Welcome Tourism Industry Partners
Tourism Industry Partnership ProgramLocal businesses are a big part of developing high quality visitor experiences that attract and support our tourism economy in Sylvan Lake. Sylvan Lake is brilliant all year, and has so much to share with visitors throughout the seasons. Thank you for partnering with us as we work collectively to develop our community as a vibrant Alberta travel destination!
Scroll below to access Program resources and information that aim to assist your business in finding opportunity, raising its profile, and growing within the sector.
Program FAQ
If visitors to Sylvan Lake make up a significant share of your customers then your business is operating in the tourism sector.
Your business may provide goods or services that visitors are looking for like fun things to do, places to stay, places to eat, souvenirs, supplies, or equipment to enjoy their trip.
This Program is open to any licensed Sylvan Lake business operating in the tourism sector. Businesses must register online for the Program.
Get involved in Town of Sylvan Lake tourism strategies and initiatives! Work collaboratively, be included in, and find opportunity as well as benefit from the growth of the tourism sector in Sylvan Lake.
Program features and resources are listed on visitsylvanlake.ca/industry. Click through, sign up, submit, and use all the features available to your business each year.
Latest news and opportunities will be kept updated. Access anytime through visitsylvanlake.ca/industry
Just sign up online, it's quick and easy! sylvanlake.ca/tourismpartnership
Your business must be licensed with the Town of Sylvan Lake and operating in the tourism sector to participate.
For questions, please reach out:
Natasha Bhola
Tourism Marketing and Development Coordinator
Email
T 403-887-1192 x 527
What is Visit Sylvan Lake?
Visit Sylvan Lake is the visitor services umbrella through which visitor information and destination marketing for Sylvan Lake are delivered. This includes the visitsylvanlake.ca website and social media @visitsylvanlake
Visit Sylvan Lake is operated by the Town of Sylvan Lake. Tag your social media photos with @visitsylvanlake or #visitsylvanlake for the chance to be featured on our social media and increase your business' likelihood of being found by visitors!
Latest Destination News
This section is updated every few weeks as new news comes up. Stay updated by checking back often!
Summer Advertising Assets Unveiled
Photo and Video advertising assets were captured by photographer and videographer Dusty Cressey during the summer of 2021.
Funded by the Travel Alberta Cooperative Investment Grant, these assets will be used to help market Sylvan Lake as a destination for summer tourism.
Businesses used as locations for filming were selected by the videographer to fit the mood of their vision. Thank you to all the businesses who participated!
The Town of Sylvan Lake regularly takes photography and videography to maintain an updated database of imagery for advertisement, website, and social media uses. Opportunities to be involved in similar projects will be posted under the "Business Involvement Opportunities" section of this webpage.
2021-11-19
Winter Village Sponsorships
The 2021 official Lighting of the Winter Village will take place on November 27 during Light up the Lake!
The Winter Village is put together by a committee of volunteers and dedicated sponsors. The Pier is lit up annually from December to March, attracting traffic to the downtown area and complementing winter and holiday activities at the lake, creating a unique winter attraction.
Businesses can get involved through sponsorships! For as little as $100, sponsor a winter weekend bonfire night in the Winter Village.
> For more info on sponsoring, see facebook.com/sylvanlakewintervillage
2021-11-02
Shop Local Campaigns and Holiday Gift Guide
Shopping local matters. Dollars spent in our community have a greater tendency to recirculate, creating jobs, prosperity, attracting investment, and creating economic growth. Check out and be involved in the initiatives below.
From the Chamber of Commerce:
- Fistfuls of Fall Cash: Funded by the WCD Committee, a total of $3,000 is being given away to downtown shoppers with weekly escalating prizes
- Our Town video project is out now! Check it out and share
From Visit Sylvan Lake:
- Visit Sylvan Lake will be promoting "Shop Lo-ho-ho-cal" for the second year in a row
- Get on our Gift Guide! When you post on social media about the great gift ideas you have in store, tag @visitsylvanlake. Those posts will be reshared and saved to a Gift Guide Instagram highlight. *Please note this initiative is run over Instagram only
2021-11-02
Twinkle Tours | Decorate for the Holidays
Twinkle Tours is back for the second year in a row with an interactive online map of all the best holiday lights and displays across Sylvan Lake! Join in in the holiday fun by decorating the outside of your business with lights, wreaths, Christmas trees, ornaments, logs, or anything else that will draw attention from passersby, and register on the Twinkle Tour map! The complete map will be available online throughout the holidays.
Decorating your storefront also lets people know that your store is a holiday shopping destination they can't miss!
The Twinkle Tour Map will be live from Dec 15 - Jan 15.
> Register your decorated storefront to be on the Twinkle Tour Map at sylvanlake.ca/twinkletours by December 9!
2021-11-02
Register a Float for the Santa Claus Parade
The Santa Claus Parade is part of the Light Up the Lake holiday festivities taking place on Saturday, November 27.
The parade starts at 5pm, winding its way from 47 Avenue into downtown ending at Lakeshore Drive and 46 Street. Followed by fireworks and the Lighting of the Winter Village, it's a can't miss holiday event in Sylvan Lake.
All parade entry types (vehicles, towed floats, walking groups, etc.) must pre-register for the parade by November 24 at 4pm via online form or by contacting the NexSource Centre reception desk at 403 887 1192.
> Register your float online at visitsylvanlake.ca/paraderegistration
2021-11-01
Winter and Shoulder Season Tourism Toolkit | Tourism INdustry Association of Canada
The TIAC has unveiled a Toolkit for thinking about and developing winter and shoulder season tourism products.
Alberta winters are long lasting and present an opportunity to create unique tourism products that celebrate the season.
For assistance with developing off-season activities for your business, check out the Toolkit below or get in touch with us for other resources such as personalized assistance directly from Travel Alberta.
> Winter and Shoulder Season Tourism Toolkit
2021-10-29
ClearThink Business Coaching Program | Spaces Still Available
The ClearThink Coaching Program connects business owners and managers in the Town of Sylvan Lake with a professional Certified Management Consultant (CMC) for one-on-one business coaching and advice to help businesses take the next best step forward as they navigate forward.
The Program has garnered international attention, winning a National Championship Honors and International Constantinus Award Silver Medal from the International Council of Management Consultants.
