Ice fishing is an iconic Alberta experience and one that is very special to do with your family. We planned our trip with Sun Sport Recreation in Sylvan Lake, and it was perfect for families and beginners. It is under a two hour drive from Calgary and makes for a quick road trip with kids. We all know that bringing kids along on outdoor adventures can be a lot of work but with Sun Sport Recreation, everything is done for you in advance. It really takes the stress out of planning for an ice fishing adventure.
Camping in an ice fishing hut on a frozen lake is very adventurous with kids but it can be done! We started by booking our stay online with Sun Sport Recreation. We chose the Mini-Cabin, which comfortably accommodated our family of four with its two double beds and two single bunks. The cabin's four fishing holes offered us an exciting chance to teach the kids how to fish. With power, electricity, and heat, we felt warm and cozy throughout our stay, and the insulation ensured we could relax together in comfort. We opted to have everything included in our stay and the get the extra luxury of the barrel sauna.
Once you book, you will be emailed a reservation. I have included a suggested packing list below to help you organize for your trip. We decided to create a special Valentine's family experience and arrived to Sylvan Lake on February 14th. We drove from Calgary to the Sun Sport Recreation main office where you'll be kindly greeted and then guided out to the lake.
Their Mini-Cabin comfortably accommodates up to six people. The overnight unit is well-equipped with amenities that made our stay convenient and enjoyable. We had access to Wi-Fi, a Coleman camp stove, cutlery, dishes, comforters, throw blankets, and a private portable washroom. This setup provided us with everything we needed for a stress-free and enjoyable getaway.
Our adventure was really underway with driving the 4-Runner out on the lake. I was nervous but listening to the experts at Sun Sport Recreation eased my anxiety. It has been extremely cold in Alberta this month and Sun Sport Recreation are locals to the area and know where and when the ice is safe. The kids were amazed by driving up to the cozy mini cabin that included an amazing little barrel sauna to add to the relaxation of the trip. Portable bathrooms are also connected to the cabins. We were ready for minus 30 degrees through the night. I know it sounds kinda wild but it was really warm in the cabin with the propane heater.
Upon arrival, everything is ready for you and your family. The cabin is warm, the fishing holes are already drilled in the cabin floor, and you can just get to connecting with your crew right away. We immediately started fishing with the kids after unpacking our items into the cabin. We relaxed and enjoyed charcuturie together. Since we got all the item included in our stay, we did get the fishing camera included in our stay. The kids could watch the fish swim by on the camera and even see the fish swim up to their bait. It made for a very exciting and eventful experience for the kids. We grabbed pizza from town for dinner and ran through mcdonalds for decaf coffees on our way back to the cabin. We fished until late. My toddler fell asleep in his toddler sleeping bag with a fishing rod in his hands. We fell in and out of sleep to the sounds of the frozen lake. Staying overnight can be intimidating as the temperatures drop. Just be ready as there will be a lot of ice cracking and lake sounds happening under the ice. However, noisy ice is apparently a good thing as that means new ice is forming. You can rent mini cabins for hours at a time instead if you just want to try it without committing to sleeping overnight, so make sure to checkout the rental options.
Morning was super relaxing with the kids, they got right back into fishing and were excited to see the sunrise over the lake. We ran to the local cafe to grab amazing lattes and homemade breakfast sandwiches, cinnamon buns, and banana bread for a snack. Our morning was special with a family sauna and lots of fishing. We opted to not have a fire because it was pretty cold being outside of the cabin.
Whether you're planning a quick day trip or a cozy overnight adventure, Sun Sport Recreation has all-inclusive packages that remove the hassles of traditional camping, including fishing equipment and a fire pit. They also offer special deals such as discounts on extended stays and optional sauna additions. For those looking to truly relax, setup is taken care of, and alcohol is permitted, adding to the convenience and enjoyment of your ice fishing trip. With personal fishing holes and a welcoming atmosphere, it's a perfect outing to create lasting memories with your family.
Suggested Packing List for Your Ice Fishing Overnight Stay:
Bedding/Sleeping Bags - I packed my baby and toddler sleeping bags for the kids
Pillows - Brought my fave one from home
Toothbrush and Toothpaste
Food/Snacks- I packed a pre-made charcuterie board along
Beverages (including alcoholic beverages if you wish) - we packed a big water jug too.
Warm Clothing (layers, hats, gloves, thermal socks)
Comfortable Footwear (insulated boots)
Personal Items (toiletries and medications)
Games or Activities for Kids
Camera or Phone for Photos
Fishing Gear (if not included in your rental)
Cooler for food and drinks (if needed) - we stored all of our snacks in our Yeti
Extra comfort: waterproof slippers for inside the cabin
Make sure to run through this packing list to help with your comfort for the trip. You are super close to store and supplies if needed. Book a memorable trip with your family this winter to make it more special! Being outdoors and connected to nature with kids is super rewarding. Tag us on your adventure so we can see how it went! Happy fishing!
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