When winter drapes Sylvan Lake in shimmering white, the town becomes a storybook setting. Snowflakes dancing in the crisp air, the lake glistening like glass under a pale winter sun, and cozy cabins glowing with warmth. This is where family memories are made, one magical moment at a time.
Day 1: Welcome to the Wonderland
Arrive in Sylvan Lake and settle into your cozy lakeside cabin or family-friendly hotel like Best Western Plus Chateau Inn or Prairie Moon Inn. After settling in, stop by Lakeshore Café for steaming cups of hot cocoa to bring with you as you wander through Winter Village along the pier, lined with over 300,000 twinkling lights. It’s the perfect backdrop for holiday family photos! Extend the magic with a drive through the town to see even more dazzling displays celebrating the season.
Day 2: Ice & Adventure
Head to the lake for the most picturesque outdoor ice skating in Alberta! Glide across the sparkling surface, or if the lake is not yet frozen, head over to the NexSource Centre for an indoor experience. Warm up with a hearty lunch at Spill the Beans, where their housemade sourdough sandwiches and soups are perfect for refueling after a morning on the ice. Before you leave, browse The Baby Footprint, a charming shop specializing in children’s wares and eco-friendly finds.
As evening falls, channel your inner lumberjack at Wood Shed Axe Throwing. Learn the technique, then compete for the title of family champion! Wrap up the day at Rusty Kage Smokehouse & Grill, with house smoked meats, a fun kids menu and generous portions – a cozy, flavorful end to an adventurous day.
Day 3: Cozy & Creative
Begin your day at Next of Kiln Pottery Painting Studio, where the whole family can unleash their creativity by painting a variety of pottery pieces. This hands-on experience is perfect for all ages and offers a chance to slow down, laugh together, and create something truly personal. After your artistic adventure, wander over to the Sylvan Lake Municipal Library, a cozy haven for families. Explore shelves of stories, join a craft activity, or simply curl up in a quiet corner for some downtime while the snow sparkles outside.
When hunger strikes, head to Mukbang, a local favorite serving up Korean-style street food that’s as flavourful as it is fun. After lunch, let the kids burn off energy at Drop ‘n’ Hop Play Café, where playtime meets comfort. Parents can even sneak in a little fun with the golf simulator, making it a win-win for everyone! As evening approaches, keep things warm and inviting with dinner at The Lighthouse Community Eatery, where the menu offers refined yet approachable dishes that cater to every palate. Finally, round out your day at Landmark Cinemas, popcorn in hand, as you settle in for a family-friendly film. A perfect ending to a day filled with creativity, comfort, and connection.
Day 4: Winter Thrills 
Today is all about embracing the great outdoors in Sylvan Lake! Start your adventure with a day of ice fishing on the lake in one of Sun Sport Recreation’s cozy ice huts. Perfect for groups of 2 to 6, their team takes care of everything, so all you need to do is show up and enjoy. Want to make it extra special? Extend your experience into an overnight stay (don’t worry, the huts are equipped with propane heat) or add on a relaxing sauna session to warm up after a day on the ice. If fishing isn’t your style, you can rent the sauna on its own or strap on some snowshoes and explore over 26 km of scenic trails around town.
Lakeside Lowdown: For extra fun, Sun Sport Recreation also rents snow bikes or snow karts!
When it’s time to warm up, head to 2nd Wind Brewery & Eatery for hearty comfort food and craft beer brewed on-site. Adults can sample a flight while kids enjoy a family-friendly menu. The cozy atmosphere is perfect for sharing stories from your day on the ice.
Day 5: A Taste of Sylvan
Dedicate this day to sampling local culinary delights! Start your day at Roundabout Eatery, where hearty breakfasts and warm hospitality set the tone for your foodie adventure. From classic comfort dishes to creative twists, it’s the perfect spot to fuel up before exploring Sylvan Lake’s culinary scene. Next, head to White Frog Café & Roastery to learn about the art of coffee roasting and their farm in Colombia. Sip on a freshly brewed cup and pick up a bag of beans to take home, because nothing beats the aroma of locally roasted coffee!
