Excellent Summer Destination
Sylvan Lake, a town for all seaons!
Only 20 minutes from Red Deer, and about 1 ½ hours from both Edmonton and Calgary, Sylvan Lake is easily accessible to the thousands of tourists who flock here each and every day during the summer. Sylvan Lake is a vibrant, thriving and active community with a population of just under 15,000 people.
We’re a young community, with 54% of its population being under the age of 35. Our town sits on the end of this natural, beautiful 15 km (9.3 m) long lake. More than a million visitors come each summer, especially the students and families who attend the hockey camp for their “Hockey Holiday”.
Events & Activities
Fun, family friendly attractions, events & can't miss activities.
Enjoy the beautiful Lakeshore with swimming, beaches and the newly re-developed Centennial Park. In the next minute, enjoy an ice cream or meal on Lakeshore Drive.
Bring your boat or rent a Sea-doo or paddle boat. Enjoy the waterslides, mini-golf or go-karts. Many walking and biking trails, or the new off-leash dog park, are enjoyed by many. A variety of parks, including indoor and outdoor skate and BMX parks, offer tons of fun for all ages. Mark your calendar with exciting art and music events and festivals, triathlons or the Classics Show and Shine.
Rain Or Shine
Things To Do In Sylvan Lake
Always things to do. Shopping, box stores and quaint shops. Restaurants. The indoor Aquatic Center, with it’s beautiful murals, features a six-lane pool. Younger children giggle with excitement when the waterfalls or bubble jets are active. Older children and teenagers are attracted to the 10-foot-high climbing wall. Sylvan Lake is home to a 3-screen cinema. The Library offers free family movie marathons the first Saturday of each month. Or, take in some of the area’s museums or fun events.
Things To DO - In Town
Sylvan Lake Aqua Splash Park
The Ultimate Aquatic Playground Sports Park - the 1st Open Water Park in Alberta! All of our registered players (6 and older) will get a chance to try it out in one of the afternoon activity sessions! Open to the public daily, weather dependant.
Incline Indoor Skate Park
Incline Industries Skate & BMX park is operated by the Incline Industries Youth Foundation, a Sylvan Lake not-for-profit organization created to fund and manage the park. Incline has been open for several years now, and in 2012 the park expanded to take over the entire building with a larger park, office space, and a comfortable space for visitors to hang out, and a kitchen area for food service. The park is open every day of the year except Christmas Day and New Years Day, and is open until midnight Friday and Saturday nights. Incline is a fun and safe place for youth to hang out, and to enjoy skateboarding, ride their BMX bike, or their scooter.
Landmark Cinemas
For local showtimes, trailers, offers and lots of other exciting stuff please select Sylvan Lake’s local theatre.
Sylvan Lake Farmers' Market
We will have locally grown greenhouse tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers! Come and taste the difference! Lots of other products available too – cheese, meat, frozen foods like cabbage rolls, perogies and spring rolls, baking, honey and preserves. Lots of craft items like jewelry, home made cards, beautiful soaps and lotions, candles, sewing and knitting crafts, wood crafts, baby items and so much more!
Sylvan Lake Go-Karts & Mini Golf
West of the Marina – The speed, thrills, and near spills of a go cart experience waits for you!! Rip around the safety tested track in a low to the ground mean machine!!
Sylvan Lake Paintball
Sylvan Lake Paintball is the longest running paintball field in central Alberta. We offer a range of affordable packages as well as a full service outdoor paintball facility. We currently have 3 out door courses and a 4th on the way. At SLP we run quality rental equipment, and we offer upgraded rental equipment if you want something with a little extra bang.
Railside Bowl
A place of fun for everyone in the family. Bowling, Pool, Arcade Games and Food - all under one roof.
Things To Do Around Central Alberta
Discovery Wildlife Park – Innisfail
Discovery Wildlife Park is a 90 acre zoo located in Innisfail, Alberta. Our goal is to educate the public about wildlife rescue and conservation and what we as humans can do to help preserve and protect wildlife.
