Lake Bonavista is located in Calgary’s Southeast quadrant. Anderson Road is to the north of the neighbourhood along with Macleod Trail to the west and Canyon Meadows Drive to the south. Bonavista Downs is located in the northeast corner of the neighbourhood. It is centrally located which makes it appealing to many of the residents and future buyers.
Development of the community began in 1967. It was the first neighbourhood in Canada that was built around a manmade lake and was the model for other lake communities in Calgary.
Lake Bonavista ranked 8th overall in Avenue Calgary’s 2019 Best Neighbourhoods and 13th overall in 2020. The neighbourhood received 92 public recreation facility access points and 91 restaurant access points.
The area consists mainly of single family dwellings. In 2019, the neighbourhood’s population was 10,293, a slight decrease to 2016 when the population was 10,520. The estate homes are some of the city’s most sought-after pieces of real estate. The main age group was individuals between 15-64 years old. 48% of the population were couples with children which made up the majority.
Lake Bonavista is close to many amenities and offers a variety of activities within the neighbourhood itself. Fish Creek Provincial Park borders the south side of the community as well making it easy for runners and bikers to get out in nature and enjoy the views.
The community is close to Calgary Transit, too! Three different bus routes serve the area.
Route 29 to the north, Route 35 in the middle, and Route 81 in the south. The Canyon Meadows CTrain Station serves as the closest station to Lake Bonavista. The transit accessibility makes the community a desirable spot.
Shopping and Restaurants
Lake Bonavista Promenade is a commercial development within Lake Bonavista that is home to retail shops as well as professional offices. It has provided a family friendly shopping experience for over thirty years. Different events occur here including workshops, fundraisers, special holiday events, and more.
The promenade is home to Bonavista Flowers, Momms Premium Pet Foods, Bravin Jewellers, Pawsitively Purrfect Pet Spa, and many other local businesses. A grocery store, barber shop, and medical offices are also located in the promenade.
Convenient access to shopping along Macleod Trail and Southcentre Mall makes it easy for residents to head out and get what they need when they need it.
Avenida Village shopping centre is close to Lake Bonavista as well and offers retail and professional offices.
Canyon Meadows Cinema is a great destination for family nights, groups, and more. It is nice to watch the newest movies at a lower price with some classic movie snacks.
There are a variety of restaurants to try in the community as well including Oriental Grill Vietnamese Cuisine, The Lake House, Brewsters Lake Bonavista, and a variety of other cuisines to fit anyone’s taste!
Community Centre
The Lake Bonavista Community Association owns a community centre. The centre includes two ice rinks, a gym, and various multipurpose rooms. Art classes, sports programs, drop-in classes, and a community garden are part of the Community Association’s offerings. Facilities can be booked for birthday parties and other private events.
The association also created the successful initiative called Canskate. The program utilizes the skating rinks and offers lessons to the community’s youth.
The Frank McCool Arena owned by the City of Calgary, is also within the community. The arena hosts minor and adult ice sports leagues. The Frank McCool Athletic park, which is adjacent to the arena, has two soccer fields and two athletic fields.
The Good Food Box program is a Community Kitchen Program that enables people to purchase fresh fruit and vegetables for less. Everyone is welcome to utilize the program and place an order. Orders are delivered once a month to the Lake Bonavista Community Association.
Lake
Residents can enjoy their own exclusive open-water oasis. Lake Bonavista’s 52 acre manmade lake was constructed in 1968. It is one of the largest mandmade lakes in Calgary. A 65-foot waterfall adjacent to the lake was constructed as well. The lake and park can be used year-round and provide various recreational opportunities for residents. Activities include fishing and ice fishing, swimming, boating, tennis, skating, and sledding.
Lake Bonavista Homeowners Association is a non-profit organization run by a volunteer Board of Directors. These volunteers are in charge of the operation and maintenance of the Lake and Park through Park Superintendent and staff.
Various events and programs are held on Lake property including social meetings for seniors, scavenger hunts, and other holiday events. Members can host private indoor and outdoor events on the property as well. The lake property is often used as the backdrop for graduation, family, and wedding photos.
Lake Bonaventure is also in the community. The 35-acre lake is only available to residents in the houses built around it.
Schools and Churches
The various schools in the neighbourhood make it one a sought after destination for families. The community is home to three public elementary schools, a Catholic elementary school, a public junior high, and a Catholic junior high.
There are four different churches located throughout the community as well.
Miscellaneous Amenities
LakeSide Spa – The spa offers various massages such as hot stone, lymphatic drainage, prenatal and more. They also offer other services like waxing, facials, and eyebrow treatments. The spa is a great place to relax and invest in your well-being.
Yoga-Haven – The moment anyone enters the studio, they know they’re in for a unique experience. Dedicated and qualified instructors ensure a positive class. The studio offers classes at various levels so everyone is welcome!
Beads and Plenty More – This craft store offers everything needed to create one of a kind jewellery pieces. They also offer design classes where all materials are included. Just register and show up! It’s a great way to meet new people.
Lake Bonavista offers something for everyone in every stage of life. Head down south to see for yourself what the neighbourhood can do for you!
Reborn Renovations is an award winning home renovation company located in Calgary, providing interior and exterior renovations as well as home additions. Proudly serving Calgary, Airdrie, Okotoks, and Cochrane.
Miscellaneous Amenities
LakeSide Spa – The spa offers various massages such as hot stone, lymphatic drainage, prenatal and more. They also offer other services like waxing, facials, and eyebrow treatments. The spa is a great place to relax and invest in your well-being.
Past Projects
Some of the past home renovation projects Reborn Renovations has completed in Lake Bonavista
Sources:
Photo from: Peter Yim, https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/111008322710113959014
Contributed to Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/1mrQD4DF64XYX4Pq6