There's a pretty good pond in Nosehill park, towards the south side by the gravel pit. It's a total dog pool but might be very shallow this year because of the drought. It's usually about four acres big and about four feet deep...kind of perfect for dogs.
In the mountains, Elbow lake is the classic but crowded. Rae lake has the same start but at 8 kms, weeds out the gawkers. Tombstone Lake also has the same start and is really great. Just treat them as treasures when you leave. I've got some secret spots in that area as well if you want to message me.
Instead of Watridge, do Rummel Lake and the tarns beyond. Or for an easier approach, Burstall lakes at the Burstall parking lot. Across the road, Chester is too crowded and too pretty. Headwall lake is kind of hard to get to since the floods. Or if you're keen on the Watridge start, do Marushka lake and Kristin Tarns beyond. Or Tryst lake. It's small an quiet and has a good snow patch behind.
Closer to Calgary is Twin lakes and all those cool little lakes at the base of Yamnuska. It's an hour drive and a ten minute flat hike to the first of many lakes. Or if you're out near Turner Valley Whiskey Lake is pretty easy to get to and usually has no one there.
It's generally my mission to find water and snow for my dog friend in the summer. The best spots are off the maps and usually just seasonal tarns or shady glaciers with no one around. Haven't found anything east of the city yet.
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