> Read more about the ClearThink Program here
Register for ClearThink Coaching today - space still available! Contact Economic Development Officer, Amanda Mercer, at amercer@sylvanlake.ca or 403 887 2141
2021-10-13
What We Heard | Q3 2021 Partnership Survey
Feedback from Tourism Partners provides input into Town of Sylvan Lake tourism initiatives and strategies. Here's what we heard from Tourism Partners from the Q3 2021 Survey:
- Centennial Street businesses are taking initiative to connect together. Low Centennial Street traffic; businesses benefit from events that take place on Centennial or nearby streets.
- suggested creation of a shopping/dining map
- trends in the market include a decline in traffic as the off-season sets in
- seeing an uptick in ladies outings – shopping and dining, golfing trips, sporting events, etc. with most coming from the Calgary and Edmonton area
- greater clarification on how to access being involved in Town initiatives is needed, particularly as it relates to events
- businesses are finding value in Visit Sylvan Lake re-sharing their content
> the next survey for Q4 2021 will be made available at the end of the year on this page
2021-10-20
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Share Your Feedback | Q3 Partnership Survey (July – September 2021):
Let us know how your business experienced the last quarter, what you’d like to see in future and share feedback on Town of Sylvan Lake tourism initiatives. This brief survey lets you share your thoughts from the July 1 – September 30 2021 quarter. The online survey closes on October 17. Click here to take the online survey
2021-10-05
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Downtown and Fall Décor
As a result of suggestions provided in the Q2 2021 Quarterly Survey by Tourism Partners, the Town of Sylvan Lake was able to install "downtown" district flags on the light poles on Centennial Street in early August.
Fall décor will be back starting late September to mid-November with straw bales and cornstalks along the downtown streets.
Keep an eye out for the Pumpkin House to reappear in Lions Park for the second year in early October, and the Pumpkin Trail starting November 1!
Be a part of the magic! Decorate your storefront's windows, doors, and exteriors will fall items like leaves, wreaths, pinecones, pumpkins and squash, and more!
2021-08-20
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Town of Sylvan Lake receives Travel Alberta Cooperative Investment Grant
The Town of Sylvan Lake applied for Travel Alberta's spring intake of the Cooperative Investment Program grant and was awarded $40,000 towards marketing initiatives.
Between July 2021 - March 2022, the funds will be used for destination marketing activities which may include all or some of the following: creative agency expertise, seasonal videography assets, seasonal photography, featured activity videography assets, influencer campaigns, social media advertising dollars, radio advertising campaigns.
2021-08-20
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
CulinART! | Here's how it went
UPDATE: The previously reported $4,933 spent by CulinART! guests has been updated to $5,379
Thank you to all the restaurants and artists who made CulinART! so fantastic.
- 5 local artists exhibited at CulinART!
- 11 local restaurants on the downtown walking route participated
- 27 unique culinary items were created for guests to sample
- Approximately 140 guests attended CulinART!
- $5,379 was spent by CulinART! guests on food samples
- Julie of @calgary.foodie on Instagram was able to attend and post about her experience. See her social media post here and her Instagram reel here
We'd love to hear from you! Share your feedback:
Share your feedback on CulinART! and what worked and didn't work so well for your business. Feedback helps the Town of Sylvan Lake improve the event for the next year
> Click here to share your feedback with us
2021-09-20
Updated 2021-10-04
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Inventures OutBound Conference Live Stream | Sept 22-24 | 10am -1:30pm
UPDATE: The Inventures OutBound Conference has been cancelled by conference organizers. both the live event in Calgary and the streaming in Sylvan Lake will not be taking place
Join us for #InventuresOutbound2021 September 22 - 24! Come together at the NexSource Centre Viewpoint Lounge for this exciting networking and training event. Together, watch live streams of the best of Inventures Outbound 2021 direct from the conference floor in Calgary. Don’t miss the opportunity to share, learn and be inspired by global thought leaders. The Town of Sylvan Lake Economic Development is proud to offer this curated selection of sessions from the conference for free!
For speaker schedule and more info, click here
2021-09-15
Updated: 2021-09-20
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
September Business Involvement Opportunities
Fall is coming up fast! We're excited for our regular line-up of special events return, along with new opportunities for businesses to be involved with Town of Sylvan Lake tourism initiatives. Download the full list of September Involvement Opportunities here 2021-08-17
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Lakeshore Drive Beachfront Dining Experience Video
This video project aimed to show the unique beachfront dining experience and "patio life" of Sylvan Lake. To maximize the value of this project, influencer Roxanne of Red Deer Eats and Jonah and Graham of Local Jems participated in creating social media buzz and producing a video in June 2021. This project was funded as part of the awarded Travel Alberta Cooperative Investment Program grant.
Red Deer Eats posted about each restaurant on her social media feeds and shared the posts to her stories on July and August long weekends. Visit Sylvan Lake reposted her posts on its own channels. See the posts here
Local Jems created an experience video that will be used to advertise the destination in future through paid social media advertising. See the videos here
Visit Sylvan Lake will share the video again in time for September long weekend on its social media feeds.
Local Jems also conducted long-form interviews beyond the deliverables of the project. This content is an excellent fit for CulinART! and will be released in September in conjunction with the event.
Creatives always maintain a degree of independence with the exact content that is created. Both Red Dere Eats and Local Jems went above and beyond in creating awesome content that represented the unique beachfront patio experience in Sylvan Lake!
The Travel Alberta Cooperative Investment Grant will fund additional video asset projects for destination marketing.
2021-08-30
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Tourism Relief Grant | Government of Canada
The Tourism Relief Fund, supports tourism businesses and organizations in adapting their operations to meet public health requirements while investing in products and services to facilitate their future growth.
With a budget of $500 million over two years (ending March 31, 2023), including $50 million specifically dedicated to Indigenous tourism initiatives, and $15 million for national initiatives, this fund aims to position Canada as a destination of choice when domestic and international travel is once again safe by:
- empowering tourism operators to create new or enhance existing tourism experiences and products to attract more local and domestic visitors
- helping the sector reposition itself to welcome international visitors by offering the best Canadian tourism experiences we have to offer the world
For more information, please see the Tourism Relief Fund (TRF) Application Guide
Local Area Office for questions about your project or idea related to the grant: Reach out to Kelly Kierluk, General Manager of Community Futures Central Alberta at 403 342 2055
We're here to help! The Town of Sylvan Lake is available to chat with you about your application and would love to see some of these funds supporting our community. The Town of Sylvan Lake may be able to provide letters of support for your application or assistance with describing the economic benefit your project could bring to Sylvan Lake. Reach out to Amanda Mercer, Economic Development Officer.
2021-07-13
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Quarterly Partnership Survey for Q2
You’re invited to participate in the Quarterly Partnership Survey and take this opportunity to share with us what things look like from your business’ perspective and how your business is being impacted. Your responses help us have an eye on the tourism industry from the business perspective in Sylvan Lake.
