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 early 1980s, a new craze was sweeping across North America. Outdoor waterslides quickly became the hottest summer attraction in city after city, and Calgary was no exception.

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.

The booming U.S. Sun Belt, a drooping Canadian dollar, and a new speculation tax applied to popular B.C. vacation areas could all benefit Alberta's recreational property market this year.

Alberta vacation communities for Calgarians

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.

Here are 10 popular vacation communities within three hours of Calgary:

Owners and experts explore the ins and outs of operating a vacation rental property

The Gierke family has seen just about everything while renting out their Sylvan Lake vacation home over the past 20 years.

They've housed families, business people and youthful tenants who turned their 840 square foot cottage into a party house.

Out-of-town property market continues to evolve

Canada's recreational property market continues to transform itself, most recently the beneficiary of record-low interest rates, a new wave of retiring baby boomers and a favourable exchange rate, according to a recent survey.

The 2016 RE/MAX Recreational Property Report, which surveyed RE/MAX agents and brokers, noted the low Canadian dollar is having a positive effect on the country's recreational property markets. Canadians, mainly boomers, who bought properties in the U.S. when U.S. real estate prices were comparably low are selling them at a profit and investing in Canadian recreational markets, it said.

The RE/MAX survey signaled out Canmore and Sylvan Lake as two of Canada's top recreational property destinations. It noted retirees seeking an active lifestyle continue to be an important driver of demand in Canmore, where the median price (May 2015 to April 2016) was $533,090.

Recreation properties still a hot commodity

Ask any Calgarian what they love most about the city they call home, and invariably you'll hear about the mountains, lakes and other attractions sitting well outside of city limits.

For those with the means, living life to the fullest often involves purchasing a second home situated closer to such locales and allowing owners the ability to ski, swim, golf or simply bask in the sunshine moments from their front door.

Recreation properties offer a scenic and serene home away from home

The dip of a paddle in the lake, the sizzle of a steak on the barbecue, the haunting hoot of a Great-Horned Owl: welcome to recreational living.

In a recreation survey conducted by the Alberta government, the top three favourite leisure activity of respondents was walking, golf and camping. Luckily for Albertans, lake and recreation living
is within short drives of all major centres.