Cross-country ski adventure awaits in Sylvan Lake!
The town of Sylvan Lake and surrounding area has a poorly kept secret - it’s a pretty great place for cross country-skiing.
Cross-country skiing otherwise called Nordic skiing is an excellent way to get outside and experience the beauty of winter in Sylvan Lake. Whether you want to stay fit or try this classic Canadian sport for the first time, Sylvan Lake has a few hidden gems to explore.
While Sylvan Lake doesn’t have formal trails, there are some amazing places to explore with a pair of skis!
Just outside of town, Jarvis Bay Provincial Park has over seven kilometers of ungroomed trails for cross-country skiing. The trail takes users through a snow laden forest with stunning viewpoints along the way. The campground is closed in the winter, but you can park at the entrance gate and ski into the area. Skiers can enjoy a peaceful experience along this popular all-season route. Be sure to stop and enjoy the many viewpoints overlooking Sylvan Lake.
Make Sylvan Lake your basecamp. Book into your favourite lakeside hotel or short term rental accomodation and check out some of the surrounding area cross-country ski trails. Just a short drive from Sylvan Lake, Red Deer has more than 30-kilometres of groomed ski trails.
You’ll find cross-country ski trails at Heritage Ranch, Great Chief Park, and the Riverbend Golf and Recreation Area. If you need gear, cross country ski rentals are available at Riverbend Golf and Recreation Area.
Central Alberta is also host to other track set trails such as the JJ Collett Natural Area near Lacombe, about 30 minutes from your Sylvan Lake basecamp. Go for a ski, plan a dinner at one of Sylvan’s amazing restaurants and take a stroll among the lights of the Winter Village.
Cross-country skiing is an exciting way to get active and explore the best of Sylvan Lake and area’s winter wonderland.