Share your feedback in the Q2 Partnership Survey (April – June 2021):
Let us know how your business experienced the last quarter, what you’d like to see in future and share feedback on Town of Sylvan Lake tourism initiatives. This brief survey lets you share your thoughts from the April 1 – June 30 2021 quarter. The online survey closes on July 30. Use this link to take the online survey
What we heard from businesses in the Q1 Partnership Survey (January – March 2021):
- businesses continued to face significant difficulties related to provincial health restrictions and closures
- transportation/parking concerns and ideas, particularly in downtown
- trends in the market included more families and an increase in out of town customers
2021-07-07
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Mystery Towns Downtown Scavenger Hunt
The Town of Sylvan Lake is working with company, Mystery Towns, to put together a scavenger hunt around Sylvan Lake’s downtown! The hunt will incorporate some of Sylvan’s best sights, stories, and monuments for players to explore. Businesses can be involved by offering a deal or discount of some type during the game to encourage players to take a break and grab a bite or do an activity along the way.
The game is played by mobile phone and can be multi-player or teams can play against each other to solve the mystery of the ‘Lost Regatta’ by finding clues along the route. The game is family-friendly and likely suitable for ages 10+. Adults will enjoy the game as well and still find the clues challenging. The game route goes down Lakeshore Drive, Centennial Street, and 46 Street. For more info on Mystery Towns please see this video
We are reaching out directly to Tourism Partners along the scavenger hunt route directly to be involved.
2021-06-25
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Restaurant Guides
We've created printable restaurant guides! A stack of Guides has been delivered free of charge to each hotel and campground business in Sylvan Lake to help connect visitors with restaurant providers.
Download and print your own copies here
2021-06-07
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Destination Brand and Website Redevelopment Complete!
Have you noticed our new look on visitsylvanlake.ca?
A newly developed destination brand was accepted by Town Council in April with input from tourism operators, Town of Sylvan lake administration, and A/B testing in main visitor markets.
This unique brand, applied to Visit Sylvan Lake, allows Sylvan Lake to grow as a destination and develop it's own identity in Alberta's tourism landscape.
Further style updates to social media sites and visitor marketing will be coming soon!
Visit Sylvan Lake continues to be operated by the Town of Sylvan Lake, performing destination marketing, providing visitor information, and tourism development.
2021-05-31
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Alberta On the Plate
Restaurants involved in agritourism and culinary tourism can now apply to be a part of Alberta on the Plate! This province-wide event showcases businesses that use Alberta ingredients in their dishes. Foodies delight at the opportunity to travel across the province, trying each dish and connecting to each dish's unique "food story."
This opportunity is free for businesses to participate. Application close June 30. The event runs August 6-15, 2021.
For more information and to participate, visit albertaontheplate.com
2021-05-14
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Summer 2021 Patio Program
The Town of Sylvan Lake is currently expediting patio development approvals.
Businesses interested in developing patios should reach out directly to the Planning department at 403 887 2141 for application requirements.
2021-05-05
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
1913 Days
Update: As a result of new pandemic restrictions implemented by the province in May, 1913 Days will take place on the weekend of June 18-20 only.
Celebrating the founding of our town with 1913 days is a beloved tradition!
Our team is still in the process of planning the event activities.
Businesses are encouraged to host events to add to the the festival! Please submit your event information to the events calendar by May 21, 2021 to be included as part of the event schedule. Submit Event Information Here
Posted: 2021-03-17
Updated: 2021-03-29
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
*Cancelled* Summer Window Painting
*Due to budgetary changes this program has been postponed to a later date*
Register by June 14, 2021. First come, first served. Registration opens June 1, 2021.
Transform your storefront with hand painted seasonal window art. Lead by local visual artist, Jamie Cooney, we are excited to offer more complimentary window painting to our Tourism Partners! Please apply to have your storefront windows painted in a 'Sylvan Lake Summer' theme by entering your information via online form
Capacity is very limited and applications will be processed on a first come, first served basis.
2021-05-31
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
New In Town Campaign has pushed back
Originally designed for release before the May long weekend to kick off summer and give the audience things to add to their to-do list, this campaign has been pushed back to just before July long weekend to allow for provincial restrictions to hopefully let up.
Our hope is that pushing back the Campaign will allow more businesses to be open when the Campaign is released and enhanced its effectiveness.
2021-05-13
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Be Involved! May and June Opportunities for Businesses
Businesses can be involved in Town of Sylvan Lake tourism initiatives and strategies throughout May and June by registering to participate below!
- Be Featured! New In Town Campaign | May 15-22 > New Dates: June 21-30
- We're showcasing businesses who are NEW or have REVAMPED over 2020/2021 just in time for the May long weekend! Up to ten businesses will be featured on Visit Sylvan Lake social media. Register by May 5 at visitsylvanlake.ca/newintown
- Share Your Best Campfire Stories and Recipes | All Summer
-
Summer was made for nights around the fire. Connect your business to visitors by sharing your best stories or recipes. A great opportunity for restaurants! Your stories and recipes will be featured alongside your business on visitsylvanlake.ca. Share your stories and recipes at visitsylvanlake.ca/campfirestories
-
1913 Days
Update: As a result of new pandemic restrictions implemented by the province in May, 1913 will take place on the weekend of June 18-19 only.
- Meet Me On Main Street Campaign | June 7-11 > New dates: June 14-18
-
1913 Days is all about heritage and our small town! As we gear up for the event, we want to feature up to ten Main Street businesses (Centennial/50 Street) over Visit Sylvan Lake social media in connection to the sidewalk sale activity. Register by May 21 at visitsylvanlake.ca/meetmeonmain
-
- Host Your Own 1913 Days Event | June 11-13 > New dates: June 18-19 only
- Be a part of 1913 Days by hosting your own event or activity at your business to draw people in. Let us know the details, and be added to the official event schedule to be marketed as part of the 1913 Days event! Make your event fun, simple, and easy to host! Register by May 21 at visitsylvanlake.ca/1913-days-submit-event
- 1913 Days Downtown Sidewalk Sale | All Day June 12 > New date: June 19 only
- Put out a rack of your products on the sidewalk, prop open your door, and invite passersby in for a boutique shopping experience! Centennial Street will be decorated for the event to add a festive feel. Registration is not required. For questions, ask our Special Events Coordinator at pmcarthur@sylvanlake.ca or 403 887 2199
Updated: 2021-05-05
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Share Your Feedback With Us | Q1 2021 Partnership Survey
Take this short online survey to share your feedback from the period of January 1 - March 31, 2021. Let us know how your business was affected, what you'd like to see in the future, and give feedback on Town of Sylvan Lake tourism initiatives.
