Get outside but practise physical distancing. Interact with nature but don't travel.

As Calgarians get used to the rules for weathering the COVID-19 pandemic, the city's lake communities are making sure residents can safely enjoy their abundance of unique water amenities.

A devastating hailstorm ripped through parts of Calgary on Saturday, shredding siding, breaking windows, pummeling vehicles and flooding streets.

For a 19-year-old just starting his career, Dana Murzyn's decision to buy his first house in the picture-perfect town of Farmington, Connecticut, 10 miles west of Hartford, seemed like nothing more than a logical step.

Southwest Calgary born and raised, Mike Vernon knows his way in and around this city the way he knows his way around a game-, series- and title-saving overtime glove save off Stan Smyl.

Three decades ago, the small, acrobatic goaltender morphed into an authentic hometown hero when he helped deliver a Stanley Cup championship to the Calgary Flames.

Tucked away just five minutes north of Airdrie and less than half an hour away from Calgary, the hamlet of Crossfield offers the best of small-town living, plus quick and easy access to the rich amenities of two vibrant cities.

It's a fact that wasn't lost on Creation Communities, a developer and homebuilder with a knack for identifying small, well-located towns that offer a connected, vibrant and affordable lifestyle.

After an unusual spring spent mostly cooped up inside, summer's onset promises brighter days.

Summer is also a great time to notice the areas around the home that are especially in need of a refresh. This is where Alykhan Velji, principal at Alykhan Velji Designs, is focused for summer 2020.

What a difference three months makes.

Restrictions in place to slow the spread of COVID-19 have altered almost all standard practices, including real estate transactions. So, if you're buying or selling a home, things look a little bit different.

For many Calgarians, the idea of living beside a lake is extremely appealing. Thankfully, Calgary is home to several lake communities, and each has its own unique character and mix of amenities.

For those thinking about buying their own lakefront oasis, here's a look at each of Calgary's established lake communities to help you find the one that's right for you:

The communities of Upper and Lower Mount Royal have long been home to an eclectic mix of everything Calgary's real estate scene has to offer.