Sylvan Cruises is the culmination of 14 years of providing residents and visitors of Sylvan Lake an incredible hospitality experience on beautiful Sylvan Lake. We have built our reputation by the continuous intention of exceeding customer expectations and tailoring our service to reach the wide-ranging needs of our diverse customer base.
The Sylvan Cruise experience can take place on either of our vessels, The Miss Mermaid or the Zoo Cruise. Both boats provide the same products and services, while offering different features on the boats themselves. The following address our most commonly asked questions:
Are the boats safe?
What is the difference between a public and private booking?
How do you book a cruise?
What is your cancellation policy?
What is your weather policy?
When should we book?
What is the difference between the Miss Mermaid and the Zoo Cruise?
Where do I book the boats?
What beverage arrangements can be made?
Where do we board the boat?
If we bring our own food, do we need to provide plates, cutlery and condiments?
Are gratuities included in the price?
Are the boats safe?
Absolutely. The ship safety division of Transport Canada approves both boats. This means they had to meet stringent requirements in the design and construction of the vessels. They are subject to ongoing inspections by Transport Canada officials. They must be crewed by qualified personnel who have been certified as Captains or crewmembers by Transport Canada. As well, they must maintain or exceed standards of safety equipment and fire fighting equipment required by Transport Canada. These boats are approved as passenger vessels and sport a sticker for the public to sight, which ensures that it, complies with all regulation set forth by Transport Canada. Whenever you are inquiring about the safety of a vessel carrying passengers, this is the only way to ensure that they are in compliance.
Before the boats set sail, the crew will conduct a safety briefing which outlines the safety features of the vessel, what to do in case of an emergency, an introduction of the crew and their qualifications as well as an outline of the course and activities planned for the voyage. Plus, the crew are always intermingling with customers and always have the opportunity to share information about the lake, the vessels, the community, history, wild life, even real estate prices which are all common inquiries from our guests.
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What is the difference between a public and private booking?
When booking the boat privately, the group or individual pays a flat rate for the boat and it is up to them how many guests that they bring. If you have a group of 20 or more, it is often the best way to go. When it’s a private booking, you choose the boat, the time of departure, the music and any program you may want to incorporate into your cruise. Some groups book the boat privately for a smaller number of people as they must enjoy the exclusivity of a private booking and want to keep the experience as theirs alone. If they would like a meal catered, there is an individual charge according to which meal is chosen. If they’d like to pot luck or provide their own snacks, there is no additional charge for this.
A public booking runs according to a set schedule and availability. Prices listed for public cruises are all inclusive prices. Remaining seats on public cruises will be filled with other passengers. If the cruise is a meal cruise, everyone on board will be having a meal. If the cruise is not a meal cruise, guests are welcome to bring their own snacks or picnic to enjoy on board.
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How do you book a cruise?
In order to secure a booking, a booking agent must be contacted and a deposit must be made. For a private cruise, a deposit of 50% of the boat rental must be made in order to secure your date and time as well as a completed contract. The remainder is due 10 days before your departure date.
For a public non meal cruise, 50% of your seats must be paid to secure your booking, a receipt will be sent to you which confirms your passages. For a meal cruise, the full amount must be paid to secure your booking.
When booking a non-meal public cruise within 48 hours of your departure, we will take phone reservations and put you on the reservation list. No deposit is required.
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What is your cancellation policy?
When 3 weeks notice is given, customers can receive a full refund of their deposit. Without 3 weeks notice, refund will still be given provided we are able to re-book the boat. It has been our experience that most private cruises are booked outside of that 3-week window. Public meal cruises can generally be filled very quickly.
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What is your weather policy?
The boats sail rain or shine. It can be a wonderful experience to be out on the lake regardless of the weather and as anyone from Alberta knows, there is no way to accurately predict if the weather will change. We do reserve the right to cancel if winds are over 35km. It can be still safe to sail under these conditions depending on wind direction and other factors, but we do not want to put our customers in the position where they are uncomfortable. If we decide it’s best to call off the cruise due to wind conditions, the customer is entitled to re-book or we will give them a full refund. If wind may be an issue, we generally know that morning or sometimes the day before. When you make your booking, please provide contact information where you can be reached within 48 hours of your booking so we are able to notify you we do a weather watch.
