Getting to Sylvan Lake

Nestled just 20 kilometres west of Red Deer, Sylvan Lake is a vibrant lakeside escape that's easy to reach—a scenic drive surrounded by prairie landscapes from both Edmonton and Calgary International Airports.

Approximate Driving Times

Red Deer: 20 minutes
Edmonton: 1.75 hours
Calgary: 1.5 hours
Banff: 2.5 hours

Note: Seasonal weather changes can greatly impact driving times. Check regional weather forecasts and information sources like Alberta 511 and AMA Road Reports for realtime driving conditions.

Make getting to Sylvan Lake is part of the adventure! Take the scenic David Thompson Highway (Highway 11) for a smooth and easy route from Red Deer or Rocky Mountain House, offering beautiful prairie-meets-forest views along the way.

Prefer the road less travelled? Try Highway 11A for a quieter, more relaxed drive into town on a single-lane highway.

Coming from the north or south? Highway 20 and Range Road 781 also connect you to Sylvan Lake for a small town experience. No matter which direction you’re coming from, your lakeside getaway is just a road trip away!

Tunes for your trip!

Looking for some great road trip music as you cruise through the prairies? Check out this playlist from Alberta Music - a non-profit member-based association dedicated to helping professionals in the music industry succeed within Alberta!