Heritage Ranch – Red Deer
Originally the homestead of Raymond L. Gaetz (Red Deer’s first Mayor), the property was later purchased by the Hoopfer family before being turned over to the City to be used as a recreational area. Today, Heritage Ranch is a locally owned and operated business, that sits on 217 acres of municipal land.
Markerville Creamery – Markerville
Historic Markerville Creamery Museum Restored to it’s 1932 appearance. Located in Central Alberta. Nestled in the Hamlet of Markerville. Opening for the season May 18th.
Stephansson House
Be our guest at the home of the Poet of the Rocky Mountains. Visit the peaceful homestead where Stephansson wrote the poetry so famous and respected in his homeland.
Stephan G. Stephansson was born in Iceland in 1853. He brought his family to the Markerville area in 1889. There, within the view of the Rockies, he homesteaded — farming by day and writing by night. His prolific literary output has since gained him renown as one of the greatest poets in the western world.
Restored to its 1927 appearance, the Stephansson home offers a glimpse of Alberta’s Icelandic heritage and the life of this pioneer-poet.
Summerland Leisure Park Mini Golf Course - Gull Lake
Located at Gull Lake at the Summerland Leisure Park campground - this Par 41, 18 Hole Mini Golf course is open to everyone for an afternoon or evening of fun!
Alberta Sports Hall of Fame Museam – Red Deer
The Alberta Sports Hall of Fame and Museum provides a family friendly interactive experience. Be surprised at what you will discover inside. Have fun, laugh, play together and discover famous Alberta sports celebrities. Plan your birthday party, special events or corporate reception in a unique environment.
Kraay Family Farm Corn Maze – Lacombe
The Lacombe Corn Maze is now one of Alberta’s premier attractions and has truly begun to define what a family farm is and can be. The Kraay Family Farm features not only the 15-acre Lacombe Corn Maze but also over 20 activities and services on the farmyard!
Ellis Bird Farm – Lacombe
Located in the heart of central Alberta, Ellis Bird Farm is both a working farm as well as a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of Mountain Bluebirds, Tree Swallows and other native cavity-nesting birds. Drop-in visitors and tour groups are welcome at Ellis Bird Farm during the summer months, when we are open to the public. We invite you to stroll the trails, enjoy the beautiful gardens, see the world’s largest outdoor collection of bluebird nest boxes, take a tour out to our bluebird trail, visit the Visitor Centre and linger in the Tea House.
Waskasoo Environmental Education Society – Red Deer
The Kerry Wood Nature Centre and Historic Fort Normandeau provide fun, educational programs and workshops for all ages.
Kerry Wood Nature Centre - Located in The City of Red Deer, on the south bank of the Red Deer River, the Kerry Wood Nature Centre is Central Alberta’s year-round destination for environmental education. Visit the Nature Centre for hands-on natural history interpretation, interactive exhibits, unique books or gift ideas, and so much more. The Nature Centre is the hub of Red Deer’s Waskasoo Park Trail System; a starting point for anyone looking to delve into their natural surroundings and local wild spaces.
Historic Fort Normandeau - The park and Interpretive Centre are open to the public from May to October each year. During our opening season Fort Normandeau is a great place to explore Red Deer's rich cultural history.
Things To Do - For The Golfers
Alberta Springs
Located five minutes west of Red Deer, Alberta Springs is a “must play” in central Alberta. This immaculately groomed treasure features a selection of four tee boxes to accommodate all levels of play.
Lakewood Golf Resort
Located on the east end of town, this 9 Hole Par 36 course also has a new Clubhouse, Pro Shop, and Snack Bar. There are practice facilities and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.
MeadowLands Golf Course at Sylvan Lake
Try and challenge Sylvan Lake’s newest 18 holes on rolling parkland with plenty of sand and water. The 18 Hole, Par 72, 6496 yard course also features a 150 seat licensed restaurant, driving range, and Pro shop. Golf lessons are available and they also offer a Campground. This course is located on the junction of Highways 11 and 781, 1/2 mile south of town limits.
Want To Know More?
