Imagine yourself walking along a waterfront promenade past a wooden lighthouse and a soft sandy beach. If you were imagining somewhere outside Alberta, you didn’t need to. Sylvan Lake has everything you’d expect from a beach vacation and more. Whether you’re driving with the top down along Sylvan Lake’s iconic Lakeshore Drive, walking hand-in-hand along the delightful waterfront promenade or enjoying some ice-cream, you’ll soon discover that milling about is the thing to do along the lakefront in Sylvan Lake.
Along the Promenade
The pedestrian-friendly 1.6 km waterfront promenade is a delight in every season – day or night. The path is well-lit and picturesque, passing beach areas, Centennial Park, shops and attractions. From December through March, part of the pathway is decorated with thousands of colourful lights. In summer, the promenade takes you past landscaped gardens, flowers and trees.
Centennial Park – Lakeshore Drive Sylvan Lake
This beautiful 5-acre day use area is at the heart of Lakeshore Drive in Sylvan lake and provides direct access to the beach inside the provincial park. There’s a playground, washrooms, a beach ambassador’s hut, picnic tables, picnic shelters, benches, chairs and plenty of greenspace where you can relax and watch the sunset over the water. In summer, buskers and beach vendors add a festive vibe to the park.
Sylvan Lake Lighthouse
Lighthouses are cool, but there aren’t many of them in landlocked Alberta. Sylvan Lake’s iconic wooden lighthouse is a symbol of the community and makes pretty photos. Colour-changing lights make it stand out as you walk the promenade or drive along Lakeshore Drive.
Forgot Your Floatie? No Problem
Walk or drive down Lakeshore Drive in Sylvan Lake in summer and you’ll see brightly coloured beach toys on display in many lakefront shops. You’ll also find beach towels, sand pails, beach toys, swimsuits, flipflops, sunglasses, insulated cups and anything else you need for a great day at the beach. Even if you think you’re all set, it’s fun to pop into the shops and find something you didn’t know you needed.
Just Chillin’ on an Outdoor Patio
Summer is patio season in Sylvan Lake. Sipping a cool drink and enjoying a casual meal on an outdoor patio is part of the fun of a laid-back beach vacation. There are several great lake-view outdoor patios to choose from on Sylvan Lake’s Lakeshore Drive.
I Scream, You Scream
Ice cream is a great way to cool down when you’re at the beach and The Big Moo Ice Cream Parlour is a must-do in summer. You’ll find more than 80 flavors of premium ice cream served in homemade waffle cones and “outrageous ice cream sandwiches.” They also have milkshakes, sundaes, ice cream cakes and a grill where they cook up burgers, wraps, rice bowls and other yummy treats. Be sure to get a selfie with the Big Moo Cow.
The Beach Party Goes on – Even After Dark
The fun keeps going on Lakeshore Drive even after the sun goes down and visitors leave the beach. Restaurants and bars line Lakeshore Drive in Sylvan Lake, so it’s easy to find a place to relax and have some fun with the locals.