I.C.Y.M.I.: Kayaking on Sylvan Lake

Summer is here and it’s time to get into the great outdoors and enjoy the adventures that can be had in Alberta! Alberta is full of destinations available all year round, but if you love to get out on the water, especially kayaking, then Sylvan Lake is an amazing destination you could enjoy all summer long.

Sylvan Lake is situated in central Alberta, west of Red Deer. Take the Queen Elizabeth II Highway (AB-2), then take exit 405 B to Highway 11A W and you’ll end up at Sylvan Lake.

Kayaking at Sylvan Lake

Kayaking is a thrill to enjoy when out on the pristine water of the lake, with 48.2 square kms of water to enjoy. You can be out there all day, or camp and be out there for multiple days having the time of your life. Lake Sylvan has about 34 km of shoreline if you want to circumnavigate the entire lake. If you don’t have your own equipment to bring for kayaking, there are numerous rental locations within the town of Sylvan Lake that can outfit you, so you can get the most enjoyment out of your trip.

Local Provincial Parks

When visiting Sylvan Lake for kayaking, you may be interested in setting up camp. There are two provincial parks on the shore of the lake available for day camping or overnight camping. Sylvan Lake Park only offers day-use sites and is located on the southwestern side of the lake. Jarvis Bay Provincial Park is located on the eastern shore and has available overnight camping with some electrical hookup sites, as well as one wheelchair-accessible campsite and wheelchair-accessible washrooms.

Enjoying Everything Sylvan Lake Has to Offer

After a long day of kayaking, there is nothing better than checking out what the local area has on offer. Sylvan Lake has a number of dining options available if you are looking to refuel yourself midday, or after a day of enjoying the water. If you want to continue your adventures on the water, there are boat rentals, fishing opportunities, water bikes, power boards, wakeboards, Sea-Doos and any number of other water related activities to enjoy. You can also lay yourself down on one of the numerous beaches on the lakeshore. Finally, if you are bringing your family, Sylvan Lake Aqua Splash  is the first open outdoor waterpark in Alberta, floating right on the lake near the town’s signature lighthouse.

Half a Day or Two Day Trips

Whether you are planning just a half a day or a two day trip, kayaking on Sylvan Lake is a must when it comes to summer adventures in Alberta. Get out on the water to enjoy nature. Come out to Sylvan Lake in central Alberta this summer and enjoy everything the lake and the town have to offer.

Will Porter is a freelance writer and a contributor to Great West Media.This story was republished for the Great West Media & Southern Alberta Newspapers Hot Summer Guide advertising feature. The Hot Summer Guide is a special feature about summer activities, bucket list adventures, staycation options, road trips, attractions, events, and road trip-worthy food & beverage destinations across Alberta. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial staff.

This article was originally published on August 16, 2021.