Survey closes May 15, 2021. We'd love to hear from you!
2021-04-16
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Travel Alberta Cooperative Investment Program grant | Travel Alberta
Travel Alberta's Cooperative Investment Program grant launches April 1 accepting applications until April 30. The cooperative investment program requires no matched funding component (no financial contribution from the applicant). This grant focuses on recovery from Covid-19 and measurable return on investment. For more information: https://industry.travelalberta.com/programs-tools/coop-investment
Posted: 2021-03-25
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Experience Development Coaching
In partnership with Travel Alberta, the Town of Sylvan Lake has put together one-on-one experience development coaching opportunities for experience development. Experience development is a way to create new opportunities that enhance products and attract new customers.
It means shifting the mindset from selling products to providing experiences. For example, a business that sells spun wool might enhance their business strategy by providing tours of their workshop, farm tours, instructional workshops on wool dyeing or spinning, knitting events, and find new ways to tell their story of why wool is so important to them.
Interested businesses should email us to find out more and will be invited to attend an online group introductory meeting to see if they would like to continue with one-on-one coaching.
2021-03-31
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
April Tourism Sector Trainings
Choose webinars that fit with your business needs! These trainings are hosted externally. See a list of trainings below in the Tourism Sector Trainings section.
- April 8: Balancing Challenging Customer Interactions with Positive Guest Experiences in the Era of Covid-19 - Travel Alberta
- April 15: 10-Minute Tourism: Creating Local Destinations Through Placemaking
- April 22: One Year Later: How has Covid-19 Re-Defined the Experience Economy in Alberta?
- April 29: How Tourism Businesses Use Content and Social Media to Market
Posted: 2021-03-29
Updates 2020-04-14
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Be sponsored by the Town of Sylvan Lake for the Rumble Alberta Challenge!
UPDATE: Redneck Wear N' Tear, Lakeside Go-Karts and Mini-Golf, and Wood Shed Axe Throwing received sponsorship by random draw. This opportunity has now closed.
The Town of Sylvan Lake is looking for up to three businesses to sponsor for the “Rumble Alberta'' Touring Challenge Event! These sponsorships are valued at $300 each worth a $550 in marketing value. Three selected businesses will receive FREE participation in the event for the year.
Selected businesses will receive the Steel Business Sponsorship Package with those costs of participation covered by the Town of Sylvan Lake. Businesses will receive marketing through the Touring Challenge Event throughout the summer, as well as be placed on the Rumble Alberta route map year-round.
Rumble Alberta encourages all types of rubber tire traffic to explore Alberta!
Interested in being sponsored for Rumble Alberta by the Town of Sylvan Lake?
- Enter your business to win one of three FREE sponsorships:
-
- Submit an expression of interest by March 22, 2021 using this online form. A maximum of three businesses will be selected by random draw.
- Choose what “swag” you will donate to the event:
- Rumble Alberta asks for 50-100 pieces of donated “swag” per participating business. Swag can be things like coupons, promotional items, or other merchandise, ie. 10% off coupons etc. Swag will be distributed throughout Alberta for challenge participants at the discretion of Rumble Alberta
- Three businesses will be notified on March 23, 2021 of being selected and accept sponsorship:
- If your business is not selected for sponsorship by the Town of Sylvan Lake, you may still choose to participate in Rumble Alberta at your own cost
All businesses must be registered Tourism Partners before March 22, 2021, and appropriately licensed with the Town of Sylvan Lake. Limit of one expression of interest per business.
Posted: 2021-03-17
Updated: 2021-03-25
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
March Tourism Sector Trainings
Choose webinars that fit with your business needs! These trainings are hosted externally. See a list of trainings below in the Tourism Sector Trainings section.
- March 4: Social media Deep Dive: Instagram - Travel Alberta
- March 11: Mental Fitness: How to Thrive in Challenging Times - Travel Alberta
- March 18: A Click Away: Trends for the Future of E-Commerce in 2021
- March 25: Destination Inclusiveness: How to Add Value and Make People Feel Valued - Travel Alberta
Posted: 2021-03-03
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Lake Skating Rinks and Vehicle Access Closed
Due to warm weather, the Lake Skating Rinks and the vehicle access to the ice from Lakeshore Drive and 49 Street have closed effective March 2 and March 3, respectively.
Posted: 2021-03-03
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Sylvan Lake Makes the News!
Our lake town has made the news and we're so excited to see Sylvan Lake represented in the media! The more our destination is heard about, the better for attracting visitors.
Check out these articles:
- You can fly down three glowing ice slides in this cute Alberta lake town | Curiocity Calgary and Curiocity Edmonton
- Craving Beach Vibes in Canada? Find them at 6 Under-the-Radar Beach Towns | Marriott Bonvoy Traveler
- In photos: In Red Deer, hundreds of people take to the ice | Globe and Mail
Posted: 2021-02-22
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
New Tourism Sector Resources Added
Find resources for tourism startups, using Google for your business, social media marketing for tourism, identify which travelers are your customers, and how to create high quality visitor experiences!
See below in the Tourism Sector Resources section
Posted: 2021-02-22
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
February Tourism Sector Trainings
Choose webinars that fit with your business needs! These trainings are hosted externally. See a list of trainings below in the Tourism Sector Trainings section.
- February 4, 2021: Google Guide for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) - Travel Alberta
- February 9 & 16, 2020: Culinary Tourism - TIAC AITC Alberta Online Workshop Series
- February 11, 2021: Leading Through Uncertainty - Travel Alberta
- February 18, 2021: Travel Outlook: Factors affecting Recovery - Travel Alberta
- February 25, 2021: Creating Partnerships with Indigenous Tourism Businesses - Travel Alberta
Posted: 2021-02-01
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Short Term Rentals Survey | Town of Sylvan Lake
The Town of Sylvan Lake is seeking feedback through an online survey about short term rentals. Short term rentals, also known as tourist homes, AirBnBs, or VRBOs, provide short term accommodations, typically as a residential home or a part of a residential home.
Operators of short term rentals, users, and neighbours to short term rentals, are all invited to share their feedback of their experiences through the online survey.
Posted: 2021-01-20
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Small and Medium Enterprise Relaunch Grant (SMERG) | Government of Alberta
Apply by March 31, 2021
The Government of Alberta has released a grant for small and medium enterprises affected by Covid-19 that have experienced a revenue reduction of at least 30%.
