The Town of Sylvan Lake acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages, and cultures of First Nations, Metis, Inuit, and all First Peoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.
Sylvan Lake, previously known as Methy, Swan, and even Snake Lake, has a unique history.
Early settlers were French speaking, from Quebec and the United States.
Summer visitors arrived almost the same time as these early settlers, and have been an important part of the community ever since. Building and purchasing cabins, visitors would bring their families to the lake in the summer - often commuting to Red Deer for work during the week. Regattas, seasonal businesses, boarding houses, lodges, and most famously, dance halls all sprang up as the visitor population increased.
Those first homesteaders quickly recognized the beauty of the lake, and the surrounding landscapes, and petitioned to have "Snake Lake" renamed to something more appealing - Sylvan, meaning "wooded", was chosen.
In 1913, Sylvan Lake became a village. The village status remained until 1946, when a population of approximately 900, warranted a "town" status.
Sylvan Lake and District Archives Society
A part time office manager and a team of dedicated volunteers collect and preserve the history of Sylvan Lake and area.
Online archives
- Visit our collection of documents and photos
- Check back often as we are always adding new content
Store
- Coming soon!
- The Archives offers interesting products like publications and post cards. Like our Facebook page for the store opening announcement
Archives News Articles
Three times a year, the Archives chooses an interesting topic, curates photos, and makes Sylvan Lake history come alive in a one page magazine article. The article is featured in our community guide, but you can also find them here:
- Special edition: Saying goodbye to the Chinese Junk. The junk will be removed to make way for intersection improvements.
- Spring 2020: The Sylvan Lake Waterslides
- Fall 2020: Everyone Loves a Parade
- Winter 2021: Sylvan Lake Hotel
- Spring 2021: Why the Mermaid?
- Winter 2021: Early Sylvan Lake Businesses
- Spring 2022: Sylvan Lake's First Dance Halls
- Fall 2022: Early scenes of Lakeshore Drive
- Winter 2023: Balmoral Service Station and Tea Room
- 2024 - Winter: Then and Now
- 2024 - Spring: Arrival of the train to Sylvan Lake
- 2024 - Fall: End of an era: grain elevator
- 2025 - Winter: A century of ice sports in Sylvan Lake
- 2025 - Spring: The stone house
Help the Sylvan Lake and District Archives Society
Do you have authentic historical items related to Sylvan Lake? Do you have old school class photos, or pictures of school activities to add to our collection of Sylvan Lake's school-related past? Contact us.
Hours
- Tuesdays and Thursdays
- 12:00 PM (noon) - 4:00 PM
By appointment
- 3 person maximum per visit
- To make your appointment call 403 887 1185 Ext. 262, or email
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