Located in Central Alberta, Canada, Sylvan Lake offers just over 16 square miles of water with a variety of activities to enjoy. For those looking for Sylvan Lake vacation rentals, the lake lies just to the west of Red Deer and the resort town of Sylvan Lake. There are six other communities next to the lake that offers everything from water slide parks, dragon boat racing, and plenty of museums to explore. This guide helps you locate fun things for your family to do during your stay.
1. Cool Off at the Wild Rapids Waterslide Park
Sylvan Lake is considered one of the top 10 lakes in Canada for watersports. You can escape your vacation rental and rent a boat from one of the local marinas or recreation companies. Be sure to grab an inner tube to tow behind the boat. Small tubes are ideal for young children, while larger tubes fit several people simultaneously. You can also rent water skis for up to a full day of fun. Some of the best places to go are Centennial Park or the Four Seasons Park, located at the southern end of the water where the water is usually smooth like glass.
2. Have Fun at Lakeside Gokarts and Minigolf
If you would like to venture out from your vacation rental during the week, you can find a go-kart and miniature golf establishment nearby. With something to offer for toddlers up to seniors, Lakeside Gokarts and Minigolf is located just west of the Sylvan Lake Marina on Lakeshore Drive. Bumper cars, kiddie rides, and a miniature golf course are also available, so the entire family can enjoy themselves.
3. Experience Flyboarding
Experience the thrill of flyboarding at the south end of the lake at the Sylvan Lake Provincial Park. Sign up with a private guide and driver and spend time soaring above the water on a hoverboard. A combination of a jetpack and a snowboard in one, flyboarding is available for kids who are 12 years old and above. If your children are under the age of 18, you must be present to supervise. Flyboarding is an easy-to-learn activity that propels you upwards using powerful blasts of water.
4. Attend a Beach Festival
If you are booking your vacation rental the second week in July, be sure to plan to participate in the Summer Sensation Beach Music Festival. Held in Centennial Park, the beach festival is lots of fun for all ages. Enjoy a concert from a local band, sample delicious menu items from a variety of food vendors, or purchase some souvenirs and T-shirts at the gift shops.
5. Catch Some Fish
If you are ready for an old-fashioned fish fry at your vacation rental, you can grab the catch of the day at the pier in the Sylvan Lake Provincial Park or head to the northwest corner of the lake near Kuriakos. Known for its excellent fishing, Sylvan Lake offers trout, whitefish, and some of the largest pike in the region. Teach your children to cast off from the edge of the water, or use the pier and docks.
6. Ice Skating
Outdoor summer activities aren’t the only way Sylvan Lake comes alive for children and visitors. Grab your ice skates and head to one of two areas located on the southern end of the lake. There are small supports for both children and adults learning to skate, and you can head to the pro shop for a variety of skating equipment. If skating makes you hungry, visit the snack bar for a bite to eat and a hot beverage.
7. Indoor BMX
If riding bikes is your forte, visit the indoor BMX Park about five minutes south of the lake. You can rent skateboards and equipment, BMX bikes, and scooters, or bring your own equipment from your vacation rental. The indoor park is an excellent way to escape the heat in the summer and the cold temperatures in the winter.
8. Take Part in a Hockey Tournament
If you and your family are big hockey fans, head out to the Jim Jerome Complex during the first weekend in February for the annual no-rules hockey tournament. Also referred to as the Festival on the Rocks, this tournament is for multiple age groups and abilities. There are 12 rinks for play. Each game is four on four with no goalies, and there are prizes for the winners. All proceeds from the event go to the local Meals On Wheels charity.
9. Enjoy the Annual Winter Festival
Winter is the perfect time to visit Sylvan Lake. The festival is held at the Sylvan Lake Pier every year in February. Take part in the Polar Bear Dip to benefit your favorite charity, or stay until the sun goes down to watch the fireworks. There’s food to eat, an ice skating rink, sleigh rides, and an indoor farmer’s market, so you can buy goodies to take back to your vacation rental.
10. Paintball
Nothing beats a little competitive fun, and paintball is an exciting way to spend an afternoon. Located along Township Road, the paintball field provides all types of rental equipment for all ages, or you can bring your own supplies from your vacation rental. If you’re looking for a place to celebrate, the field offers birthday party packages. The facility is open from spring until the first snowfall.