from "Discover Sylvan Lake 2003"
Each summer Sylvan Lake is host to tens of thousands of visitors. Some towns would use the term tourists but Sylvan Lake is different because the visitors have a way of becoming part of the community over the years and some even choose to make Sylvan Lake their permanent residence.
What first draws everyone to Sylvan Lake, well almost everyone, is the beach. It's the perfect picnic location, perfect sunbather location, perfect walking location. To say the least, it's perfect. And on a sunny weekend you can find over thirty thousand people taking in the sights and sounds of summer along the beach and pier, which is home to many a beach volleyball game.
And while the beach draws people into town, the lake is the centre of recreational activities. There are a number of companies that offer cruises on the lake from one to three hours, to day and evening cruises. The choice is yours. You can also find boats for rent for a little fishing, water skiing, wake boarding, or Jet Ski your way around the lake.
The golfer in your family has not only the chance to golf, but also a multitude of choices. Sylvan Lake is surrounded by a number of quality courses, some offering camping facilities as well. There is also an executive par 3, which makes for the perfect quick round before heading back into town for lunch or dinner.
But the golfing experience does not stop there because the smallest golfer in your group is not left out thanks to the mini golf courses in town. You can even take in some go-kart racing for the speedster in your family.
Sylvan Lake is full of activities and I've only scratched the surface. For the thrill seeker and sun lover there is the waterslide, which offers rides for everyone in the family. And to continue on the water theme, our new Aquatic Centre features the largest hot tub in Central Alberta, a pool for the lane swimmer, and a children's pool so the little ones are not left out.
Then, just when you think you've run out of things to do, you can head down to the local bowling alley for a quick game or shoot some pool in their pool area.
I know it sounds like the perfect weekend but it wouldn't be complete unless you took in the greyhound races held every Saturday night just off Highway 11 at Calida Greyhound Racetrack. It's a family friendly venue with picnic tables, snack bar and you can even place a bet on the races if you feel lucky.
For those of us who live in Sylvan Lake year round, we are spoiled by everything the town has to offer, but visitors have a chance to be a Sylvan Lake during their stay and we hope it becomes an extended one.