Auburn Bay Calgary: A Complete Guide to Lake Living in the Southeast

If lake living in the city sounds like a dream, Auburn Bay in Calgary makes it real. Framed by a 43‑acre freshwater lake and a sandy beach club, this master‑planned community delivers a four‑season lifestyle with skating in winter, paddling in summer, and community events all year long. Add in walkable access to Seton’s massive retail hub, the South Health Campus, new schools, and quick connections via Stoney Trail and Deerfoot Trail, and it is easy to see why Auburn Bay is one of Calgary’s most popular southeast neighbourhoods.

Whether you are house hunting, moving across the city, or curious about what sets Auburn Bay apart, this guide covers everything from amenities and real estate to schools, transit, and insider tips from a local’s perspective.

Where Is Auburn Bay and Why It Matters

Auburn Bay sits in southeast Calgary, east of Deerfoot Trail and south of Stoney Trail, bordered by the neighbourhoods of Seton, Mahogany, and Cranston. The community design is built around a central 43‑acre lake and Auburn House, a resident‑only beach club and recreation facility. Within a 5 to 10 minute drive you will find:

South Health Campus and specialty clinics
Seton Urban District shopping, restaurants, Cineplex VIP, YMCA at Seton
Calgary Public Library – Seton
Access to Stoney Trail for fast cross‑city travel

For commuters, Deerfoot Trail connects north toward downtown, while Stoney Trail links to all quadrants, including Calgary International Airport.

The Lake Lifestyle: Auburn House and Four‑Season Recreation

The heart of Auburn Bay is the private Auburn Bay Residents Association lake and park, anchored by Auburn House. Access is limited to residents and their guests, which keeps facilities in great shape and crowd levels pleasant.

Summer at the Lake

Sandy beach with supervised swim areas
Canoes, kayaks, stand‑up paddleboards available for residents
Beach volleyball courts and picnic lawns
Fishing for stocked trout and perch during designated seasons

Winter at the Lake

Outdoor skating on the lake with cleared loops and hockey rinks
Toboggan hills and firepits
Winter festivals and themed events
Cozy clubhouse with changing facilities and community programming

Auburn Bay’s lake life is a major quality of life boost for families and outdoor lovers who want resort‑style recreation without leaving Calgary.

Parks, Pathways, and Pet‑Friendly Spots

Auburn Bay is laced with pathways, pocket parks, and naturalized wetlands that connect to the Bow River pathway system via the Rotary/Mattamy Greenway. You can easily walk or bike into Seton for coffee, the YMCA, or an evening movie.

Off‑leash dog parks: Several fenced off‑leash areas and shared-use green spaces make the community popular with pet owners.
Playgrounds: Modern play structures are scattered across the community, with larger destination playgrounds near the lake and schools.

Real Estate in Auburn Bay: Home Styles and Market Snapshot

Auburn Bay was developed by Brookfield Residential with a cohesive “cottage country” architectural theme. Expect front porches, gabled roofs, and charming details across a wide range of housing.

Home Types

Condos and apartments: Near Seton and along Auburn Bay Avenue SE, ideal for first-time buyers and downsizers
Townhomes: Lane homes and row housing with low maintenance for busy lifestyles
Laned homes: Detached houses with rear garages and inviting front porches
Front‑drive homes: Larger lots and garages for growing families
Estate homes and lake access properties: Premium homes including lakefront and dock‑access lots

Prices vary by location, size, and proximity to the lake. Lake‑access and lakefront properties command a premium, while condos near Seton provide more entry‑level options. Many homes include thoughtful upgrades like mudrooms, bonus rooms, and flex spaces designed for modern living.

Schools in Auburn Bay and Nearby

Families have multiple schooling options in and around the community. Always verify current designations with the Calgary Board of Education (CBE) and Calgary Catholic School District (CCSD).

Auburn Bay School (CBE): K–4, right in the neighbourhood
Lakeshore School (CBE): Grades 5–9, opened to serve Auburn Bay and Mahogany
Divine Mercy School (CCSD): K–6, located in Mahogany
Joane Cardinal-Schubert High School (CBE): Grades 10–12, in Seton
Other nearby middle and high schools serve both public and Catholic students depending on designation

Preschools, daycares, and after‑school programs are plentiful throughout Auburn Bay and Seton.

Healthcare, Fitness, and Everyday Essentials

Auburn Bay residents enjoy unmatched access to South Health Campus, one of Calgary’s most advanced hospitals, along with walk‑in clinics, dentists, physiotherapy, optometry, and specialist services in Seton.

