9 Ways to Enjoy Summer at (and near) Spring Lake Ranch

Summer is upon us, and there is no better time to soak up living in a community where nature is on your doorstep.

While every season at SLR offers something special in the way of activities, by the time June rolls around, we are ready to take advantage of the warm sun, cold lake, and long, beautiful days.

If you’re looking to live in a community where you and your family can enjoy the outdoors close to home, look no further! Here, we share 9 of our favourite summer activities at SLR and the surrounding area.

  1. Canoeing and Paddle Boarding on Spring Lake

Our residents LOVE getting out on the water and taking in the tranquil scenery in a canoe or paddle board. It’s an amazing way to start or end the day! There are no motorized boats on Spring Lake, so the experience allows for quiet reflection, a chance to listen to and watch the abundant bird life, and simply spend time reflecting, either solo or with family members. Kids have so much fun seeing their community from the vantage point of the lake, and learning how to launch, paddle, and steer.

2. Fishing for Rainbow Trout

Did you know that Spring Lake is stocked with rainbow trout? It doesn’t get more peaceful than passing time with a fishing rod and the calm waters of spring lake.

3. Relaxing on the Deck (and Enjoying the View)

Whether your home feature views of Spring Lake, Loon Lake, the Meadow or the Ravine, time spent on the deck offers a chance to unwind and appreciate your little piece of paradise. In the summer, you can watch the setting sun on a warm evening and hear nothing but the call of the loons and an orchestra of frogs.

The best way to follow up a deck session? Your backyard campfire. S’mores and stories around the fire don’t have to be reserved for camping trips. Our residents enjoy this pastime on their very own properties.

4. Growing a Garden

With a 1/2 acre property, your yard offers plenty of room for growing veggies, flowers, or a mix of both. Seeing the blooming gardens throughout the community each year is so inspiring, with a wonderful variety of colours and scents. And kids are natural gardeners — they love choosing seeds, planting them, and then seeing their project come to life! It’s a bit of magic that the whole family can enjoy together.

5. Picnics at the Beach

The Village of Spring Lake features a lovely private beach that is ideal for afternoon picnics and a swim. (Seasonal passes — June to October — for the beach can be purchased by Spring Lake residents.) Launch your canoe, play with your kids at the playground, or simply spread a blanket out and enjoy the sand and sun.

6. Exploring Lake and Ravine Trails

SLR is so lush in the summertime! Our native tree and plant species feature every shade of green you can imagine. Taking a walk along our Ravine or Lake trail is a daily pleasure for many of our residents, some of whom are also avid bird watchers. We are proud to provide nesting boxes for native birds throughout the community, and love spotting everything from goldfinches to owls to blue herons.

7. Farmer’s Markets in Stony Plain and Carvel

At SLR we are lucky to be within 10 minutes of two excellent Farmer’s Markets — the Stony Plain Farmer’s Market (10 minutes east) and the Carvel Station Farmer’s Market (10 minutes west).

Stony Plain’s market runs April to end of December every Saturday, 9-1. With 70 + vendors, it offers a range of fresh food products and artisanal crafts. We always find treasures here, and the atmosphere is fun and friendly.

Carvel Station Market runs Thursday evenings, 5-8. With a “Make/Bake/Grow’ theme, the 25+ vendors feature everything from handmade cutting boards to fresh loaves of bread to ripe tomatoes. A rotating range of food trucks and bouncy castle for the kids make this market an awesome Thursday night tradition.

8. Chickakoo Lake Recreation Area

Hikers, cyclists and horseback riders visit Chickakoo to explore the beauty along its 14 kms of trails. The lake is stocked with trout and the area is also home to a wide variety of bird species. Just a 15 minute drive from SLR, Chickakoo is a gorgeous spot to spend a summer afternoon.

9. Golf at Cougar Creek Golf Resort (+ 3 other Nearby Courses!)

Championship-length golf course Cougar Creek is located just 15 minutes east of SLR, giving our golf-loving residents an excellent opportunity to play their favourite sport on a pro course close to home. A short drive north of Stony Plain in the Glory Hills is executive par 3 course Duffy’s Challenge. And both Stony Plain and Spruce Grove feature local golf courses: the 18-hole Stony Plain Golf Course and The Links at Spruce Grove.