Offering easy access to information on where to eat, shop, play and more when living or visiting Sylvan Lake, the Explore Sylvan Lake app is free to download on both Android and Apple devices and offers a simple, organized business directory that includes everything from local restaurants to local events, all in one place. brought to you by the Sylvan Lake Chamber of Commerce!
For more information check out the Town of Sylvan Lake website or checkout the online Discover Sylvan Lake booklet (2024 will be out in May). It includes Detailed Maps, Campground & Golfing, Accommodations, Recreation, Sports, Festivals & Events, Shopping & Restaurants, Services & Real Estate info. Or check out the Community Guide Spring 2024 Programs & Services for all sorts of summer activities.
Places To Stay
Accommodations
* Disclaimer: SLHC is not affiliated with any of the campgrounds, hotels/motels, or cabin & cottage rentals listed below, as such, we cannot guarantee availability of these amenities.
Campgrounds
Jarvis Bay Provincial Park
Location: Sylvan Lake, AB T0M 1Z0
Phone: 403-887-5522
Website: www.albertaparks.caMeadowLands Golf Club
Location: Left corner of Highway 11 and 781
Phone: 403.887.5100 Toll Free: 1-877-887-5104
Email: cindy@golfsylvanlake.com
Website: www.golfsylvanlake.comAspen Beach Provincial Park - Gull Lake
Phone: 403-748-4066 Toll Free: 1-877-277-3645
Website: www.albertaparks.caParkland RV Resort Ltd. - Gull Lake
Location: 21 Parkland Beach Rd, Gull Lake, AB
Phone: 403-843-6222
Email: garymathieson@gmail.com
Website: www.parklandrv.comRed Deer Lion's Camprground
Location: 4723 Riverside Drive, Red Deer, AB
Phone: 403.342.8183
Website: www.reddeerlionscampground.com
Sylvan Lake RV Park
Location: 4305 50 Ave, Sylvan Lake, AB T4S 1C1
Phone: 403-887-3430
Website: www.sylvanlakervpark.comSylvan Lake Golf & Country Club 19th Hole Campsite
Phone: 403-505-7773
Website: www.sylvanlakegolf.comRV There Yet Campground
Location: From the QE2 (Queen Elizabeth Hwy2) and Hwy 11A junction, head west to the traffic lights.
Phone: 403.314.9577
Website: www.rvthereyetcamping.comSummerland Leisure Park - Gull Lake
Phone: 403-748-4855
Website: www.summerlandleisurepark.com
Hotels & Motels
Prairie Moon Inn Sylvan Lake
Location: 13 Beju Industrial Drive, Sylvan Lake, AB T4S 1J4
Phone: 403-887-7884 Toll Free: 1-800-424-6423
Website: www.prairiemooninn.comBest Western Plus Chateau Inn
Location: 5027 Lakeshore Drive, Sylvan Lake, AB T4S 1R3
Phone: 403-887-7788
Website: www.bestwestern.comChateau Suites at Sylvan Lake
Location: #1, 5100 Lakeshore Drive, Sylvan Lake, AB T4S 2L7
Phone: 403.887.6699 Toll Free:877.795.8265
Email: beachfrontmotel@shaw.ca
Website: www.chateausuites.caComfort Inn & Suites Red Deer North
Location: 6846 66 St, Red Deer, AB T4P 3T5
Phone: 403-348-0025
Website: www.choicehotels.com
Days Inn Sylvan Lake
Location: 5004-33 St, Sylvan Lake, AB T4S 1H9
Phone: 403-864-2088
Email: daysinnsylvan@gmail.com
Website: www.daysinn.caRadisson Hotel Red Deer
Location: 6500 67 St, Red Deer, AB T4P 1A2
Phone: 403-352-6567
Email: guestservices@radissonreddeer.com
Website: www.radissonhotelamericas.comStaybridge Suites Red Deer North
Location: 6329 Orr Dr, Red Deer, AB T4P 3T6
Phone: 587-457-5851
Email: ssyme@zsholdings.com
Website: www.ihg.com
Cabins, Cottages & RV Rentals
Airbnb Sylvan Lake
Website: www.airbnb.ca
VRBO Sylvan Lake
Website: www.vrbo.com
