Trails & Parks

Sylvan Lake has over 26 kms of trails connecting beautiful parks, the vibrant downtown and famous lakefront.

SYLVAN LAKE Trails Map

Sylvan Lake is highly walkable and pedestrian friendly! Trails wind their way throughout the town along fields, the lake, and wooded areas. The terrain generally slopes gently north towards the lake, though most trails are mainly flat and suitable for low intensity activities for all ages.

Download the Map

Foraging in Edible Parks

Gather wild food like raspberries, apples, currants, and saskatoons throughout Sylvan Lake’s edible parks. Foraging is a really neat way to explore nature and see what you can find. The excitement is in the hunt! Be sure to match your foraged fruits and veggies to pictures and descriptions to ensure you’ve found something edible.

Finding Nature

AT JARVIS BAY PROVINCIAL PARK

Jarvis Bay Provincial Park is located just five minutes out of town. Overlooking the lake, there are wooded trails throughout the Park and on the cliffs along the lake.

There is no direct access to the lake from the Park, but it is a great place for visiting earthy nature and seeking out wooded trails. A provincial campground by the same name operates in the area which is popular with visitors, and means amenities are close at hand.

Adults will enjoy the peaceful trials while kids have fun scouting around and traversing new territory.

Trails are mainly dirt and gravel. Remember to respect and nature and leave only footsteps.

Landlubbers Hit the Trails

Sylvan Lake was named from the latin word ‘sylvanus’ meaning “of a forest” for the many trees in the area. Surrounding the lake is an abundance of poplar and birch trees that create a fantastic canopy of color year round.

Most trails are fairly flat or have slight hills, making them perfect for low-intensity activities for people at all skills levels. While you won’t find calf-burning wilderness hikes in this flat-land section of the Alberta prairie, you will find a combination of paved and gravel trails through open field, along the beach, and through the woods. Here are some of our favorite trails:

CP TRAIL

When you need a little peace and quiet while staying in town, CP Trail is our favorite. It runs straight across town from east to west and much of it is covered in tree canopy. About an hour to walk one way, it also accesses the disc golf course, and some favorite areas for kids to explore nature. This trail is paved completely and is great for kids, strollers, and dogs.

SYLVAN LAKE BOARDWALK

Right in the hustle and bustle of Lakeshore Drive and Sylvan Lake’s beach, the Sylvan Lake boardwalk runs along the water and is the perfect place for catching sunsets. A popular walk in the summer, head to the south side of the street along the strip of restaurants for less traffic. From 50 street to 46 street and Centennial Park, this trail is the hub for beach goers. East from Centennial Park to 34 street, the trail is much quieter and more treed. This trail is paved completely. Perfect for those who want to be right in the thick of things!

BEST FOR BIKING

Head uphill and feel the burn on the trail along 60 street on the far west side of town. For flat-land cross-town routes, CP Trial and the sidewalks routes along the railway line are good for a continuous bike ride. Don't forget to bike, skateboard, or rollerblade by the lake at sunset and feel all the golden hour vibes as the sun sets.

Parks & PLAYGROUNDS

Sylvan Lake has an abundance of public parks, sportfields, and playgrounds. Parks are a great place to burn off some energy, play sports together, and sit back and relax. Check out our parks map for a full list of park spaces, playgrounds, and amenities within Sylvan Lake.