Businesses, cooperatives and non-profits can use granted funds to help offset the costs of new public health measures, including:
- physical barriers
- purchasing PPE and disinfecting supplies
- rent and employee wages
- replacing inventory and more
For full details and to apply visit www.alberta.ca/sme-relaunch-grant.aspx
Posted: 2021-01-11
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The BIG JIG | Town of Sylvan Lake
Event Dates February 13-15, 2021
The Town of Sylvan Lake is hosting The BIG JIG Ice Fishing Derby February 13-15, 2021 over the Family Day long weekend. Check out the event page at visitsylvanlake.ca/bigjig
The event will include an ice fishing derby organized through an online app to ensure social distancing, live music, Pass-the-Poutine Contest for the best poutine in town, Kinabik Discovery Village for indigenous peoples heritage, and Learn to Fish for Beginners!
Here's how your business can be involved:
- Pass-the-Poutine Contest: Can your restaurant create the best, most creative appy-sized poutine? Fill out the online form to enter your business' poutine
- Equipment Rentals: if your business rents winter equipment let us know! We want to add your business as an Equipment Rentals Provider on the event webpage. Businesses must have a Town of Sylvan Lake business license. Email us
- Host a complementary activity or event: design your own activity that can add to visitor experiences. Let us know below by submitting to our Upcoming Events Calendar.
This event is subject to Covid-19 restrictions and all public health measures.
Posted: 2021-01-06
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
January Tourism Sector Trainings
Webinar training opportunities have been collected for January. Choose webinars that fit with your business needs. These trainings are hosted externally. See a list of trainings below in the Tourism Sector Trainings section.
UPCOMING TRAININGS
- January 14, 2021: Revamping Your Website - Travel Alberta
- January 21, 2021: Reimagining the Customer Experience (During and After Covid-19) - Travel Alberta
- January 28, 2021: Food for Thought: Leveraging the Value of Culinary Tourism - Travel Alberta
Posted: 2021-01-06
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Visitsylvanlake.ca Website Redevelopment | Town of Sylvan Lake
First Quarter of 2021
Visitsylvanlake.ca is the visitor website for the destination of Sylvan Lake and hosts information to attract visitors, help them find things to do, plan their trip, and other important information.
The site is undergoing redevelopment over the first quarter of 2021 for updating, to enhance usability, site architecture, and better support visitor services and Sylvan Lake's tourism economy.
Posted: 2020-12-23
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Tourism Industry Partnership Program | Town of Sylvan Lake
The Program launches in January. Here's how you'll hear about it:
- the Sylvan Lake News
- social media @visitsylvanlake
- your business license renewal invoice was accompanied by an info slip and link to register
- we'll be reaching out directly in January
- register online anytime
Once your business' registration to the Program is approved, we'll be in touch directly to let you know about visitsylvanlake.ca/industry resources! This will be the page for the delivery of the Program.
Posted: 2020-12-23
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2021 Winter Village Unveils | Winter Village Committee and Town of Sylvan Lake
Runs December-March with lights from 5-11pm
The Winter Village Committee and the Town of Sylvan Lake staff have done an amazing job at putting together 2020's Winter Village! The Winter Village runs from December - March at nightfall and includes sponsored Christmas Tree Planter Parade and over 304,000 twinkling lights. This year, due to social distancing requirements, there will not be sponsored bonfire nights to prevent potential of crowding around the firepits. For more info see the Winter Village Facebook page.
The Winter Village has also undertaken the addition of lighting to the Lake Skating Rink, brand new for this winter! Lights run from 5-11pm each night.
Posted: 2020-12-01
September
3 WAYS TO BE
INVOLVED IN EVENTS
1. Be involved in a Town of Sylvan Lake event
Many Town of Sylvan Lake events have opportunities for businesses to be involved as part of activities, as hosts for activities, or as sponsors. Check out the Business Involvement Opportunities section for a full list!
2. Piggy-back and host a complementary activity
3. Host your own event anytime!
What is the impact of tourism in Sylvan Lake?
In 2014, the total economic impact of tourism in Sylvan Lake was nearly $75 million.
Tourism created 600 jobs in the community which hosted over 761,000 visitors throughout the year spending an average of $35.17 per person per day.
Read more from the 2014 Economic Impact Assessment of Tourism
Business Involvement Opportunities
Be involved in Town of Sylvan Lake tourism initiatives! See a full listing of ways to be directly involved below and find the opportunities that best fit with what your business has to offer and can benefit from. Some opportunities have limited capacity, so check back often!
Twinkle Tours | Decorate for the Holidays
Twinkle Tours is back for the second year in a row with an interactive online map of all the best holiday lights and displays across Sylvan Lake! Join in in the holiday fun by decorating the outside of your business with lights, wreaths, Christmas trees, ornaments, logs, or anything else that will draw attention from passersby, and register on the Twinkle Tour map! The complete map will be available online throughout the holidays.
Decorating your storefront also lets people know that your store is a holiday shopping destination they can't miss!
> Register your decorated storefront to be on the Twinkle Tour Map at sylvanlake.ca/twinkletours by December 10!
2021-11-02
Register a Float for the Santa Claus Parade
The Santa Claus Parade is part of the Light Up the Lake holiday festivities taking place on Saturday, November 27.
The parade starts at 5pm, winding its way from 47 Avenue into downtown ending at Lakeshore Drive and 46 Street. Followed by fireworks and the Lighting of the Winter Village, it's a can't miss holiday event in Sylvan Lake.
All parade entry types (vehicles, towed floats, walking groups, etc.) must pre-register for the parade by November 24 at 4pm via online form or by contacting the NexSource Centre reception desk at 403 887 1192.
> Register your float online at visitsylvanlake.ca/paraderegistration
Mystery Towns Downtown Scavenger Hunt
The Town of Sylvan Lake is working with company, Mystery Towns, to put together a scavenger hunt around Sylvan Lake’s downtown! The hunt will incorporate some of Sylvan’s best sights, stories, and monuments for players to explore. Businesses can be involved by offering a deal or discount of some type during the game to encourage players to take a break and grab a bite or do an activity along the way.
The game is played by mobile phone and can be multi-player or teams can play against each other to solve the mystery of the ‘Lost Regatta’ by finding clues along the route. The game is family-friendly and likely suitable for ages 10+. Adults will enjoy the game as well and still find the clues challenging. The game route goes down Lakeshore Drive, Centennial Street, and 46 Street. For more info on Mystery Towns please see this video
We are reaching out directly to Tourism Partners along the scavenger hunt route directly to be involved.
