Tourism Strategic Plans & Documents
Destination Leadership & Management Plan
10-YEAR TOURISM VISION
From 2025-2035, Sylvan Lake is envisioned as growing as a premier year-round destination offering one-day and multi-day experiences for visitors of all ages and backgrounds. Known for its lakeside charm and vibrant culture, the town continues to grow as the region’s leading tourism hub.
With strategic leadership from Visit Sylvan Lake, tourism is used as a catalyst for sustainable community economic development, guided by data, innovation, and a strong commitment to community well-being, environmental stewardship, and equitable growth.
Industry and the municipality work hand-in-hand to attract visitors and investment through authentic experiences that connect people to the lake, local culture, and community spirit. As a result, Sylvan Lake stands out as a place to visit—and a place to belong—flourishing as an inclusive community for living, working, creating, and playing.
OUTCOMES & IMPACTS
Forty-four Outcome and Impact Statements guide tourism decision-making in Sylvan Lake. These are the backbone of the purpose of the Plan - why we do what we do and how we'll measure our success.
WHAT’S NEXT
FOR INDUSTRY & COMMUNITY GROUPS
CURRENT OPPORTUNITIES
- Tourism Partnership Accelerator Program (TPA)
- Tourism Development Committee of Council (TDC)
- Tourism Experience Development Training
COMING SOON
- Tourism Industry Annual Partnership Meeting
FOR RESIDENTS
COMING SOON
- Resident Sentiment Survey
- Annual Tourism Project Plans
FOR NEW BUSINESSES & INVESTORS
CURRENT OPPORTUNITIES
- TEDI Program for small vendors
- TED Business Skills & Experience Development Coaching
background
Phase 1: Research & Engagement (2023)
In the initial phase, the consultant project team reviewed municipal, provincial, federal, and international documents to understand tourism trends and best practices. Community engagement and feedback —including interviews, workshops, event outreach, and surveys—offered valuable insights into local attitudes toward tourism, identifying Sylvan Lake’s strengths, challenges, and future opportunities from both resident and visitor perspectives.
Phase 2: Analysis & Visioning (2023)
With ongoing analysis of findings, key themes from Phase 1 were collected and synthesized, then reported back to the community for testing through two Visioning Sessions. A vision for the DLMP emerged, from which point, opportunities for enhanced and new local practice and assets were considered.
Phase 3: Plan Development (2023-2024)
Informed by research, engagement and the analysis and visioning that followed, a Destination Leadership & Management Plan draft was developed.
Phase 4: Adoption & Launch (2025)
The draft Destination Leadership and Management Plan was reviewed by Council, Administration, and the Tourism Development Committee. The final version of the plan was adopted by Council on May 12, 2025.
WHO WAS HEARD
827 people were engaged to inform the DLMP over an eight-week period at live events, online surveys, multiple workshops and visioning sessions as well as an industry night. This is roughly 5% of the local population with 70% of feedback coming from residents. This high response rate illustrates how much the local community cares about tourism.
