Calgary Herald - Calgarians Flock to a Little Slice of Heaven

Calgarians Flock to a Little Slice of Heaven

 

 

It's recently become one of the favourite spots for vacation homes and retirement nests, written up in magazines such as Forbes and USAToday.

 

BarbaraWalters recently referred to it as "a little slice of heaven."

 

But Calgarians have known what Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, has to offer for years.

 

Located just 661 kilometres (411 miles) from Calgary, the beautiful lakeside city has long been a destination of choice for Alberta vacationers and outdoor enthusiasts – and with good reason.

 

The city with a population of just over 41,000 (2006 U.S. census) lies along the Coeur d'Alene Lake, which is 48.3 kilometres long and anywhere from 1.6 to 4.8 kilometres wide.

 

It's a mecca for water sports of all types, including world-class fishing in the lake or in the rivers leading into it.

 

Sandy beaches, sunny skies, mountains for skiing in winter and a climate that is perfect for year-round activities are draws, summer and winter.

 

The average winter temperature is just -0.3 C, and summers are a balmy 37.8 C. The average rainfall is 66 centimetres and the average snowfall is 127 centimetres.

 

Coeur d'Alene is the largest city in KootenaiCounty and it was named by the French fur traders who were some of the earliest settlers in the region.

 

But the exact meaning of the name is still vague. Some say it is named after the First Nations people in the area; others say the word translated means "sharp-hearted," a nod by the French to the shrewd trading practices of the local First Nations people.

 

The city was incorporated in 1876 and became a hub of mining, especially rich in silver and lead. Forestry was another large industry that helped the area grow and prosper.

 

Coeur d'Alene gradually became the political and business centre of KootenaiCounty, a role which continues today along with the distinction of being the centre of recreation activities in the Inland Northwest.

 

As a result of its ideal setting, tourism has become a major industry—and with it, recreation and investment properties for second homes or retirement hideaways. Opportunities abound, no matter the budget, wants or interests of the buyers.

 

Hideaways are the operative word - and for many, the more exclusive, gated communities are the perfect getaway for the rich and famous, where they can live in relative obscurity with all of the opportunities to enjoy nature at their doorstep away from the glare of paparazzi.

 

It's relative obscurity in a lavish setting.

 

Many of the larger developments abound with amenities: some are on golf courses, others are on the water or in the mountains near or on ski hills; some have an alluring combination of more than one natural feature, not to mention the boundless man-made amenities.

 

All offer an assortment of opportunities, from superior golf courses to luxurious spas - and from an assortment of water toys to personal boat slips for owners.

 

It's an idyllic way of life, and one that is attracting Calgarians in growing numbers.