We invite you to visit Spring Lake Ranch this summer to see the community in all its green + sunny glory. Book your visit (which includes a Lot tour!) with Sarah Corker at scorker@springlakeranch.ca.

And be sure to follow us on facebook here and instagram @springlakeranch for updates!

Happy summer, everyone.

Fall 2022 Spring Lake Colours

Spring Lake Fall 2022 Shoreline

One of the greatest parts of living and working at Spring Lake is the lunches that we can do on the water. Here are a few images of Spring Lake this fall.

It’s a great time to come out and look at our remaining lots and go out on the lake.


Spring Lake Shoreline, Late September 2022

Purchasing Land at Spring Lake Ranch

The first step to building your dream home is finding the perfect piece of land. We have a handful of gorgeous remaining lots at Spring Lake Ranch and now is such a beautiful time to come and view them. We invite you to pack a picnic, strap on your running shoes, bring your family and furry friends to explore the lots and walk the trails of Spring Lake Ranch. The colours are so vibrant and you may even snap that perfect family photo for your Christmas card this year!

Once you find your lot, the next step is to reserve it so that someone else does not fall in love and purchase it before you do your due diligence. The Reservation Fee is $5000 and this will hold the lot (risk free) for 10 days. In the event that you decide not to proceed, this fee is FULLY refundable.

After 10 days, if you decide to move forward with the purchase of your lot at SLR, your $5000 becomes non-refundable and part of your initial deposit.

Currently we are offering a Spring 2023 Incentive, where you can then enter a Purchase Contract, put 10% down on your lot and then wait to pay the remaining amount until March 21, 2023. This will allow you to design your dream home over the winter and get shovel-ready for when you want to break ground in the Spring.

BONUS: you can also choose to work with our team to design your home and we will include the $7500+GST Home Design cost in the price of your lot.

For those of you who see this amazing opportunity and follow this quote, “Why wait to buy land, when you can buy land and wait.” You have 2 years before you need to begin the design process of building on your lot at SLR, so no rush!

Lastly, you also have the option to BYOB (Bring Your Own Builder) to Spring Lake Ranch. Here is a link to our Architectural Guidelines

Schedule your private Spring Lake Ranch fall tour before the fall colours fade!

Fishing at Spring Lake

Spring Lake is a wonderful place for fishing all year round, stocked with multiple species of trout. The lake is aerated in the Winter by the Alberta conservation Association to promote the year-round survival of the trout. After a long day of work, relaxing on the lake fishing for trout is one of our favorite ways to unwind.

All fishing at Spring Lake is catch and release.

Fishing Access to Spring Lake

Other than residents of Spring Lake with private dock access to the lake, there are three areas where you can start your fishing adventure.

The Edmonton Trout Fishing Club maintains two properties on the northeast side of the lake where members can store equipment and supplies, and use the facilities on the properties. Membership can be purchased on their website.

Patrons of the Spring Lake RV resort also have access to the lake, and residents of Spring Lake can purchase a membership card to gain boat launch privileges.

Residents of Spring Lake Ranch can reach the lake via private access along the Troll Trail or the Lake Trail.

Fishing Rules at Spring Lake

Fishing at Spring Lake requires all individuals between the ages of 16 and 65 to have and active Wildlife Identification Number (WiN), as well as a sports fishing license. All fishing is catch and release in spring lake. You can get your WiN card online here, or purchase one at many gas stations or retail outlets that can be found on this search portal. An annual sport fishing license can be purchased online here and either a printed or electronic version must be with you at all times while fishing.

The Lake is open for fishing year-round with a limit of 5 trout in total.

Fish in Spring Lake

There are three different species of fish in Spring Lake including:

We love fishing for the rainbow trout in particular!

Winter Fun at Spring Lake Ranch: How You Can Embrace the Season

Our philosophy on winter is simple: Embrace it.

Living at Spring Lake Ranch makes it’s easier to have this perspective, as the serenity and beauty of our surroundings makes for an actual winter wonderland.

We LOVE having nature on our doorstep, and winter provides an opportunity to do so many fun outdoor activities right here in the community.

