from "Discover Sylvan Lake 2003"
Sylvan Lake is home to numerous activities from shopping to sporting outings but it is also surrounded by a complement of must-see spots all within a short drive. The oldest and one of the most popular is the Markerville Creamery.
Year after year visitors take in the sights and sounds of the creamery which was formed in 1899. The creamery was restored in 1986 to its 1934 stature and now serves as a museum. Icelandic settlers founded Markerville and the coffee shop offers Icelandic dishes for visitors to sample. August 10th visitors can take part in Cream Day, which features musical entertainment, dairy displays, homemade ice cream and a petting zoo. The creamery opens May 15th until Labor Day and is open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily.
Just northeast of Sylvan Lake you'll find the quiet town of Bentley where you can take in the Bentley Museum. A windmill that can be spotted from downtown marks the museum and the display is housed in a two-story pioneer home from 1924 called Pico House. The house is named after the family that built it and lived there for three generations and each room of the house focuses on pioneer life and historical events and displays. There is no admission fee but donations are accepted and the museum offers visitors a glimpse into Alberta's beginnings.
Rodeo lovers should double check that they pack their cowboy hat, boots, buckle and jeans because the Benalto Rodeo kicks off July 4th and runs until July 6th, 2003. Ten minutes west of Sylvan Lake on Highway 11A brings you to Benalto and in the middle of town you'll find the Rodeo grounds where you'll get to watch one of the finest rodeos in the country. Each year Benalto finds itself host to a rodeo which features world class cowboys from around the globe and no one goes home disappointed, because there's enough bronco, bull and saddle bronco riding along with barrel racing to please the most diehard rodeo fan.
And now that you've had a taste of the surrounding attractions you can head back into Sylvan Lake for a little shopping. Sylvan Lake houses a number of speciality shops providing unique items from store to store. The stores will fill anyone's shopping list with original art, pottery, hand-painted furniture, linens, garden items, porcelain, candles, furniture, original metal art pieces as well as tropical and flowering plants just to scratch the surface of offerings. And to top off your shopping experience while your hunger grows you can tempt your taste buds at any one of Sylvan's friendly dining locations.
Whether you take in the surrounding areas, shop yourself silly or eat until you can't eat any more, there is no far of not being able to wear off that meal or relax. Sylvan Lake will always be known for its beautiful lake and beach and there is no better way to enjoy the town or conclude a great day than walking along the beach or taking in any of the sporting activities the lake offers.