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.

If the idea of living on an acreage appeals to you, but you don't think you can afford the price of admission, don't despair. There are some areas around Calgary where affordable acreages can still be found.

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:

Lake communities offer waterside fun in the sun

Vanessa Verkley needs little encouragement to grab a towel and head to the lake these days.

Like other Calgarians, the Auburn Bay resident has been feeling the heat of the second hottest July in seven decades.