Here are some ways to embrace the season…

SLEDDING

The contoured landscape of SLR offers hilly spots to launch a sled and glide on down. No matter how many times your kids have bundled up and headed out for a day of sledding, the glee on their faces as the sled picks up speed and they soar across the snow is priceless. For the brave Mom and Dad’s out there, you can also join in the fun!

Snowshoeing and Cross-Country Skiing

The stillness and calm found in the nature surrounding Spring Lake Ranch in winter is incredibly peaceful. By strapping on snowshoes or skis and spending a quiet hour among the trees, you will feel rejuvenated. Bonus: it’s a great way to get some cardio exercise too! The lush green of summer is replaced with branches cloaked in snow, and the sunlight casts beautiful patterns across the ravine. As you can see, even our furry residents enjoy these winter adventures!

ICE FISHING

For those who love to fish, being in Alberta means you do it through a thick pane of ice for many months of the year. Bundled up in warm layers, hot cocoa in one hand, a fishing rod in the other and staring down the auger hole in hopes of a nibble. The patience. The calm. The quiet. And then the feeling of hooking something large on your line and reeling it in!

Did you know that Spring Lake is stocked with rainbow trout? So even in winter, you can hang out on the lake and fish for your dinner — just steps from your door.

Ice Skating

Just a couple minutes away in The Village of Spring Lake, residents have access to the outdoor skating rink. (Spring Lake Ranch helped design and manage the trades to build this addition to the community as well as contributing half the total costs for the rink shack!)

This is a great spot to teach your kids how to skate and connect with other members of the Spring Lake Community. Many kids have laced up their first skates here, and adults continue to practice their skills. In the evenings, with the lit up rink, the more advanced skaters and hockey players will often get a game of shinny happening.

You will also find skating fun on Loon Lake within SLR. Some of the residents get together to help maintain the ice throughout the season. It makes a wonderful place to gather with your neighbours, sip on hot cocoa and skate with the beauty of nature surrounding you.

WALKING ON SPRING LAKE

Once Spring Lake freezes, the outdoor playground of SLR expands tremendously. You can walk for many kilometers as you circumnavigate the lake or explore the crown land island (known by the locals as Osprey Island). This added frozen terrain is also great for snowshoeing and cross country skiing.

We welcome you to visit SLR and take in the peace and beauty of winter. We are currently booking viewings of The WILCOR HOMES for sale at SLR. After your tour, you can even borrow snowshoes from our team (or bring your own) and head out to explore lake and trails! It’s a fantastic way to experience the community.

If you want to book a tour to view the homes for sale that are under construction, explore the los available for purchase or have any questions about the community, please contact Sarah Corker at 780.288.9767 or scorker@springlakeranch.ca

Walking Trails at Spring Lake Ranch

Drone photo of fall colours at Spring Lake Ranch
Spring Lake Ranch Fall Colours Drone Image

For our residents, a huge highlight of living at Spring Lake Ranch is access to the beautiful outdoors. Fall is a particularly beautiful time of year, with the changing colours and clear, crisp air. 

At inception, Spring Lake Ranch donated 10% of the total 60 acres of land to be municipal reserve land. This land was then converted into the trail system at SLR. The trails are now maintained by the local municipality, The Village of Spring Lake.

With more and more families moving to the community, it’s been wonderful to see so many kids exploring the trails. Slowing down to observe the different plant species and animal habitats helps them not only learn about the natural world, but grow up appreciating it.

Our resident pups love their hiking time too…and the trailheads are equipped with doggie bags, making it easy to just head out on a whim.

Look for these trail markers below to find your way through the trail system at Spring Lake Ranch.

The Troll Trail

At the end of Spring Lake Drive tucked into the trees, you can find the head of the Troll Trail that was created by some of the residents of SLR. A quaint bench and decorated tree lets you know when you have arrived! This charming little trail meanders through the trees and terminates at either the water’s edge or continues through a forest to a wide open green space known as The Meadow. Here, you will find a gazebo that can be used for a family picnic or BBQ with lots of space to throw a football or frisbee around with your friends and family.

Length = to Green Space 600m / to Spring Lake 250m

The Troll Trail terminates at a dock & The Meadow.

The dock at the end of the Troll Trail
Children having fun splashing at the dock on Spring Lake

The Ravine Trail

This trail runs along the north edge of Spring Lake Ranch and terminates at a playground. You may even get to see some gorgeous horses along the way.