For lunch, make your way to Party Chef’s Blue Door, a hidden gem serving gourmet hot dogs, hearty soups, and delicious sandwiches. Every bite is packed with flavour and creativity! Afterward, take a short five-minute drive out of town to Sylvan Star Cheese, where you can sample their award-winning cheeses and learn the story behind their famous Grizzly Gouda. It’s a must-visit for cheese lovers and a great way to experience local craftsmanship.
As the afternoon winds down, head to Snake Lake Brewing Company for a laid-back vibe with board games and craft sodas for the kids, while adults can enjoy a flight of locally brewed beer or spirits. Don’t forget to grab some off sales to take home for later! For dinner, escape to Sun of a Beach, where tropical vibes and flavorful dishes transport you to a sunny paradise, even in the heart of winter. Finally, end your culinary journey with a sweet treat at The Big Moo Ice Cream Parlor, a Sylvan Lake staple that’s sure to make everyone smile.
Day 6: Explore & Unwind
Start your morning at Timber Coffee Co., where you can warm up with a rich, locally roasted coffee and treat the family to fresh pastries before heading out for some winter fun. Once you’re fueled up, bundle up and make your way to Leader Field, the ultimate spot for outdoor family activities. Spend time sledding down the snowy hills, lace up your skates for a spin on the rink, and take advantage of the Tournament House for a cozy break with bathrooms and a warm-up space.
After working up an appetite, head to Bukwildz, a local favorite known for its hearty comfort food and welcoming atmosphere, perfect for families looking to recharge. Next, keep the excitement going at XZone, where kids and adults alike can dive into arcade games and immersive VR experiences. It’s a great way to mix a little tech fun into your winter adventure.
As evening approaches, enjoy a delicious dinner at Lodge 43, offering a refined yet family-friendly menu in a cozy setting. Then, cap off your day with an unforgettable experience at a Sylvan Lake Wranglers hockey game. Cheer on the home team and soak up the lively atmosphere, it’s the perfect way to end a day full of family fun and winter magic.
Day 7: Farewell Moments
Before you leave, take one last stroll along the lake. The air is crisp, the snow sparkling like a million tiny stars. Snap those final family photos, then grab a warm drink for the road. As you drive away, the memories linger – laughter, warmth, and the magic of winter by the lake. Sylvan Lake isn’t just a destination – it’s a feeling. A week here is more than a vacation; it’s a story your family will tell for years to come.
Special Events to Enhance Your Experience
- Light Up the Lake – Early December
Kick off the holiday season in true Sylvan Lake style! Breakfast with Santa runs both Saturday and Sunday, and the Santa Claus Parade lights up downtown on Saturday evening, followed by a stunning display of fireworks by the lake.
- New Years Day Fireworks – January 1
Continue your new year’s celebrations on the evening of January 1st with an evening fireworks display.
- Ice Dragon Boat Festival – Mid-February
Canada’s Coolest Winter Festival is Back! Head to Sylvan Lake on Family Day Weekend and witness the only Ice Dragon Boat Festival in Western Canada, where adrenaline meets ice in the most Canadian way possible! Enjoy family-friendly fun and games while you cheer on teams of paddlers from the shoreline.
- Pass the Poutine & Cocktail Trail – Mid-February
Embark on a flavour-packed adventure with Sylvan Lake’s Pass the Poutine and Cocktail Trail! Experience local restaurants serving up indulgent poutines and handcrafted cocktails. Whether you’re craving classic comfort or bold, unexpected twists, this trail invites you to sip, savour, and explore the best culinary experiences Sylvan Lake has to offer.
More to Explore…
Looking for more family fun? Check out our regional partners for more great stops: Lacombe Regional Tourism (west, north, and east of Sylvan Lake) and David Thompson Country (west and southwest of Sylvan Lake).