Sylvan Lake – a stone’s throw from Red Deer with an opportunity to pick your own fresh Saskatoons at the beautiful Hidden Valley Garden

By MALIK MERCHANT

The last time I went fruit picking was in an orchard near Ottawa with my daughter, Nurin, when she was pretty young. Apple season was at its peak, making it easy to fill a basket within minutes. Fast forward more than twenty years, and I rediscovered my youthful excitement at a wonderfully organized farm just 5 km outside the beautiful town of Sylvan Lake, which is about a 25-minute drive from Red Deer. The farm is nestled in a picturesque countryside.

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From late morning until around 5 PM, I explored the few blocks of downtown Sylvan Lake. I stopped for a latte at White Frog Cafe, a Colombian-owned coffee shop that sources its coffee from Colombia. Young children and youth were enjoying themselves at Sylvan Lake’s Aqua Flash in the beach area, and a nearby go-kart track provided others with the chance to race, alongside a mini golf putt-putt course. I watched as people relaxed at outdoor patios. Others walked along the beautiful, long, paved boardwalk along the lake’s shore. Though I was tempted to have lunch, I decided to wait until after my 90-minute visit to Hidden Valley Garden, which turned out to be one of my best and unique experiences since moving to Alberta over three years ago. It was a completely different experience compared to the stunning natural beauty of Alberta’s mountains, lakes, and wildlife, which I have described in this blog.

Approaching the farm store, a board displaying the day’s offerings for picking immediately caught my eye. The list was a delightful surprise, featuring a diverse range of fresh produce: Saskatoons, Strawberries, yellow and red baby Potatoes, red, gold, and chioggia Beets, green and yellow Zucchinis, and Green Onions, along with a variety of herbs. The sheer variety was enough to pique anyone’s interest.

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With limited time, I set out to pick Saskatoons that I had tasted a few days earlier during a trail walk in Longview, and which I enjoyed. I went for the sweetened dark Saskatoons, and after walking through columns of Saskatoon trees for about an hour, I almost filled a 4-litre plastic pail. Rese, a young and passionate girl who managed the Farm Store, weighed the pail — total cost $12.00. I still had about 20 minutes, and Rese let me taste a couple of Strawberries from her pail that her colleagues had collected earlier that day. The Strawberries were so sweet and juicy, with a burst of flavour in every bite. Honestly, I was inspired to walk to the Strawberry field. Now, Strawberries are low-bush plants, and the fruit is not as visible as the high-growing Saskatoons. I managed to pick a couple of dozen, which did not compare at all to what I had tasted at the farmhouse. I asked Rese to part with her pail, and she graciously gave me her entire pail! Her act of kindness at the end of a hard day’s work — she also picks Strawberries — was genuinely touching.

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It’s surprising, or perhaps I missed it, that the Summer 2025 Visitor Guide to Sylvan Lake does not mention Hidden Valley Garden as one of the places to visit. Hidden Valley is a must-visit destination for you or your family. Hidden Valley is enjoyable and provides the space to appreciate the sensation of being surrounded by fresh fruit and vegetables, which you typically buy in supermarkets. By 7 PM, the closing time of Hidden Valley, I was pretty hungry, and Rese suggested the Lighthouse Eatery in Sylvan Lake, where I did a take-out of the remaining beautifully prepared 12-oz ribeye steak that I couldn’t finish. I left enough room to enjoy a couple of scoops of Belgium and traditional chocolate flavours at the Big Moo!

I should not forget one beautiful moment that I had in Sylvan Lake! The Sylvan Lake Lighthouse by the Marina is the only island lighthouse between the Pacific Coast and Lake Winnipeg. The Lighthouse is a tribute to the world-renowned Peggy’s Cove lighthouse in Nova Scotia, a symbol of the strong bond between the two provinces. Its significance is truly awe-inspiring.

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What touched me the most about the Sylvan Lake Lighthouse was the following plaque message from 2016, now barely visible, by Nova Scotia’s former premier, Stephen McNeil:

“With thanks to the people of Sylvan Lake, Alberta, for the vision to create this beautiful tribute to Nova Scotia’s world-famous Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse. May the bonds of friendship between both provinces be made stronger as a result. The Honourable Stephen McNeil, Premier of Nova Scotia, July 1, 2016.”

This message from the premier is profound for Alberta’s political stream and its supporters, who seek sovereignty in a country rich in diversity, both in its people and natural habitat. Would the bonds between the two provinces remain as rich and intense if Alberta were a sovereign province? Honestly, in my stay, I haven’t found any reason to justify a case for sovereignty. Alberta is a wealthy province in every way, and I find it difficult to accept the constant complaints against the federal government in Ottawa. The premier and her government should be grateful for what the province has achieved under a vibrant and united Canada.

Date posted: July 18, 2025.

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