The Ravine Trail at Spring Lake Ranch

In 1907, the Canadian Northern Railroad Company extended their railroad line over the Saskatchewan River and connected Stony Plain to their line. The original line was going to run through the Ravine Trail, so when you explore this area, you will see the built up mound where the tracks were going to be laid. Halfway down the trail the mound stops, as original construction plans changed and they moved the line further North to its existing location. Locals have said that you can find old railroad artifacts abandoned in the trees.

Length = 600m

Start or end at the playground near Spring Lake Ranch.

The Lake Trail

Have you heard of forest bathing? (also known as ecotherapy, grounding, forest therapy, Shinrin-Yoku or Sami Lok) It’s essentially walking through a forest with intention and awareness to improve your mental and physical health. Spending time in nature has various physiological benefits such as relaxation, stress reduction,  improved mood, self esteem and motivation. 

Along the Lake Trail, you will not only see Spring Lake but also get to explore a beautiful Environmental Reserve forest. You will see many trees (and homemade tree forts) as well as unique flora and fauna to the area. 

If you continue past Range Road 20, you will discover the quiet country roads that can add more steps and make your walk more of an adventure.

Length = 500m

Another option is to circumnavigate Spring Lake with a variety of trail and road walking, this loop is approximately 5.5km.

Do you want to enjoy the trails for yourself? We welcome you to visit SLR.

You can also tour the last remaining lots for sale and view our latest homes for sale by making an appointment here and explore the Ravine, Troll and Lake Trails at your leisure!

Find Directions here…and see you at Spring Lake Ranch!

1. Take Highway 16A West of Stony Plain

2. Exit LEFT at Spring Lake

3. Turn LEFT at Range Road 20 (At Blueberry School)

4. Continue over railroad tracks

5. Take 2nd LEFT at Spring Lake Drive

Living Lakeside on Spring Lake

Ah, summer! What an amazing time of year. The days are longer, the sun is brighter and everyone has a little extra pep in their step. Living at Spring Lake Ranch means you can have access to a very active and healthy lifestyle, right out your front door.

Living Lakeside

Lakeside living at SLR in the summertime means that you can fish and bird watch in the morning, swim in the afternoon and paddle board in the evening. Having this gorgeous lake at your doorstep makes living at Spring Lake Ranch feel like a vacation every day.

Aerial Photo of Spring Lake and Spring Lake Ranch looking Southwest
Aerial Photo of Spring Lake and Spring Lake Ranch looking Southwest

Spring Lake Ranch Features

Spring Lake is just 25 minutes West of Edmonton and is a natural, spring-fed lake. With no farms directly on the lake, there are minimum pollutants running into the fresh, clean water which also decreases the likelihood of a tragic algae bloom from happening. There is no direct public access to Spring Lake, making it feel very private.

Aerial View from a Drone of Spring Lake looking north to Spring Lake Ranch
Aerial View from a Drone of Spring Lake looking north to Spring Lake Ranch

Nature found at Spring Lake

Spring Lake is a very quiet and serene lake, due to limited boat traffic and a speed limit of 12mph, making it a haven for wildlife. The most prolific are the birds! There are four pairs of Loons that return each year to nest and have their young. You will see Pelicans, Eagles and Ospreys soaring overhead, hear the Red Wing Blackbirds making their calls and spot Mallards and other ducks in the reeds.

Coyote Island as photographed from the north on Spring Lake
Osprey Island as photographed from the north on Spring Lake
Two Pelicans flying in Pelican Bay on Spring Lake, Alberta
Two Pelicans flying in Pelican Bay on Spring Lake, Alberta

Recreation on Spring Lake

Being out on the water has a very soothing effect on the mind, body and soul. If you are an avid fishing enthusiast, Spring Lake is a catch and release lake that is stocked each year with Rainbow Trout. In the winter, the lake is aerated to decrease the winter kill, making your catch extra satisfying in size. For those of you that like to launch, paddle and steer, you can enjoy the calm and quiet water by canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard. Motorboats are allowed but are restricted to a 12 mile per hour speed limit.

Three people canoeing towards Osprey Island on Spring Lake in Alberta
Three people canoeing towards Osprey Island on Spring Lake in Alberta

Last, but definitely not least, nothing says summer like a big splash in the lake- cannonball style! On a hot summer day, after a nice little paddle, enjoy a dip in Spring Lake or if you want to take it up a notch, swim some lengths!

