Sylvan Lake is a beautiful town located in Central Alberta, Canada. It is a popular destination for both locals and tourists because of its natural beauty, numerous recreational activities, and exciting events that go on throughout the year. Whether you are visiting Sylvan Lake for a day or planning an extended stay, there are plenty of things to see and do. In this blog, we will showcase some of the best activities, places to eat, attractions, and places to shop in Sylvan Lake.
1. Sylvan Lake Beach
Sylvan Lake’s beautiful beach is the main attraction in the area, and it’s the perfect place to spend a hot summer day. You can relax on the sand, swim in the lake, or try some water sports like kayaking, paddleboarding, or jet skiing. It’s one of the best things to do in Sylvan Lake during summer.
2. Go Golfing
Sylvan Lake is home to several world-class golf courses, making it an ideal destination for golf enthusiasts. With stunning scenery and challenging holes, golfing in Sylvan Lake is an experience that should not be missed. It’s one of the best things to do in Sylvan Lake for sports enthusiasts.
Meadowlands Golf Club, located near Sylvan Lake, is a Par 72 public course with 18 beautiful holes that offer a challenge to seasoned players and beginners alike. With open fairways, tricky sand traps, water hazards, and small greens, you might even catch a glimpse of one of our resident deer. The clubhouse features a spacious lounge, accommodating up to 60 people for business meetings or intimate dinners. Additionally, we offer a 250-seat event facility with a full-service bar. Our pro shop carries top golf equipment and apparel at affordable prices, with friendly staff available to assist you.
The Sylvan Lake Golf and Country Club is one of Central Alberta’s top golfing and dining facilities, situated in the resort town of Sylvan Lake, just 18 kilometers west of Red Deer and 160 kilometers between Edmonton and Calgary. Our clubhouse offers banquet facilities with multiple rooms available for events such as weddings, meetings, and golf tournaments. You can also relax with friends and family over a meal on our patio overlooking the first and tenth fairways. For RV enthusiasts, our RV Campsite is a great option for those visiting Sylvan Lake.
Lakewood Golf Resort, a family-owned course established in 1982, is situated in the tranquil countryside, mere minutes away from the lively resort town of Sylvan Lake. Over the years, this family-friendly resort has undergone numerous exciting transformations, and it is still expanding. The construction of our new 9-hole course is currently in progress, which will be completed in 2023. This addition will make us one of Central Alberta’s premier regulation-length 18-hole courses.
3. Sylvan Lake Aqua Splash
This floating water park is another popular attraction in Sylvan Lake. It features a variety of inflatable obstacles, slides, and trampolines, making it a fun and challenging activity for all ages. It’s one of the top attractions in Sylvan Lake for water sports enthusiasts.
4. Sun Sport Rentals
For over two decades, Sun Sport Recreation (Rentals) has been the go-to destination in Central Alberta for top-notch outdoor equipment such as Sylvan Lake Seadoo, Pontoon, Ski Boat, Premium Ski Boat, Ice Fishing Hut and Side by Side Rentals. The team at Sylvan Lake Seadoo And Boat Rentals takes pride in providing high-quality products and services to their customers. Don’t miss out on their winter package deals, which offer an ideal opportunity to elevate your date nights to new heights!
5. Hiking & Biking
Sylvan Lake is surrounded by beautiful forests and parks, providing ample opportunities for hiking and biking. There are many trails to choose from, ranging from easy to challenging, and they offer breathtaking views of the lake and the surrounding area. It’s one of the best things to do in Sylvan Lake for nature lovers.
Just five minutes away from town lies Jarvis Bay Provincial Park. With its woodland trails and stunning cliffside views of the lake, this park is a perfect spot for nature enthusiasts. Though it doesn’t offer direct lake access, visitors can still enjoy exploring the park’s earthy terrain and wooded paths. Additionally, a nearby provincial campground shares the same name and is popular among visitors, providing convenient amenities. The park’s dirt and gravel trails are ideal for adults seeking a peaceful hike, while kids can have a blast exploring and discovering new areas. Remember to respect the environment and leave no trace but footprints.
