One of Calgary's best summer getaways is this small town with coastal vibes and sandy shores
Escape the city for the last bit of summer.
A small town in Alberta with a lake.
When the sun is out and the breeze is warm, there's nothing better than escaping the city and heading to one of the small towns in Alberta. This one spot is just an hour and 40 minutes away from Calgary, but it will transport you to a coastal getaway.
With a picturesque lighthouse, sparkling water and sandy beach, it's no wonder that it was named among the best summer getaways from Calgary, on a Narcity poll.
Sylvan Lake is everything you could want out of a summer vacation, all wrapped up into one spot. It has classic beach-town vibes with wide open water and lots to do.
Local businesses here line the streets, and there's a lively feel here, especially in the summer months. Centennial Street is the historic main street downtown, where you'll find lots of cute cafes and quaint boutiques. You can wander around exploring all the local offerings and fuelling up at the local food spots.
Along with the small town charm comes the beautiful lake that the community is known for. There's a long stretch of beachfront here, with shops, boardwalk, parks, and boat launches along it.
It takes around an hour to walk from one end to the other — making for a perfect activity with a The Big Moo Ice Cream Parlour scoop in hand.
The sandy spots are near Lakeshore Drive here, with shallow water to wade into. Lakeshore Drive is also bustling with restaurants and bars — a fun hub of activity in the town.
You can't miss the stunning Sylvan Lake Lighthouse here, which adds to the coastal feel of this spot.
You can also get out on the lake by renting a kayak, paddleboard, or boat. Or, opt for floating around.
If you want to keep the beach vibes going for the last bit of summer, you can also check out Cold Lake, Alberta. The town is further away from Calgary (around six hours) but has a soft sandy beach, scenic lake views, and a similar coastal feel that's hard to find in a landlocked province.
Time to soak up the last beach days of summer!
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.