Girl jumping off a paddleboard into Spring Lake, Alberta
Girl jumping off a paddleboard into Spring Lake, Alberta

Storm Watching Season at Spring Lake

Another favourite pastime of residents at Spring Lake Ranch is watching the summer thunderstorms pass through the lakeside community. With long view vistas, you can see the storm coming from miles away. Once it arrives, you can watch the electrifying lightning from the safety of your covered deck and listen to the loud, booming thunder. If you are lucky, the storm will either begin or end with a spectacular rainbow (a double one if you’re extra lucky!)

Double Rainbow over Municipal Reserve Land at Spring Lake Ranch
Double Rainbow over Municipal Reserve Land at Spring Lake Ranch

Sun Worshipers

Some of us love to watch the sunrise early in the morning while others prefer to catch the evening glow of a sunset, or perhaps you love both. With Spring Lake as the backdrop, the colours and unobstructed views offer spectacular skies all year round.

World Class Mountain Resorts Near Spring Lake Ranch

As we’ve shared in this blog and on SLR’s Instagram, we’re all about embracing the winter season! Luckily SLR is located within a 1/2 day’s driving distance to several fantastic Mountain Resorts.

Spending a weekend at one of these stunning destinations is so revitalizing, whether it’s a couples’ getaway or a trip with the kids. (Or: Gather the ladies for a super fun girls-only escape.)

Here are our Top 5 Mountain Resorts to visit. While now is not the time to travel, hopefully this gives you inspiration for a future trip.

Marmot Basin (Jasper National Park)

Just 3.75 hours from SLR and 20 minutes south of Jasper, this alpine ski area boasts the highest base elevation of the Canadian Rockies. With seven lifts servicing 86 runs, there’s plenty to choose from whether you’re a novice, amateur or somewhere in between.

To refuel after a day on the hill, relax at the Caribou Chalet (located at the base), which features gorgeous views of the Athabasca Valley.

Banff Sunshine Village

Three mountains of diverse terrain make up this resort, located 4.5 hours from SLR. Affectionately described as having “Canada’s best snow,” Banff Sunshine Village is situated on the Continental Divide of the Rockies within Banff National Park in Alberta and Mt. Assiniboine Provincial Park in B.C. 120 trails are serviced by 9 chairlifts, with beginner, intermediate and expert slopes.

Treat yourself to a stay at the boutique hotel Sunshine Mountain Lodge, a ski-in, ski-out oasis.

Mt. Norquay (Banff National Park)

Just five minutes from the townsite of Banff (four hours from SLR) is Mt. Norquay Ski Resort, a smaller resort with 60 runs that’s great for families. With a fully lit terrain park, it features the only night skiing in the Alberta Rockies as well as Alberta’s largest tube park.

Fun fact: Norquay is the Rockies’ original ski resort, opened in 1926.

Lake Louise Ski Resort

Also within Banff National Park, Lake Louise is one of the largest ski resorts in North America,. With more than 145 runs spanning four mountain faces. it features a wide variety of terrain and phenomenal views of lakes, glaciers, forests and, of course, mountains.

In 2019, Lake Louise was voted the #1 Ski Resort in Canada at the World Ski Awards.

Nakiska Ski Area

Four hours from SLR in the Kananaskis Valley, Nakiska is another excellent choice for families, with 70% of its terrain rated as intermediate and a range of Learn to Ski programs offered.

The mountain was home to the Calgary 88 Olympic Alpine Events, and has easy access to Kananaskis Village with great dining, accommodation and spa options. Check out the upscale Kananaskis Mountain Lodge for a luxe getaway and the amazing Nordic Spa for hydrotherapy and massage.

Closer to home, we have several ski resorts within an hour or two from SLR, including Rabbit Hill Snow Resort (15 mins east of Devon), Snow Valley, (30 mins east of Spruce Grove), Sunridge (20 mins east of Edmonton), and Silver Summit (50 mins north of Edson).

Do you have a favourite ski spot in the area? Let us know in the comments!

We’re so thankful to have access to these incredible places. This list will stay up on the blog, so you can refer to it anytime you’re planning a trip.

