Canmore's sizzling real estate market is about to get a welcome influx of new product for interested homebuyers.

Two new proposed phases of the 600-acre Silvertip resort development, perched atop the slopes to the east of the TransCanada Highway, will include more than 100 luxury tourist homes.

More than a year after it began, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spark increased interest in Alberta's recreational property market, as homebuyers seek an escape from congested cities.

Long-term remote work, which has been a reality for many Albertans for the last 12-plus months, has also made people realize that if they can work from anywhere, why not work from a cottage, cabin or waterfront property?

With demand for mental health supports skyrocketing in Alberta during the COVID-19 pandemic, the launch of the Foothills Hospital Home Lottery couldn't come at a better time. Proceeds from this year's lottery will go towards enhancing urgent and critical mental health services in the province.

Right now, there's no way to describe Canmore's housing market other than "hot."

"I'm always hesitant to use that word because you can't paint everything with the same brush, but the statistics don't lie," said Rob Stevens of RE/MAX Alpine Realty.

It's still only October, but thanks to COVID-19 and Calgary's fickle weather, it's time to start planning for winter. After a summer full of park picnics, patio meals and backyard hangouts, the arrival of cold weather and the wet stuff will require a pivot to winter-appropriate outdoor activities. And if the rush to snag home fitness gear and bikes this spring/summer was any indication, equipment for traditional winter sports might soon be hard to find.

Here are a few ways you can stay active and social in and around Calgary this winter:

Multiple offers, steady prices and lower inventories: the 2020 summer recreational property market in Western Canada is not what you might expect in the midst of a global pandemic and economic downturn.

During the summer months, it's always nice to be able to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city for a little R and R – whether for a few weeks or only a weekend – which is why the idea of owning a vacation property is so appealing to many Calgarians.

Thankfully, there are no shortage of options here in the province for vacationers of all stripes.

There is pent-up interest in the Canmore area for homes that can be used for short-term rentals, and Spring Creek's new Tamarack lodge is poised to take advantage.

The four-storey, 80-suite condo project is one of only a few developments in the mountain town with Tourist Home permitted zoning, allowing for short-term stays (under 30 days) or permanent residency.

The Bow Collection

This grouping of eight exclusive duplex-style homes, located in the sought-after community of Three Sisters, sits adjacent to the Stewart Creek Golf Course. Wrap-around decks, double-attached garages, landscaped yards and no maintenance fees make these homes extremely desirable. Prices start at just under $1 million.