If you’re looking for a tranquil escape while still being in town, our top recommendation is CP Trail. This trail spans from east to west and is mostly shaded by a canopy of trees. Taking about an hour to complete one way, it offers access to the disc golf course and several areas that kids can enjoy exploring. The trail is fully paved, making it suitable for strollers, dogs, and children.
Sylvan Lake boardwalk is a great spot for enjoying sunsets amidst the bustling Lakeshore Drive and beach. It’s a popular summer walk, and if you prefer less traffic, stick to the south side of the street along the strip of restaurants. From 50 street to 46 street and Centennial Park, this fully paved trail is a hub for beach goers. For a quieter, tree-lined path, head east from Centennial Park to 34 street. It’s perfect for those who want to be in the heart of the action!
6. Sylvan Lake Fishing
Sylvan Lake is also a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts. The lake is home to a variety of fish species, including trout, pike, and walleye, making it an ideal place to spend a relaxing day fishing. It’s one of the best things to do in Sylvan Lake for fishing enthusiasts.
7. Best Places To Eat In Sylvan Lake
Sylvan Lake, Alberta is home to a variety of fantastic restaurants that offer delicious cuisine to suit all tastes. Here are some of the best places to eat in Sylvan Lake:
- The Fireside Restaurant 4.1 ⭐️
This restaurant offers a casual atmosphere and an extensive menu that features seafood, pasta, steak, and more.
- Bukwildz 4.0 ⭐️
A family-friendly restaurant that serves a variety of pub-style dishes, including burgers, wings, and pizza. They also have a great selection of craft beers and cocktails.
- The Fox & Hounds 4.0 ⭐️
This British-style pub offers traditional pub fare, such as fish and chips, bangers and mash, and shepherd's pie, as well as Canadian favorites like poutine.
- The Big Moo Ice Cream Parlour 4.3 ⭐️
If you're looking for something sweet, this ice cream parlor is a must-visit. They offer a wide selection of ice cream flavors and toppings, as well as milkshakes and sundaes.
- Pier 7 Restaurant & Lounge 4.0 ⭐️
This waterfront restaurant offers spectacular views of Sylvan Lake, along with delicious food and drinks. The menu includes seafood, steak, pasta, and other dishes, all made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. It's one of the best places to eat in Sylvan Lake for a romantic dinner or a special occasion.
8. Places To Shop In Sylvan Lake
Sylvan Lake, Alberta has a variety of shopping options, ranging from unique boutiques to larger retail stores. Here are some of the best places to shop in Sylvan Lake
At each Sweet Home establishment, visitors can enjoy a wide range of amenities, including a ladies’ boutique that offers trendy styles in sizes ranging from XS to 3X, friendly and helpful staff, locally made vendor items, children’s clothing, Fords Farmstead Grocery Market, a cafe/bakery, and much more.
This store features a variety of handmade crafts, including pottery, jewelry, and textiles, made by local artisans.
Held every Friday from May to September, this market offers a wide range of locally grown produce, artisanal food, and handmade crafts.
Cobb’s Clothing, situated in the heart of Cobb’s Block Central, has been a staple in Sylvan Lake for over 35 years. The store originally opened as Cobb’s Dry Goods and quickly became known as the go-to place for swimsuit and summer-wear shopping among many of Sylvan Lake’s historic families. Today, as Cobb’s Clothing, they continue to offer the latest fashion trends while keeping the local style intact. Being a local business, they take pride in engaging with the Sylvan Lake community and welcoming tourists who are eager to shop.
In conclusion, Sylvan Lake is a great place to visit, with many fun activities, delicious restaurants, exciting attractions, and unique shops. Whether you’re a nature lover, sports enthusiast, foodie, or shopaholic, there’s something for everyone in Sylvan Lake. We hope this guide has given you some ideas on things to do in Sylvan Lake and helped you plan your next trip to this beautiful town.