Join us! Sept. 14th at HOMEWARD ~ A Spring Lake Ranch Social. (BBQ, Hot Air Balloon Rides + Newest Home For Sale Revealed!)

Whether you’ve recently discovered the community, have visited in the past, or are thinking about making SLR your home in the future…we welcome you to join us this Saturday, Sept. 14th for HOMEWARD. 

We’ve got so many fun things in the works.

HOMEWARD ~ A Spring Lake Ranch Social brings together the SLR community and beyond for a day of food, music, pop-up shops, home tours and more. This is a wonderful opportunity to experience the beauty and spirit of SLR. All welcome.1-6 pm.

Along with everything shared below, there will be a draw for some FANTASTIC door prizes!

Prize sponsors include: Dani + Madi (clothing boutique), Kristen Baker (artwork), Pet Food Etc., That Yoga Place, The Parlour, Sommerset Pumpkins, Windsor Plywood, Jalapeño Mama, Michelle Boutin (SENSE), Roxi W. (Stella & Dot), McLeod’s, Willow Nicole Cosmetics and more!

Please RSVP to scorker@springlakeranch.ca or the facebook event.

See the Newest Home UP^ at SLR

The BIRCHVIEW is newly complete and Move-in Ready! Be the first to tour this gorgeous 5 Bdrm Bungalow For Sale.

HIGHLIGHTS:

*Located in Juniper Lane which is a 3-property cul-de-sac, giving The BIRCHVIEW additional privacy along with Ravine views
*1703 square feet on main floor
*Open concept living
*Custom painted wood cabinetry throughout
*Onyx and Snowfall White paint palette
*Black with gold lighting and hardware
*Gorgeous master bedroom and en suite
*Floating cabinet in main bath
*Fully finished daylight basement
*Huge covered back deck with a gas line for BBQ, heat and year-rund enjoyment
*Oversized triple garage
*Two laundry locations ~ one up, one down (Make your choice or install in both locations! Beautiful patterned floor tile in downstairs laundry.)

Go UP^ in a Hot Air Balloon…

A huge shout out to Angela DeBlois, for organizing this super fun component of the day! Weather permitting, you can take an aerial tour of SLR! Hot air balloon rides in the RE/MAX balloon will be held from 3pm -6pm (as long as it’s not too windy). We can’t wait for you to see SLR from above.

Listen UP^ with Musician Danny Floyd Cole

This fantastic vocalist and instrumentalist will be performing at The Timberview from 3-6 pm. Danny Floyd Cole has been sharing his musical talent with Alberta audiences and beyond for more than two decades, and we are thrilled to welcome him to SLR for this special performance!

Pop UP^ Clothing + Art Shops

Dani + Madi is a clothing boutique with awesome, on-trend pieces coming soon to Spruce Grove. Owner Rachelle will hold a POP-UP Dani + Madi shop at SLR from 1pm to 6pm.

Kristen Baker is a freelance artist and illustrator (and SLR resident!) whose stunning artworks capture movement and fluidity. Kristen will show her works for sale from 1pm to 6pm. She also does custom pieces!

POP-UP shops will be held in The TIMBERVIEW. Stop by to browse and shop their collections.

Build UP^ with a LEGO Master Builder

When we learned that Patrick, co-owner of Sakai Sushi, is a master builder of LEGO structures, we knew it was something kids (and adults) would love to see! Above are just a few of the amazing things he creates. Patrick will be showing off his LEGO skills at The Timberview from 1-4 pm.

Eat UP^ at the BBQ! (Plus Games for the Kids)

We’ll be grilling hot dogs from 1pm to 6pm at The Timberview. 

There will be games and a balloon artist to entertain the kiddos. 🙂

*In keeping with the community spirit, we will be accepting donations at this event for the Ronald McDonald House

See you on Sept. 14th ~ we can’t wait to welcome you to SLR!

5 Reasons to Make SLR your Home

Looking for a home and considering Spring Lake Ranch?

You’re not the only one! SLR has become one of Alberta’s premier Lakeside locations, with new residents moving to the community each season. As we dive into a new season, we want to share our Top 5 Reasons why NOW is an excellent time to build or buy your ideal home at SLR. Our residents consider it their own piece of paradise!

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