Hygge – (pronounced HU-guh) Taking time away from the daily rush to be together with people you care about – or even by yourself – to relax and enjoy life’s quieter pleasures.

Winter is the perfect time to embrace cold days and warm nights in Sylvan Lake. A recent cold snap is the perfect excuse to get inspired by the idea of Hygge – the Scandinavian concept of coziness. Instead of avoiding winter, Hygge challenges you to embrace it.

Hygge is a buzzword that recalls images of wool socks, good books, and warm fireplaces. So, combat winter blues and find true Hygge in Sylvan Lake.

Together with people

Sylvan Lake has plenty of cozy spots to gather with friends - tucked away in a coffee shop or sharing a pint at one of the town’s pubs or breweries. There’s nothing quite like a large fireplace to give you that Hygge feeling while toasting friends over a seasonal drink.

Whether you are looking for a craft cocktail or a smooth glass of wine, Sylvan Lake has plenty of options. The creamiest and most delightful latte you’ve ever tasted while overlooking a stunning view of the lake? Yep, Sylvan Lake has it.

Poutine is a classic Canadian comfort food and a variety of Sylvan Lake’s restaurants offer their spin on the famous dish. Whether it's a lobster themed poutine at Lodge 43 or a more class approach at Bukwildz, there’s nothing tastier.

Take an Adventure

It’s hard not to embrace the warmth of winter when adventure is on the menu. Explore the night under a blanket of twinkly lights. Sylvan Lake’s Winter Village wraps the pier in over 300,000 twinkling lights each year from December to March. When the sun dips below the horizon, invite your loved one on a quiet night stroll. Let the Winter Village inspire your photos with its lit archways, twinkle lights and cozy bonfires.

Layer up and head outside. Sylvan Lake offers everything from ice fishing, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and more. Check out one of Sylvan Lake’s ice fishing shack rentals for the ultimate Hygge experience. Imagine cozying up in a cabin heated by a wood-fried stove while waiting for the fish to bite.

Visit Sunsport Recreation in Sylvan Lake to rent winter sports equipment. You can rent snowshoes, hiking poles, ice fishing gear and ice fishing huts.

Pamper Yourself

Treat yourself to a massage at one of Sylvan Lake's many spas and salons or soak up the benefits of hydrotherapy at the Nexsource Centre’s soothing hot tub. The swimming pool boasts a hot tub, a wading area for toddlers, lane swim, and two mini water slides

Sylvan Lake also has a unique history of steam baths stemming from the arrival of Finnish pioneers. Now steam baths and spas are a wonderful way to refresh during the cold days of winter. Indulge in massage, steam baths, hydrotherapy, facials, mani pedis, herbal body wraps, and mud baths at Sylvan Steam & Spa, in the heart of downtown.

Whether you curl up with a good book in one of Sylvan Lake’s quaint hotels, cabins, or Airbnbs, it should feel like a break from the cold. Scandinavians may have perfected the concept of Hygge, but Sylvan Lake takes it to the next level.

To Hygge is to relax with intention and Sylvan Lake is a great spot to practice