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When should we book?
If you are interested in a weekend or specific date, it is wise to book before May. If you would like to have a date held, we will hold a date for you on a tentative basis for 1 week. After that week, you can ask for an extension or confirm your booking with a deposit. If you are a fair weather sailor and want to wait to see what the weather will be like, you can always take a chance and wait until very close to your date. It is unusual that you can get on a dinner cruise within a day or two, but it is sometimes possible.
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What is the difference between the Miss Mermaid and the Zoo Cruise?
The only real difference is the design of the boat.
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The Miss Mermaid is designed to look like the old-fashioned steam ship paddle wheeler. Inside, tables are bolted in for stability, there is a bar/serving area in the front and washrooms in the back by the paddle wheel. Outside, there is a front deck where passengers board the boat. Upstairs is a nice large top deck and the wheelhouse from where the captain steers the vessel. The biggest fans of the Mermaid love her paddle wheel look and design and the lovely large top deck is the ultimate place to enjoy the lake. Seating is a little more spacious when accommodating larger groups.
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The Zoo Cruise sports a very open floor design on the main deck. The roof on the main level is convertible so that it can be opened to create an open deck when the sun is shining, or closed when it is cooler or Mother Nature is less cooperative. It is fitted with round bistro tables and chairs which can be moved to accommodate different groups or activities, and the entire main level is windows so that a great view can be enjoyed by all customers on the lower level. There is a bar/serving area in the back of the vessel as well as a bathroom and the captain is seated downstairs with the customers. There is a small top deck upstairs to enjoy the lake outdoors, which becomes balcony seating when the lower level is open. Fans of the Zoo Cruise enjoy the open design as it ensures all can enjoy the lake even if weather keeps them indoors. It has a little more flexibility for diverse groups and is by far more wheel chair accessible.
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Where do I book the boats?
Most bookings are handled by phone. Information can be picked up, or contracts dropped off at Stonehouse Spa, 5025 - 46 St. Sylvan Lake but a booking agent must be contacted by phone to find out availability and organize your details. Our phone number is 403-887-3000 or you can call toll free at 403-866-887-1272.
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What beverage arrangements can be made?
There is always full bar and beverage services available unless requested otherwise by a customer booking a private cruise. Pop, juice and coffee are available as well as a variety of beer, wine and cocktails. If you would like to ensure we carry a certain beverage, arrangements can be made at time of booking. We run an open bar unless otherwise specified. Customers can make drink ticket arrangements or run tabs for their guests if they so choose. As we are a licensed premise, it is illegal to bring any form of liquor into our establishment.
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Where do we board the boat?
This is a very important question! The boats do not load their passengers at the same location. The Miss Mermaid loads at the Sylvan Marina at the end of the main launch area. At the time of writing there is a little red and white gazebo where passengers can wait to load although we’ve heard rumors that the new owners of the marina may be tearing this down. So, if you are across a channel from the lighthouse, you are in the right place. Parking is currently allowed where there is public parking around the Joey’s Only and Marina building or to the west of it. Parking is absolutely not allowed in front of the marina as this is reserved for persons with permits.
The Zoo Cruise loads off the Main Pier. This is the grassy landfill portion of the public beach adjacent to the east side of Chateau Suites, across the channel from the waterslides. There is currently public parking on Main Street, on Lakeshore drive or in a public lot 1.5 blocks down Main Street across from the Legion and town office. If utilizing public parking down town, be aware that there is a time limit before 6PM that is stringently ticketed. Another option would be to park in the paid parking lot at the waterslides, and then walk down to the boat. If you cross the street at the only set of Lakeshore Drive and walk toward the lake, you will see the boat parked at the end of the landfill area.
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If we bring our own food, do we need to provide plates, cutlery and condiments?
Yes. If you bring your own picnic, you’re on your own. Our staff will be happy to provide you with whatever assistance they can, but the food and accompanying materials are up to you.
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Are gratuities included in the price?
When booking privately a 15% gratuity is added to the meal prices.
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