7 Best Things to Do in Chestermere This Summer

Summer in Chestermere brings the lake to life. This post covers seven standout activities — from waterfront adventures to local dining spots — that make the most of the season. Whether you're a resident looking to shake up your weekend routine or visiting from Calgary for a day trip, these recommendations deliver real experiences worth your time.

What's the Main Draw in Chestermere During Summer?

Chestermere Lake dominates summer life here. It's not just a pretty backdrop — it's where the action happens.

The lake itself spans approximately 4.8 kilometers, making it one of the largest recreational lakes in the Calgary region. On any given July afternoon, you'll spot sailboats cutting across the water, paddleboarders gliding near the shoreline, and families splashing at Anniversary Park Beach. The City of Chestermere maintains several public beach areas with swim docks, sand volleyball courts, and shaded picnic spots.

Here's the thing — the lake isn't merely for looking at. Chestermere Water Sports operates a full-service marina offering boat rentals, wakeboarding lessons, and jet ski tours. You don't need to own a boat to get out there. For something quieter, kayaks and canoes slip through the calm morning waters before the afternoon wind picks up. The Chestermere Lake Regatta (typically held in August) draws competitive sailors from across Alberta — worth checking the schedule if you're planning a visit.

Water quality gets monitored weekly during swim season. The beach at Anniversary Park posts current conditions, so check before you pack the towels.

Where Should You Eat After a Day on the Water?

The Waterfront Park area clusters several standout dining options within walking distance of the lake.

Cibo Bistro sits right on the water with a patio that fills fast on summer evenings. Their wood-fired pizzas and local craft beer selection (including options from Wild Rose Brewery and Village Brewery) hit the spot after hours in the sun. The fish and chips — made with Alberta-raised trout — deserve attention.

For something more casual, the Chestermere Station Food Market brings together multiple vendors under one roof. Grab tacos from Los Chilitos, swing by the ice cream counter, and eat at the communal tables outside. It's faster, cheaper, and the kids can run around while adults finish their meals.

That said, don't overlook the food trucks that rotate through John Peake Park on Thursday evenings during the summer market series. The lineup changes weekly, but you'll usually find at least one burger specialist, a wood-fired pizza operation, and something sweet. Bring cash — not every vendor takes cards.

What About Events and Community Gatherings?

Chestermere packs its summer calendar with events that actually draw locals, not just tourists.

Lakeside Festival (early July) transforms the waterfront into a carnival grounds with midway rides, live music stages, and a fireworks display that rivals Calgary's Stampede offerings. The catch? Parking gets brutal by 6 PM. Arrive early or bike in using the pathway system.

Thursday night markets at John Peake Park run from June through August. Local vendors sell everything from fresh produce (much of it from nearby farms in Rocky View County) to handmade jewelry and woodwork. It's less crowded than Calgary's larger markets, which means you can actually talk to the producers.

The city also hosts free outdoor movie nights at Anniversary Park — family-friendly films projected onto a large screen as the sun drops. Bring blankets, bug spray (the mosquitoes near the water don't mess around), and snacks.

Are There Good Trails for Walking and Biking?

The pathway network circles the entire lake and extends into surrounding neighborhoods.

The main loop — about 10 kilometers if you go all the way around — stays flat and paved throughout. You'll share it with cyclists, dog walkers, and parents pushing strollers. Morning runners appreciate that the east side stays shaded until mid-morning. Cyclists should watch for the boardwalk sections near the marina; they get slippery when wet.

Off the main loop, the canal trail heads southwest toward Calgary. It connects eventually to the Bow River pathway system — serious cyclists can ride all the way to downtown Calgary (about 25 kilometers) without touching a road. The surface switches between paved and gravel, so road bikes aren't ideal unless you're comfortable on hardpack.

Worth noting: the pathways get crowded on long weekends. If you want solitude, start before 8 AM or stick to weekday evenings.

Can You Camp Near Chestermere?

Not in Chestermere itself — it's a bedroom community without campgrounds inside city limits. But options sit close enough.

Southeast Provincial Recreation Area lies about 20 minutes east on Highway 1. The campgrounds there (like Gooseberry and Spruce Coulee) offer basic sites with fire pits and vault toilets. Reservations open months in advance for peak summer dates — don't expect to just roll up and find a spot in July.

For RV travelers, the Calgary West Campground (technically in the city but closer to Chestermere than downtown Calgary) provides full hookups, showers, and a pool. It's about 15 minutes from the lake.

That said, many visitors simply day-trip from Calgary. The drive takes 20–30 minutes depending on traffic on Highway 1. If you're staying overnight without camping gear, the Hampton Inn by Hilton Calgary-Southeast puts you 10 minutes from the lake with standard chain reliability.

What About Golf?

Two courses serve the area — one right in town, one a short drive out.

Lakeside Golf Club sits on the southern shore of Chestermere Lake. The 18-hole championship course weaves around wetlands and offers genuine lake views on several holes. It's not cheap (expect to pay around $100–$130 for a prime-time summer tee time), but the conditioning justifies the price. The par-3 15th hole forces a carry over water — intimidating for higher handicaps, memorable for everyone.

Just east of town, Cottonwood Golf & Country Club operates a semi-private track with a more relaxed vibe. Guests can book tee times, though members get priority on weekend mornings. The layout trades Lakeside's water views for rolling terrain and mature trees. It's quieter — some prefer it for that reason alone.

Both courses offer twilight rates that drop significantly after 4 PM. In summer, that still gives you four-plus hours of daylight to finish.

Is Chestermere Family-Friendly for Young Kids?

Very — though the lake remains the primary attraction for the under-10 crowd.

Anniversary Park Beach features a dedicated swim area with a floating dock kids love jumping from. The sand gets groomed regularly, and the gradual slope into the water means toddlers can splash safely while parents watch from beach chairs. Lifeguards staff the main beach during posted hours in July and August.

Besides the water, the spray park at John Peake Park opens when temperatures climb. It's free, centrally located, and drains well — no murky puddles lingering for days. The adjacent playground suits younger children with low structures and rubberized surfacing.

For rainy days (they happen, even in Alberta summers), the Chestermere Public Library runs summer programming including story times and craft sessions. The nearby Genesis Place Recreation Centre in Airdrie — about 15 minutes north — offers indoor pools and climbing walls if you need to burn energy when the weather turns.

The real magic for families? The pace. Chestermere moves slower than Calgary. Kids can bike to the corner store. Neighbors actually know each other. It's the kind of place where a summer evening means walking to the lake with a picnic dinner and watching the sunset paint the water orange and pink. Simple stuff. The good stuff.