YMCA at Seton: One of the city’s newest recreation centres with aquatics, fitness, ice rinks, and a library branch
Retail and services: Seton Urban District includes Superstore, Save-On-Foods, Shoppers Drug Mart, Dollarama, pet stores, banks, and coffee shops
Dining: Everything from quick casual to trendy sit-down restaurants, plus pubs and patios

The ability to live lakeside and still walk to modern amenities is a standout feature of Auburn Bay Calgary.

Getting Around: Transit, Driving, and Future Green Line

By Car

Stoney Trail wraps the area for fast access to southeast industrial hubs, the airport, and west-side communities
Deerfoot Trail provides a quick route toward downtown, especially off-peak

By Transit

Multiple bus routes run along Auburn Bay Boulevard and Auburn Bay Avenue into Seton and beyond
Bus Rapid Transit (MAX routes) connect to key transfer points

Green Line LRT

The future Green Line is planned to run north–south through southeast Calgary. Auburn Bay residents will be close to a proposed Seton station, further improving transit access.

Community Spirit and Events

Auburn Bay is known for its active homeowners association and community‑driven spirit. Expect:

Lake festivals in summer with live music and family activities
Winter ice events and holiday lights
Community clean-ups, food truck rallies, and dog‑friendly gatherings
A strong volunteer base and social media groups that keep residents connected

Nearby Mahogany, Cranston, and Seton also host regular markets and events, adding even more to your social calendar.

Restaurants, Coffee, and Shopping: Local Favourites

You do not need to leave the neighbourhood to enjoy a great meal or coffee.

Seton Urban District: State & Main, Starbelly, The Tommyfield, L’OCA Quality Market, Vin Room, Jerusalem Shawarma, UNA Pizza, brewpubs, and cafés
Auburn Station: Local conveniences including Co-op, Tim Hortons, Browns Socialhouse, and services
Mahogany Village: An easy hop for more restaurants, bakeries, and wine bars

Whether you are meeting friends after a lake day or grabbing groceries on the way home, Auburn Bay makes it easy.

Pros and Cons of Auburn Bay Calgary

Pros

Private lake access with year-round recreation
Walkable amenities in Seton, including hospital, library, and YMCA
Family‑friendly design with schools, parks, and pathways
Strong resale appeal thanks to community planning and amenities

Cons

Lake fees: Annual residents association fees apply to maintain facilities
Peak‑hour traffic: Deerfoot and Stoney can be busy; plan commute timing
Popular events: The lake and community can be busy on sunny weekends, so arrive early

Insider Tips for New and Prospective Residents

Buy the annual lake pass early if you are a new homeowner to ensure full access for the season
Book lake facilities ahead for birthday parties and private events at Auburn House
Time your commute using traffic apps to find the best Deerfoot or Stoney routes
Explore off‑peak: Early morning paddles and evening skates are peaceful and beautiful
Cycle the reservoir loops: Connect through Cranston and Fish Creek for long scenic rides

How Auburn Bay Compares to Nearby Communities

Mahogany: Similar lake concept with a larger central lake and urban village. Auburn Bay is closer to South Health Campus and offers an earlier-established housing stock.
Cranston: Larger and established, with ridge and river access. Auburn Bay has the private lake advantage.
Seton: Urban district with apartments and townhomes focused on retail and employment. Auburn Bay provides a quieter lakeside residential feel.

If you love the idea of adjacent districts for dining and entertainment, Auburn Bay’s placement next to Seton is a major perk.

Is Auburn Bay Calgary Right for You?

If you are seeking a Calgary community where you can kayak at sunrise, skate under holiday lights, and still walk to dinner and a movie, Auburn Bay should top your list. The blend of a private lake, modern amenities, schools, and quick hospital access makes it especially appealing to families, health professionals, and anyone who values an active lifestyle.

From starter condos to lakefront estates, Auburn Bay offers homes for every stage of life, all wrapped in a setting that feels like a year-round resort.

Start Your Auburn Bay Journey

Ready to experience Auburn Bay Calgary for yourself? Plan a weekend stroll around the lake paths, explore Seton’s restaurants, and peek into Auburn House to see what is on the calendar. Talk to residents, visit showhomes, and picture summers on the sand and winters on the ice. Lake living within city limits is not just a tagline here. It is a lifestyle you can truly live.

If you would like more neighbourhood guides like this or need help narrowing down southeast Calgary communities, reach out and we will point you in the right direction. Your Calgary lake life can start in Auburn Bay.