From hipsters to housewives to high society, tennis is a game with nearly universal appeal. Indeed, you surely agree: Few things beat a short tennis skirt on a long summer’s day. Here, Calgary’s best tennis courts.
Calgary Tennis Club
Founded in 1889, the Club offers nine outdoor hard courts and three forgiving ClayTech courts, which help reduce stress on players’ joints. The clubhouse features eats by renowned Chef Riki and a killer view of the downtown skyline, best enjoyed with a four-dollar post-game brew. Membership, $289/year. 1445 16 St. SW.
Elbow River Tennis
The peaceful sounds of the Elbow River, which runs alongside the courts, will calm you no matter the match’s outcome. This inner city escape offers five outdoor clay courts amidst thick rows of poplar trees. $240/year. 636 – 29 Ave. SW.
Canmore Park
With three well-maintained outdoor courts on a beautiful hillside park and towering evergreen trees all around, Canmore’s courts are probably the best public (i.e. free) courts in town. 2836 Canmore Rd. NW.
Mount Royal University
These impeccable courts sit beside a beautiful beach volleyball pit, where college gals practice their spikes. Sweet-talk a campus cutie into a gloriously cheap pint at the nearby campus pub. $8/hour. 4825 Mount Royal Gate SW.
Inglewood Tennis Club
There may be a few cracks in the courts, but affordable membership, ample parking and reliable availability make these courts a winning choice. Bonus: The courts are near a strip of great restaurants and pubs, so you can celebrate victories with sausage from Spolumbos Deli. $70/year. 15825 McLaughlin Rd.
Image courtesy of mischiru.
