Calgary 
Sylvan Lake is usually thought of as a summer destination. But this lake town doesn’t slow down at all in winter. With everything the town has planned in the coming months, a winter weekend getaway to Sylvan Lake is bound to be just as exciting as a summer one.
Credit: Visit Sylvan Lake
The gigantic lake itself is a perfect place for skating or ice fishing, as it doesn’t take much time to freeze over. The town works hard to make the lake activities more and more exciting each year with holiday light displays, underwater(under ice) light displays, winter festivals, family days, and even more ways to enjoy the fresh (albeit crisp and cold) winter air.
1. Lake Skating
Three big wide-open areas near the shores of Sylvan Lake are cleared each winter for recreational skaters. In the evenings, the rink areas are further lit by the glow of underwater lights, a large central Christmas tree, and the neighbouring Winter Village, making it a magical place for a family or a romantic skate. Parking is free, and there are places to lace up your skates.
Where: Lakeshore Drive and 49 Street (near the Winter Village lights)
2. The Winter Village
Credit: Visit Sylvan Lake
Sylvan hosts a lakeside holiday light display dubbed their Winter Village- a great way to spend an evening on any winter night, well beyond Christmas. The Winter Village trails around the lake’s pier area with colourful and enchanting luminescence. They’ll let you know via Facebook as well which nights are official Bonfire Nights where local sponsors keep the fires big and hot for the entire day.
When: December 2021 – March 2022
Where: Sylvan Lake Pier
3. Ice Fishing
Credit: Visit Sylvan Lake
Sylvan offers much in the way of quintessential winter fun- ice fishing included. Sun Sport Recreation, located near the pier, rent out cabins and huts all prepped and ready for your fishing adventure. You can even go all-inclusive with your ice fishing hut and get a camera, fishing camera, bait, and outdoor fire pit included in your rental. The huts can hold two to six people, making them perfect for big or small families’, friends’, or couples’ winter getaways.
Where: Sun Sport Recreation – 5104 Lakeshore Drive, Sylvan Lake
4. Snowshoeing
Free to trek along the lake, or around the lake, or to venture out into the forests inside Jarvis Bay Provincial Park. If you rent your snowshoes from Sun Sport Recreation, you’ll want to enjoy snowshoeing on the lake where you’ll run into other outdoor enthusiasts like the ice-fishers and the skaters; or you can try a bit of all the winter sports!
Where (rentals): Sun Sport Recreation – 5104 Lakeshore Drive, Sylvan Lake
5. Cross-Country Skiing
Cross-country ski trails are located within Jarvis Bay PP; the gates are closed during winter to you’ll have to walk/snowshoe/ski to the trails which are groomed for skiers. The trails bring you through the lakeside forests, offering gorgeous views over the icy lake and in the trees. For even more trails, the city of Red Deer has 4 groomed ones to choose from that you can ski on your way in or out of Sylvan.
Where (trails): Jarvis Bay PP – Range Rd 13A, Alberta T4S 1R8
6. Annual Family Skate & Sled Event
Break up a boring and bleak month with some family winter fun! Sylvan Lake is hosting its annual family skate and sled event at the end of January, giving you the perfect way to break through the winter blues. The family event involves more than skating and sledding: fire pits are set up for marshmallow and hot dog roasting, while hot chocolate is served, and s’mores are made.
When: January 30, 2022
Where: Leader Field at Lakeway Blvd. and Memorial Trail, Sylvan Lake
7. Winterfest & The BIG JIG
Credit: Visit Sylvan Lake
Family Day weekend in Alberta means plenty of choices for family-friendly events and festivals. Sylvan Lake is set to host its annual Winterfest and Big Jig. Specific details are to be announced, but from previous years we know to expect plenty of outdoor fun like ice sliding, bonfires, a Polar Bear Dip event, lake curling, and possibly the snow maze. Stay tuned to their website for the details and plan a winter weekend getaway for a long weekend!
8. Snowmobiling
There is over 50km of maintained snowmobiling trails between Sylvan Lake and Eckville. The trails are maintained by the David Thompson Snowriders, and more information on where to take your winter toys in the area can be found with the Alberta Snowmobile Association. The Sylvan area trails take you from Gull Lake (Aspen Beach side), to Sylvan and across the lake, and west towards Eckville.
9. Local Shopping & Dining
All the outdoor recreation and cold weather might have you feeling a bit chilled. Or it might have you wanting to spend more time inside than out. You can easily plan a weekend away to Sylvan Lake that doesn’t involve the cold or a getaway that involves a bit of both cold and warmth. If you want to warm up with food and hot drinks, hit up one of these, or any other, local Sylvan eateries.
Between Lakeshore Drive and the many side streets to which it connects are several eclectic options for shopping. You can stock up on your winter sports gear, find fun gifts, or a souvenir for your trip.
- Knot Just a Box (toys, souvenirs, gifts, home goods)
- Kickin’ Candy (candy)
- Nomads on the Lake (sports and recreation)
There are not any groomed cross country ski trails to be found in Jarvis Bay PP
Just wondering where that information was obtained?