2021-06-17
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Flannel & Feast Stage Sponsor
Calling all plaid enthusiasts! Flannel & Feast is full of arts, music, food, and entertainment that celebrates the laidback cabin lifestyle that is quintessentially Sylvan Lake. Part of Alberta Culture Days, this one-day event celebrates hipster fashion, robust facial hair and lumberjack culture at it's finest! September 25, 1pm-6pm.
Stage Sponsor Investment: $2,000
For details, contact Tourism Coordinator Natasha at nbhola@sylvanlake.ca or 403 887 2199 ext 527.
2021-08-20
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
September Business Involvement Opporutnities
Fall is coming up fast! We're excited for our regular line-up of special events return, along with new opportunities for businesses to be involved with Town of Sylvan Lake tourism initiatives.
Download the full list of September Involvement Opportunities here
2021-08-17
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
CulinART! For Artists
> Find CulinART! Event Details for Businesses
> Apply to Exhibit or Vend Artwork at CulinART!
CulinART! is a downtown food and art walking tour on Friday, September 10 from 6-9:30pm.
Artists are invited to exhibit their work along the CulinART! route. Exhibition is open to all artists across Alberta and all mediums that can be practically incorporated into the event. Application required. Artwork may be displayed outdoors and the Town of Sylvan Lake cannot be held responsible for damage to art from weather, event attendees, or other factors. If damage is a concern, artists are encouraged to attend the event to ensure the condition of their artwork is maintained.
Free to exhibit!
NEW! If an artist is interested in vending their work during the event, a $50 vendor fee is applied upon registration.
For questions about CulinART! contact Special Events Coordinator at pmcarthur@sylvanlake.ca or 403 887 2199.
2021-08-20
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
CulinART! For Restaurants
> Register and Find CulinART! Event Details for Businesses
CulinART! is a downtown art and food walking tour celebrating Sylvan Lake's thriving food and art scene! On September 10, 2021 from 6pm-9:30pm, guests will exchange culinary tickets for food and drink items while viewing unique art and collecting stickers on their CulinART! passports to enter to win great prizes. Restaurants will collect tickets, and sticker passports. Tickets will be redeemed with the Town of Sylvan Lake following the event for reimbursement.
Restaurants on the walking route are encouraged to share their best bites and small sips with up to 4 menu items per restaurant. Serving from a dedicated table near your front door using a chafing dish and disposable plates/napkins/utensils is recommended for ease and speed.
NEW! For non-downtown restaurants: new for 2021, non-downtown restaurants are invited to participate in CulinART! by setting up a culinary station beneath a canopy tent at an approved location along the walking route. A 10x10 ft tent will be provided by the Town of Sylvan Lake. Limit of 10 spaces. AHS permit approval required. If you're a non-downtown business, get in touch and register early, as AHS approvals can take time to process.
For more info on CulinART! please contact our Special Events Coordinator pmcarthur@sylvanlake.ca or 403 887 2199.
2021-08-20
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
CulinART! Prize Sponsors
CulinART! guests will fill up their passports with stickers from each participating restaurant to enter to win giveaway prizes! Passports encourage guests to try something from each restaurant. Complete passports with a sticker from each restaurant will be entered to win giveaway prizes!
10 CulinART! prize sponsor spots available! Minimum $50 prize value.
Contact Special Events Coordinator pmcarthur@sylvanlake.ca or 403 887 2199 to sponsor a CulinART! prize.
2021-08-20
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
*Cancelled* Summer Window Painting
*Due to budgetary changes this program has been postponed to a later date*
Register by June 14, 2021. First come, first served. Registration opens June 1, 2021.
Transform your storefront with hand painted seasonal window art. Lead by local visual artist, Jamie Cooney, we are excited to offer more complimentary window painting to our Tourism Partners! Please apply to have your storefront windows painted in a 'Sylvan Lake Summer' theme by entering your information via online form
Capacity is very limited and applications will be processed on a first come, first served basis.
2021-05-31
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Be Involved! May and June Opportunities for Businesses
Businesses can be involved in Town of Sylvan Lake tourism initiatives and strategies throughout May and June by registering to participate below!
- Be Featured! New In Town Campaign | May 15-22 > New Dates: June 21-30
- We're showcasing businesses who are NEW or have REVAMPED over 2020/2021 just in time for the May long weekend! Up to ten businesses will be featured on Visit Sylvan Lake social media. Register by May 5 at visitsylvanlake.ca/newintown
- Share Your Best Campfire Stories and Recipes | All Summer
-
Summer was made for nights around the fire. Connect your business to visitors by sharing your best stories or recipes. A great opportunity for restaurants! Your stories and recipes will be featured alongside your business on visitsylvanlake.ca. Share your stories and recipes at visitsylvanlake.ca/campfirestories
-
1913 Days
Update: As a result of new pandemic restrictions implemented by the province in May, 1913 will take place on the weekend of June 18-19 only.
- Meet Me On Main Street Campaign | June 7-11 > New dates: June 14-18
-
1913 Days is all about heritage and our small town! As we gear up for the event, we want to feature up to ten Main Street businesses (Centennial/50 Street) over Visit Sylvan Lake social media in connection to the sidewalk sale activity. Register by May 21 at visitsylvanlake.ca/meetmeonmain
-
- Host Your Own 1913 Days Event | June 11-13 > New dates: June 18-19 only
- Be a part of 1913 Days by hosting your own event or activity at your business to draw people in. Let us know the details, and be added to the official event schedule to be marketed as part of the 1913 Days event! Make your event fun, simple, and easy to host! Register by May 21 at visitsylvanlake.ca/1913-days-submit-event
- 1913 Days Downtown Sidewalk Sale | All Day June 12 > New date: June 19 only
- Put out a rack of your products on the sidewalk, prop open your door, and invite passersby in for a boutique shopping experience! Centennial Street will be decorated for the event to add a festive feel. Registration is not required. For questions, ask our Special Events Coordinator at pmcarthur@sylvanlake.ca or 403 887 2199
Updated: 2021-05-05
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Experience Development Coaching
In partnership with Travel Alberta, the Town of Sylvan Lake has put together one-on-one experience development coaching opportunities for experience development. Experience development is a way to create new opportunities that enhance products and attract new customers.
It means shifting the mindset from selling products to providing experiences. For example, a business that sells spun wool might enhance their business strategy by providing tours of their workshop, farm tours, instructional workshops on wool dyeing or spinning, knitting events, and find new ways to tell their story of why wool is so important to them.
