5 Hygge Tips for A Winter Staycation in Canmore

Vacations give us a chance to get away from it all, but in these challenging times of a pandemic that isn’t always possible. Staycations are the safer option, but you might be wondering how to make it feel as relaxing and rejuvenating as the holidays you’ve had in years past. Winter staycations in Canmore have a lot to offer, and there is one key ingredient to consider: 

Hygge! 

What is Hygge?

Hygge, (pronounced hoo-gah), is a Danish word that encapsulates feelings of warmth, hominess, joy, and security, among other cozy and relaxed things. It is what The Little Book of Hygge author Miek Wiking believes contributes to Denmark’s position as “one of the happiest countries in the world”. 

Creating an atmosphere of hygge is not complicated or expensive. “In many ways, it is like a good hug,” says Wiking, “but without the physical contact”. 

So while it might not be the right time to crush in together at a restaurant, attend a festival, or sit with friends on a chairlift, there is still much to enjoy and take away from a staycation in Canmore. All it takes is a little bit of hygge.

5 Hygge Tips For Your Canmore Winter Staycation

Sit By A Fire

If you’re looking for a vacation rental for your staycation in Canmore, make sure it includes a fireplace. Wiking calls fireplaces “the ultimate headquarters of hygge,” for their ability to infuse a space with a sense of warmth and togetherness. Firelight is low and relaxing; the perfect atmosphere for reading a book or having a glass of wine with your favourite person. If an in-home fireplace is not doable, head over to the Spring Creek Firepit to enjoy a crackling fire outside. Don’t forget to stop at The Pulse for a hot chocolate on your way there.

Create Your Nook

It’s that place you can go to be comfy; the Danes call it a hyggekrog. Think blankets, a window looking out onto natural scenery (or, where you can watch snow and rainfall while you stay tucked safely in your hyggekrog), and a toasty pair of socks. Spending part of your morning relaxing in your nook might be exactly what you need to power down and reconnect with the present moment. 

Connect With Your People

COVID-19 has been a stressful and distracting time for many of us, so take the time during your staycation to disconnect from devices and news feeds in the same way you might if you were travelling across the world. Scale back to taking in the humbling natural landscape of the Alberta Rockies with the people you are including on your staycation, and let the flow of good conversations bring you closer together.

Another great way to connect with those you love is over a memorable dinner together. Tapas Restaurant in Canmore offers a shared tasting experience involving small plates, made with mostly organic and locally-sourced ingredients. With its warm lighting and welcoming service, you could say a night at Tapas Restaurant with friends or family is peak hygge.

Get Outdoors

While hygge embodies everything secure, safe, and comfortable, it doesn’t mean that the inverse isn’t necessary to create a memorable hygge experience. The pleasure in hygge is in reflecting on the contrast, which is the uncomfortable part leading up to the hygge. If hygge is the aprés, the opposite is skiing; you can’t have one without the other. So get outside and get cold! Work up a sweat on Canmore’s Nordic trails or get adventurous with Howling Dog Tours for a dog sledding tour which comes well-equipped with gourmet snacks and a hot drink. Coming home to your fireplace and wooly socks will be all the more satisfying.

Make Warm Drinks

One of the hallmarks of traditional Danish hygge is mulled wine (or, gløgg, as it’s called), but if you want to skip the alcohol, Canmore Tea Company makes a mulled wine loose leaf tea to help conjure the coziness.

Book Your Hygge Staycation in Canmore

Fireplaces, luxury finishings, kitchens for gathering your people, and a hot tub for after a long day on the mountain – all of your hygge necessities are waiting for you at Spring Creek Vacations.