives won't have to travel far to visit you and your family.

This lovely two-story home is located on a quiet street in Evanspark Garden and has a south-facing backyard. It is available for immediate occupancy. One level of this house has a living room with fireplace, an open and light big kitchen with stainless steel appliances, a long peninsula and an adjacent breakfast nook, and a two-piece bathroom. The second level of the home includes two bedrooms and a two-piece bathroom. Located on the top level are three spacious bedrooms, the biggest of which has an attached full bathroom as well as an additional walk-in closet. In addition, the laundry room is situated on the top floor.

The options are endless when you have a partially finished basement that has been roughed in for plumbing and is simply waiting for your own finishing touches to complete it. A neutral colour scheme has been used throughout the house, and it is located on a quiet neighbourhood near to parks and recreational amenities. The fully fenced sunny south yard is a great place to relax.

There are many opportunities to interact and have fun with your family thanks to the abundance of open green areas, verandahs, pathways, and parks. The city of Evanston's many green spaces, which include playgrounds and a neighbourhood gazebo, have been designed to function as gathering places as well.

There are three schools within walking distance of the house. Currently, there are 2 available. You may easily do all of your tasks thanks to the presence of a flourishing business centre in the area. There are seven playgrounds, 16 green spaces, and a network of linked pathways and walkways spread across the parklands.

Evanston is one of the city's fastest-growing neighbourhoods, and its developers have built the area around a goal to minimise their environmental impact, provide enough options for outdoor leisure, and create innovative and diverse communities that appeal to people of all ages.

Check out the listing here!

Glenmore Reservoir Kayaking: A Great Place to Start Learning Water Sports

The Glenmore Reservoir is a great way to get out on the water for a morning or afternoon. There are three access points you can launch your kayak from: the Calgary Canoe Club, Heritage Park and Glenmore Sailing School. Bylaws include no pets allowed on boats, no inflatable boats permitted and no power motors permitted.

The majority of Calgary's drinking water comes from the Glenmore reservoir; and thus the Bylaws of the City of Calgary must be followed. Boating is only permitted between May 1 and October 31. There will be no drinking of alcoholic beverages or swimming in the reservoir. You should also consider the season; sometimes the park is closed for various reasons, so make sure you check this before embarking on your excursion. There could be an abundance of huge floating and semi-submerged debris in the reservoir, producing hazardous conditions.

Elbow River

While in past years Elbow River has been a popular destination for canoeing and kayaking, one common thing we are hearing this year is concerns of the water quality.

The Elbow River is a shallow and slow moving river that runs through, and is influenced by, a dense urban area. Water quality can be influenced by a variety of factors including heavy rainfall, agriculture, storm water discharges, groundwater and high river flows. AHS will continue working with the City of Calgary to monitor river quality.The Elbow River is a shallow and slow moving river that runs through, and is influenced by, a dense urban area. Water quality can be influenced by a variety of factors including heavy rainfall, agriculture, storm water discharges, groundwater and high river flows. AHS will continue working with the City of Calgary to monitor river quality.

For a more beginner friendly location check out some of the smaller lakes in and around the city: Lake Chestermere offers an easy accessible space that is only a few minutes outside the city to the East.

Bow River

A family-friendly rafting and tourism activity that is among Canada's most popular urban excursions is the Bow River. For a water craft, the most popular forms are rafts, tubes, kayaks, and stand-up paddle boards. The City of Calgary provides excellent river navigation information for kayakers, rafters, and tubers who are out on the Bow River in late summer and early fall. Rental businesses such as Sports Rent, AQ Outdoors, and Lazy Day Raft Rentals all provide inflatable rafts for kayakers. River users in Calgary must meet a series of criteria set by the Fire Department, and you this should definitely be an option considered for intermediate users with some experience and awareness of water safety.

Items required for full functionality are shown with an asterisk: A river-appropriate watercraft that can accommodate your group's weight capacity, with the necessary life jackets and personal flotation devices for everyone on board, a mobile phone, drinking water, and sunscreen; also, have a bailer on board to deal with water within the watercraft. One of Calgary's most famous tourist attractions, the Bow River offers a sprawling expanse of a playground for the water savvy (Did you know there is a surfing spot on the Bow?). The CN Railway that runs beside and over the river seems like a steady handrail for the walker along the beautiful path. Being able to enjoy this fun outdoor sport right on our doorstep is a blessing. One of the greatest hurdles to overcome during your event is the process of setting up and taking down your group's equipment.

One popular destination is Lazy Day Raft Rentals: They provide an affordable and easy raft delivery service with a vehicle that picks up the rafts at your launch site. You'll also see more skilled kayakers and whitewater river surfers perfect their craft on the man-made rapids. Feel the thrill of adventure with your family this summer and check out our blog about Skyline Luge for a unique family activity.

Feeling a bit more confident in your Kayaking Skills? It may be time to check out the amazing spots in the Rocky Mountains

There's unbeatable canoeing and kayaking opportunities across the province. In Banff, visit the Banff Canoe Club for rentals, advice and some fantastic paddling on the Bow River. In Jasper, stop at the historic Maligne Lake Boat House, rent a canoe, kayak or rowboat and paddle across the famous lake. In Waterton Lakes National Park, visit Blakiston & Company to get sorted out with canoe and kayak rentals.

Lake Miniwanka offers both waterfront campsites and motorised boats. Make sure to check the weather beforehand, while this spot is fairly easy to access it’s known for strong winds.

Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are small but breathtakingly beautiful, and if you go on a weekend when the parking lot is full and vehicles are parked on the road, they will waive you through to the parking lot if you have a boat on the roof.

Maligne Lake in Jasper National Park is also worth a visit. There are two backcountry campsites, one 11 kilometres and the other 21 kilometres from the boat launch. Tour boats are restricted to the centre of the lake and may only be propelled by electric engines or paddle and oar. The campsites fill up quickly, although there are a lot of cancellations. Because to the possibility of strong winds, stay close to the coast. Awe-inspiring scenery.