Interested businesses should email us to find out more and will be invited to attend an online group introductory meeting to see if they would like to continue with one-on-one coaching.
2021-03-31
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Take Part in Rumble Alberta
Rumble Alberta is a driving tour challenge event from May long weekend to October. It encourages all types of rubber tire tourism to head out and explore Alberta!
The Town of Sylvan Lake has teamed up with this event to place Sylvan Lake on the Rumble Alberta route map!
Businesses who haven't already received sponsorship can participate in two ways:
- Sponsor your business at your cost. Reach out to our contact, Sheila, at Rumble Alberta by email. For more info see https://rumblealberta.com/
- Or, add to the swag bags! Challenge participants will receive swag bags when they participate. Provide 50-100 swag items like coupons, special deals, and merchandise to incentivize them to visit your business. This is a free opportunity and closes April 15, 2021. Email us
Posted: 2021-03-17
Updated: 2021-03-29
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Be sponsored by the Town of Sylvan Lake for the Rumble Alberta Challenge!
The Town of Sylvan Lake is looking for up to three businesses to sponsor for the “Rumble Alberta'' Touring Challenge Event! These sponsorships are valued at $300 each worth a $550 in marketing value. Three selected businesses will receive FREE participation in the event for the year.
Selected businesses will receive the Steel Business Sponsorship Package with those costs of participation covered by the Town of Sylvan Lake. Businesses will receive marketing through the Touring Challenge Event throughout the summer, as well as be placed on the Rumble Alberta route map year-round.
Rumble Alberta encourages all types of rubber tire traffic to explore Alberta!
Interested in being sponsored for Rumble Alberta by the Town of Sylvan Lake?
- Enter your business to win one of three FREE sponsorships:
-
- Submit an expression of interest by March 22, 2021 using this online form. A maximum of three businesses will be selected by random draw.
- Choose what “swag” you will donate to the event:
- Rumble Alberta asks for 50-100 pieces of donated “swag” per participating business. Swag can be things like coupons, promotional items, or other merchandise, ie. 10% off coupons etc. Swag will be distributed throughout Alberta for challenge participants at the discretion of Rumble Alberta
- Three businesses will be notified on March 23, 2021 of being selected and accept sponsorship:
- If your business is not selected for sponsorship by the Town of Sylvan Lake, you may still choose to participate in Rumble Alberta at your own cost
All businesses must be registered Tourism Partners before March 22, 2021, and appropriately licensed with the Town of Sylvan Lake. Limit of one expression of interest per business.
Posted: 2021-03-17
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Pass-the-Poutine Contest | The BIG JIG
The Town of Sylvan Lake is hosting The BIG JIG Ice Fishing Derby February 13-15, 2021 over the Family Day long weekend. Check out the event page at visitsylvanlake.ca/bigjig
The event will include an ice fishing derby organized through an online app to ensure social distancing, live music, Pass-the-Poutine Contest for the best poutine in town, Kinabik Discovery Village for indigenous peoples heritage, and Learn to Fish for Beginners!
Participate in the Pass-the-Poutine Contest:
Be the winner of the best, most creative, tastiest poutine in town! Restaurants can submit their creation using the online form.
Your restaurant will offer your poutine creation over the duration of the weekend in dine-in or takeout format. We recommend small-plate (side order) sized takeout portions with a fork, in consideration of Covid-19 public health orders and to encourage attendees to try a little poutine from each participating restaurant.
What doesn't taste good on top of fries? Participants in the Pass-the-Poutine contest will be promoted as a part of The BIG JIG event. Event attendees looking for a filling way to warm up will try all different types of poutines and visit your restaurant.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Equipment Rental Providers | The BIG JIG
The Town of Sylvan Lake is hosting The BIG JIG Ice Fishing Derby February 13-15, 2021 over the Family Day long weekend. Check out the event page at visitsylvanlake.ca/bigjig
The event will include an ice fishing derby organized through an online app to ensure social distancing, live music, Pass-the-Poutine Contest for the best poutine in town, Kinabik Discovery Village for indigenous peoples heritage, and Learn to Fish for Beginners!
Does your business rent out winter equipment?
Ice fishing shacks, rods, bait, snowshoes, cross country skis, ATVs, snowmobiles, fat bikes - anything that helps people get outside and enjoy winter! If your business is renting these items, let us know. We want to let others know about Equipment Rental Providers as part of The BIG JIG event and throughout the season! Businesses must be licensed with the Town of Sylvan Lake.
Email us to get started!
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Prize Sponsors | The BIG JIG
The Town of Sylvan Lake is hosting The BIG JIG Ice Fishing Derby February 13-15, 2021 over the Family Day long weekend. Check out the event page at visitsylvanlake.ca/bigjig
The event will include an ice fishing derby organized through an online app to ensure social distancing, live music, Pass-the-Poutine Contest for the best poutine in town, Kinabik Discovery Village for indigenous peoples heritage, and Learn to Fish for Beginners!
Sponsor Random Draw Prizes
At The BIG JIG, all ice fishing Derby and Learn to Fish participants will be entered into random prize draws. Businesses are invited to sponsor a random prize by donating a prize over a $50 minimum retail value.
Interested in sponsoring a prize? Email us directly
Collaborative Marketing Opportunities
Shop Local Campaigns and Holiday Gift Guide
Shopping local matters. Dollars spent in our community have a greater tendency to recirculate, creating jobs, prosperity, attracting investment, and creating economic growth. Check out and be involved in the initiatives below.
From the Chamber of Commerce:
- Fistfuls of Fall Cash: Funded by the WCD Committee, a total of $3,000 is being given away to downtown shoppers with weekly escalating prizes
- Our Town video project is out now! Check it out and share
From Visit Sylvan Lake:
- Visit Sylvan Lake will be promoting "Shop Lo-ho-ho-cal" for the second year in a row
- Get on our Gift Guide! When you post on social media about the great gift ideas you have in store, tag @visitsylvanlake. Those posts will be reshared and saved to a Gift Guide Instagram highlight. *Please note this initiative is run over Instagram only
2021-11-02
Content marketing is a valuable way for your business to attract attention by sharing interesting and engaging information that people are already looking for, to draw them to your business. Some great ideas for content might be:
- A skate shop sharing a video of tricks, or education on which boards fit what kind of riding
- A business located in a heritage building sharing about the story of the structure and how they honor and protect that
- A restaurant sharing a campfire recipe, cookout recipe, or a recipe featuring a local ingredient
- A clothing retailer showing off a selection of weather-approved outfits for your next snowshoeing adventure
- ...so many more!
