Accessible Fun Just Outside Calgary
If you’re near Calgary and craving a paddleboarding adventure that won’t break your back getting to the water, Chestermere Lake is a fantastic spot to check out. It has a surprisingly accessible setup that makes it a great choice for folks dealing with mobility challenges — or anyone who just appreciates easy access.
Parking & Access at Sunset Beach
One of the biggest perks here is the close parking. When you’re carrying paddleboards, gear, or maybe even on crutches (hello, me), having a short walk to the water is a lifesaver. Bonus: there are a few different spots where you can launch, giving you options depending on how the wind or crowds are. Read about that down below.
The Launch & The Hill at Sunset Beach
Yes, there’s a hill to get down to the water. It’s manageable, though, and I managed just fine on crutches. You’ll also find stairs at the launch, which make it easier to get on and off your board without slipping or falling over.
Nature & Wildlife
If you love birds (hi Matt), this is your spot. There are plenty of ducks, so don’t be surprised if you’re sharing your space with some feathered friends. Sometimes you can even catch glimpses of fish in the water — I swear they’re there if you squint hard enough! One touched my foot one time, didn’t love that..
Safety First
Always <gear up> before heading out — whistle, life jacket, water bottle, and any other safety essentials you need. Don’t skip it, it matters. When you’re done: Rinse your board. Its just not about keeping it clean – It stops invasives species from hitching a ride and helps your board last longer. The future will thank you.
The Cop Story
Here’s a funny one: I once got “pulled over” while paddling! No, not for speeding on the water, but because a cop wanted to chat. At first, we didn’t realize they were talking to us, so we just kept paddling away. When we finally figured it out, I was balancing like crazy to stop mid-paddle without tipping over. We all ended up laughing—especially the cop, who was super friendly. Definitely one of my most memorable paddling adventures!
Nearby Amenities
There’s a local restaurant with a nice view — I haven’t been there yet, but it’s on my bucket list. You’ll also find a few shops close by, along with Tim Hortons, A&W, and other fast-food joints. Plus, there’s a grocery store just a short distance away, making it easy to grab what you need before or after your paddling session. The lake itself has boaters too, but don’t worry — they have to slow down in certain areas to keep paddlers like us safe and dry.
A Little Challenge
There’s a low bridge you’ve got to go under, which means if you’re standing, maneuver to sitting to get through. Some people love it, as it adds to the adventure vibes. Others? Hard pass. If its not your thing, no worries – the lake is big enough you can completely just stay on one side.
And if you skip it – i believe its just water under the bridge 🤔
Final Thoughts
Chestermere Lake is a gem for accessible outdoor fun. Whether you want to paddle, watch nature, or just soak up the calm, it’s a spot worth visiting. Easy parking, helpful launch spots, friendly locals, and a beautiful lake just outside the city — what more could you want?
As mentioned above, there are four public access points to the lake: The Cove, Anniversary Park, Sunset Beach, and John Peake Memorial Park. All four locations have accessible water entry points.
The Cove has a natural beach entrance, perfect for an easy walk-in.
Anniversary Park features gradual steps leading into the water, with more space between steps than traditional stairs. It also has a dedicated boat launch that’s closed to motorized boats, making it a safe and relaxed spot for paddle boarding or kayaking.
Sunset Beach offers steps into the water as well as two floating docks, making it easy to launch paddle boards or simply wade in gradually.
John Peake Memorial Park includes a floating dock with a dedicated kayak launch and is the main boat launch area, with two ramps nearby. Swimming isn’t permitted here, but it’s perfect for launching boats and kayaks.
NeuroExplorer 