What It’s Like to Live Full-Time at Gleniffer Lake

Why we traded city life for year-round lake living—and never looked back.

When we made the move to Gleniffer Lake full-time in 2018, a lot of people thought we’d lost our minds. We weren’t retired, and we weren’t close to it—we were just done with the pace of big-city living. When COVID hit, we transitioned from Carefree Resort, which we loved, to Gleniffer Lake Resort just across the lake—one of the few places in the area where year-round living is possible.

It took a little getting used to, but now? We love it. Both resorts have a special place in our hearts, and today I want to answer a question a client recently asked:
What’s it really like to live here all year long?

Summer Is Spectacular—but So Is Winter

The summer lifestyle is everything you’d expect: boating, fishing, golf, community dances, tournaments (poker, baseball, horseshoes), pickleball, potlucks, and warm evenings around the fire with friends. There’s always someone up for a round of golf or a backyard chat.

But the real surprise? The off-season.
Not everyone sticks around in the winter months—but those who do know how magical it can be. Both Gleniffer Lake and Carefree Resort offer winter activities like skating, snowmobiling, tobogganing, and ice fishing, along with cozy seasonal potlucks.

Where Gleniffer Lake really shines is in its year-round infrastructure. The resort has an indoor pool and hot tub, fitness centre, outdoor curling, weekly coffee meetups, cards and crafts, trivia nights, and a restaurant and bar that stays open most weekends. It’s a true four-season community.

Comfort, Community, and a Slower Pace

Unlike Carefree—which shuts off water and sewer between late fall and spring—Gleniffer Lake offers full utilities to most properties all year long. That’s a big deal when you’re living here 365 days a year.

But for us, it’s not just about convenience—it’s about lifestyle. We love stepping outside to views of the lake, wide-open skies, and (this year especially) stunning displays of the Northern Lights. The peace and quiet is a gift. So is the sense of community. People here genuinely look out for one another, and that makes a difference.

We’ve also discovered so much in the surrounding area: local fundraisers, community dinners, craft markets, microbreweries, and some fantastic little restaurants. It’s a beautiful, connected place to call home.

So… How Do We Make It Work?

We get this question a lot! Dave brought his renovation and carpentry experience from Calgary and now offers smaller-scale services at both resorts. I reinvented myself as a REALTOR® and now help others find their own happy place—whether it’s a lakefront property, a country acreage, or a cozy family home in Central Alberta.

And honestly? We couldn’t be happier.

If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to leave city life behind and embrace year-round lake living—this is it. It’s calm, connected, and full of the kind of beauty and balance we used to only dream about.

Want to learn more about Gleniffer Lake or what it takes to make a move like this? I’d be happy to chat.