Remember, content shared over Visit Sylvan Lake needs to be relevant to the audience - something fun or cool happening around town that connects with Sylvan Lake's visitors.
Winter Village Sponsorships
The 2021 official Lighting of the Winter Village will take place on November 27 during Light up the Lake!
The Winter Village is put together by a committee of volunteers and dedicated sponsors. The Pier is lit up annually from December to March, attracting traffic to the downtown area and complementing winter and holiday activities at the lake, creating a unique winter attraction.
Businesses can get involved through sponsorships! For as little as $100, sponsor a winter weekend bonfire night in the Winter Village.
> For more info on sponsoring, see facebook.com/sylvanlakewintervillage
2021-11-02
What is collaborative marketing?
Your business gets more bang for its buck with collaborative marketing than going solo.
Collaborative marketing is when like-minded businesses come together to their mutual benefit to share resources and gain greater brand exposure.
Collaborative businesses can leverage each other's audiences to both experience marketing growth. Here's a couple easy ways to get started:
1. Show appreciation: give a shout-out to another business or tag other businesses that are featured in your social media posts
2. Share, share, share - share posts from other businesses that may be relevant to your audience. Especially if your business has been tagged in a post!
Grants
Grants can be a great way to find funding for new initiatives
Share your feedback
Quarterly surveys are designed to give Sylvan Lake's tourism industry businesses the opportunity to regularly share feedback and ideas with the Town of Sylvan Lake. A regular survey also helps track changes over time and paints a picture of what businesses are seeing on the front lines of the visitor market. The Quarterly Surveys asks questions about:
- The business environment and how it can be improved through infrastructure, policies, or programs
- Notable trends in the visitor market
- How Town of Sylvan Lake initiatives impacted your business
- How your business is experiencing each quarter as compared to the previous year
- Any suggestions businesses may have that can lend insight for fostering and enhancing industry development
Quartely Surveys
Every three months, Tourism Partners have the opportunity to provide feedback on various factors affecting the tourism industry in Sylvan Lake and their business. Your feedback is read and used to help understand how the tourism industry businesses are being affected, and identify needed opportunities for development.
NEXT SURVEY: the Q4 Quarterly Survey will be made available to Tourism Partners at the end of December 2021.
Here's what we heard from Tourism Partners in the Q3 Quarterly Survey:
- Centennial Street businesses are taking initiative to connect together. Low Centennial Street traffic; businesses benefit from events that take place on Centennial or nearby streets.
- suggested creation of a shopping/dining map
- trends in the market include a decline in traffic as the off-season sets in
- seeing an uptick in ladies outings – shopping and dining, golfing trips, sporting events, etc. with most coming from the Calgary and Edmonton area
- greater clarification on how to access being involved in Town initiatives is needed, particularly as it relates to events
- businesses are finding value in Visit Sylvan Lake re-sharing their content
2021-10-20
Here's what we heard from Tourism Partners in the Q2 Quarterly Survey:
- increase in visitors returning to town
- need for enhanced downtown curb appeal
- need to disburse and facilitate tourists throughout town to a variety of areas
- concerns about tourist services including parking and washrooms
- types of new businesses opening up
Here's what we heard from Tourism Partners in the Q1 Quarterly Survey:
- businesses continued to face significant difficulties related to ongoing provincial health restrictions and closures
- transportation/parking concerns and ideas, particularly in downtown
- trends in the market included more families and an increase in out of town customers
VISIT SYLVAN LAKE?
What is Visit Sylvan Lake?
Visit Sylvan Lake is the tourism umbrella for the Town of Sylvan Lake and consists of three social media accounts and a website. Visit Sylvan Lake channels are operated by the Town of Sylvan Lake and handle destination marketing, visitor information, and promote tourism development.
2. Piggy-back and host a complimentary activity
Piggy-back off an existing Town of Sylvan Lake event to host a complementary activity in your business that complements the event theme.
What is the best way to be shared on Visit Sylvan Lake?
Visit Sylvan Lake is currently using a "user-generated content" strategy which means that most social media content on teh Visit Sylvan Lake platform is reshared from a person or a business who has tagged @visitsylvanlake or #visitsylvanlake
Just for Tourism Partners
Book a FAM Tour
Are you a new business or want to share about something new you're doing?
Book a familiarization tour (FAM tour) to share with staff operating Visit Sylvan Lake. Help us know what's available to tourists and how best to share your experience.
FAM Tours are subject to Covid-19 and may take place online instead of in-person.
To book a FAM Tour, please email us. We're excited to hear from you!
Have a great idea?
Work together with other local businesses that are interested and can help bring your idea to life.
Use the Partner Directory to reach out to others who can be a part of your initiative
Update your Business Listing
Tell the story of the experience your business offers visitors with an updated listing on visitsylvanlake.ca
Tourism Partners are in full control of their business listing information on visitsylvanlake.ca and are responsible for checking and updating their business listing regularly.
Tourism Sector Resources
Your Business on Google
Google is the primary search engine for visitors. Make sure customers can find your business on Google! Google also hosts an assortment of business management tools and analytics.
Social Media Marketing
Social media is a way to increase your business' online presence and interact with your customers. Show them what you do and how you do it, and create a desire to visit your business for a unique experience only you can provide!
Which Visitors are your Customers?
Your customers are unique! The experience offered by your business may appeal to a specific traveler type which can be targeted through marketing messages and the product or service your business develops.
Sylvan Lake's Visitor and Research Resources
Starting a new tourism business? Find planning resources specific to the tourism sector.
Experience Development
Tourism is all about experiences. People travel to Sylvan Lake to experience activities they can't do anywhere else, learn about our unique way of life, and take in the surroundings that make Sylvan Lake special and different.
Creating high quality visitor experiences that connect authentically to the destination of Sylvan Lake takes place through Experience Development.
Providing great visitor experiences ensures that your business' experience is a must-do for travelers and on their Sylvan Lake bucket list!
Visitor's Map
A visitor's map shows tourists where they are welcome and wanted, where they can access both public and private services, and locates businesses that offer goods and services that enhance visitor experiences. Tourism Partners are added to our online visitor's map! The map uses a unique "story map" platform combining imagery and text details.
Find your way
VISITOR MAPHave questions?
The Tourism Industry Partnership Program is delivered by the Recreation, Culture & Tourism department of the Town of Sylvan Lake. For questions or further information on the Program or Visit Sylvan Lake, contact:
Natasha Bhola
Tourism Marketing & Development Coordinator
Town of Sylvan Lake
403-887-1192 ext 527 or email