Top 10 Interesting Facts About Sylvan Lake

Sylvan Lake. Photo by Ruxan Mapili on Unsplash

Top 10 Interesting Facts About Sylvan Lake 

Sylvan Lake, named in 1903, is a vibrant resort town situated in Alberta, Canada. It is a popular destination for families, especially during summer.  

With a population approaching 15,000, Sylvan Lake is one of the largest towns in Alberta. Its residents are mostly young people because the community has 54 percent of its population under 35 years and 26 percent under 16 years. 

Here are interesting facts about Sylvan Lake. 

1. The Best Time to Visit Sylvan Lake is June to August 

The mid-year months have the best weather with comfortable high temperatures. June to August is the busiest season for tourism in Sylvan Lake. Expect lodging and other accommodations to cost more than usual. Flights will be most expensive during these months, though you can save if you purchase tickets well in advance. 

Spring, that is March to May, is the second busiest for tourism here. It is a good time for those looking for things to do before the prices hike as the days become warmer.  

Fall and Winter that is September to February, are chilly and cold. Tourism is fairly slow during these months and is the least expensive time of year at Sylvan Lake for those willing to visit. 

2. The Lake is a Good Chill Spot With Lots of Fun Things to do 

Sunset Over Sylvan Lake Photo By Pfeiffer13 – Wikimedia Commons

During the summer months, the town draws people from all over who come to enjoy the town and lake. They generally come full of sailboats, motorboats, jet skis, and more ready to enjoy a host of watersports plus other activities.    

Sylvan Lake is a calm and still lake with a large beach area. There is a lot to do. With plenty of grass and sandy areas to lay out a towel and umbrella to relax, one can sunbathe, go for a swim or even go for a walk at the Marina. You could watch the sunset, paddleboard, kayak, or fish. 

Boating is another thing that you can do. You can bring your own or opt to rent. Prepare and bring a picnic lunch or walk to one of the nearby hotels or food trucks to eat. 

3. Sylvan Lake Has an Annual 3-Days Celebration 

Sylvan lake has an annual historical celebration that celebrates the year that the town was founded in mid-June 1913. 1913 Days typically include a parade and a variety of events 

The cultural and historical festival features a variety of events such as a street festival, drive-in movies, a coffee tasting experience at White Frog Café, carriage rides, a community-wide yard sale, and a French open-air market with a French-inspired theme and Paris-inspired décor.  

For many, the 3-day event marks the beginning of summer, invoking nostalgic memories of the past. 

4. The Farmer’s Market is Usually on Fridays 

A summer staple in Sylvan Lake is the farmer’s market. It is a weekly event held on Friday nights at the waterfront just close to the lighthouse.  

The farmer’s market is a popular place for people to buy fresh produce, locally made food, and crafts. Starting mid-May, the market runs every Friday evening from 4 to 7:30 p.m. until the end of August. 

5. There is a Castle of Love in This Town 

A pier at sunset on the north side of Sylvan Lake, Alberta, Canada. Photo By Ken Eckert – Wikimedia Commons

In 1905, Raymond Archambault began building the Chateau de l’Amour or the Castle of Love. He built the castle for his wife Eugene because she was homesick, and he wanted to remind her of her family home in southern France.  

The couple had left France because their families disagreed about their union. They lived in their castle for three years until Archambault took a job offer in Montreal, where he died in 1918.  

His wife returned to France after his death abandoning their castle. The castle remained empty until it became a popular venue for photoshoots. 

6. Axe Throwing is a Fun Group Activity to do at Sylvan Lake 

Axe throwing is a unique and wildly engaging experience for anyone above 10 years. The Wood Shed Axe Throwing place is located just outside of the downtown core.  

It is a fun place to go especially with a group of friends. Rated the number 1 group activity in Sylvan Lake, this place has coaches who will teach you the technique and give you tips and tricks.      

There are eight lanes of axe throwing with interactive targets and digital lanes that keep track of your scores. Trying out Axe Throwing is the perfect thing to do in Sylvan Lake which is guaranteed fun.   

7. You Can Golf at the Country Club 

The Sylvan Lake Golf and Country club is an 8000-square-foot clubhouse that offers a variety of fully catered events. They offer casual family meals, weddings, meetings, Christmas parties, birthday parties, and golf tournaments.  

It has an 18-hole par 72 semi-private course that has nice views from its well-groomed fairways and greens. The restaurant’s outdoor patio overlooks the course and is a great place to relax with a cool drink after a round.  

There’s also an onsite RV campground that can be booked daily, monthly, or for the entire golf season. The golf course is playable by all-level golfers and has a camping ground where golfers can stay and play. 

8. Sylvan Lake’s Lighthouse Looks Like the Peggy’s Cove One 

The Sylvan Lake Lighthouse looks like the one at Peggy’s Cove. Photo By Xkor – Wikimedia Commons

A lighthouse on Sylvan Lake doesn’t serve much practical purpose apart from standing tall as a symbol of community building.  

The lighthouse is a hexagonal wooden tower topped with a viewing gallery and lantern that resembles the Peggy’s Cove lighthouse in Nova Scotia. It was unveiled in July 2016 attracting thousands of tourists and locals who frequently photograph the monument. 

Overlooking the town’s marina and the water beyond, the lighthouse is a shining example of community spirit. Be sure to catch the rebuilt beacon at night when it glows with neon lights 

9. There is a Floating Water Park at Sylvan Lake 

This popular outdoor floating waterpark at the lake is ideal for families and groups to hang out in the summer. The Aqua Splash is conveniently located at the West end of Lakeshore drive beside Sylvan Lake’s landmark Lighthouse.     

It has a massive 15-foot tower with overhanging climbing wall, a vast launchpad, a 15-foot slide, a cliffhanger, a 90-degree slope speed curve, oversized trampolines, slides, monkey bars, and cliffs for your enjoyment.  

It has an obstacle course that provides a fun and challenging way to enjoy summer by the lake. There are lifeguards and lifejackets to keep everyone safe while having fun. 

10. There is an Annual ‘Jazz at the Lake’ Festival  

Sylvan Lake waterfront during summer. Photo By CocoRoux – Wikimedia Commons

Held every August at beautiful Sylvan Lake, the jazz festival Showcases amazing local and international talent. It includes excellent performances by highly talented, award-winning musicians.   

The festival that commemorates a tradition of live music, family fun, and cultural awareness has been ongoing in this community for decades.