William A. Switzer Provincial Park is a well-kept secret that offers year-round outdoor adventures.
The park offers gorgeous views of the Rockies, five lakes (Blue, Cache, Graveyard, Gregg, and Jarvis), and a diverse foothills landscape with meadows and wetlands. You’ll find 65 km of trails here for hiking, biking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities, summer interpretative programs, and year-round camping at several different campgrounds.
Let’s embark on a journey through this hidden gem and explore what it has to offer.
Nestled in the tranquil foothills between Hinton and Jasper National Park, William A. Switzer Provincial Park can be found just a quick drive to the north of the Trans Canada Highway. Spanning both sides of the Bighorn Highway, it sits between the charming communities of Grande Cache and Hinton.
This captivating park is positioned approximately 20 kilometers from Hinton, Alberta, and lies 84 kilometers away from the breathtaking Jasper National Park.
It’s a nature lover’s haven that’s waiting to be explored in the heart of Alberta’s natural beauty.
William A Switzer Provincial Park’s beauty, featuring lakes, forests, and ponds, can be enjoyed year-round, offering opportunities for both summer and winter recreation.
I highly recommend making your first stop in William A Switzer Park the Kelly’s Bathtub Visitor Center.
This center serves as a veritable treasure trove of valuable information about the park. The knowledgeable staff there are ready to provide you with a wealth of details concerning the park, such as park maps, the current water levels of Jarvis creek, recent wildlife sightings, trail conditions, campsite availability (though note that they are unable to make campsite reservations or changes), and engaging interpretive shows.
Inside, you’ll find captivating wildlife displays featuring taxidermy specimens, skulls, bones, and furs. There are also numerous books about nature, as well as informative pamphlets and guides at your disposal.
Additionally, the center boasts a fantastic gift shop, perfect for picking up some delightful treats and indulging in ice cream during the summer months. For those seeking a scenic spot to enjoy your snacks, the back deck offers a picnic table with a breathtaking view of the Solomon Mountains.
Moreover, they offer ‘The Passport to Switzer Park’. This passport will guide you on a tour of Switzer Park’s highlights and hidden gems.
Take a picture of yourself at each site and check them off as you go. Bring your completed passport into the Kelly’s Bathtub Visitor Centre and show off your photos to receive a free Switzer Park postcard and a discount in the gift shop!
William A. Switzer Provincial Park Map
William A. Switzer Provincial Park features several day use areas that cater to various interests and activities.
This happens to be one of my personal favorites.
Kelly’s Bathtub features a quant visitor center featuring a delightful gift shop, captivating nature and wildlife exhibits, and access to invaluable information from the knowledgeable park staff. The balcony at the visitors center offers a beautiful viewpoint of the Solomon Mountain Range.
In the summertime, there is a small beach with shallow entry, perfect for families, and a secluded bay, perfect for non-motorized water crafts.
Afterwards, cool off with some ice cream from the visitors center while reveling in the splendid mountain vistas.
There are picnic tables equipped with fire pits, & a day-use picnic shelter complete with a wood stove, making it a versatile spot to enjoy during any season. During the summer the visitors center sells firewood. Outhouses are available.
Alcohol is permitted at the picnic tables only from 11am-pm (not on the beach or trails.) Please drink responsibly and make sure you have a designated driver. *Must also be accompanied by food, which aligns with the Gaming, Liquor, and Cannabis Act. *
Jarvis Lake is the largest and most popular day use area in the park, perfect for a sunny summer day. It features a sandy beach, a swimming area, playground, a boat launch, picnic tables, fire pits & outhouses.
A shallow area for children to play is available, and dogs are welcome on a leash. Keep in mind that it can get quite busy during peak days.
Gas powered boats are permitted on Jarvis Lake, making this the only lake in the park suitable for tubing, waterskiing or other motorized water sports. It’s also popular with fishermen.
Located within the Gregg Lake Campground, this area is open to the public and offers a wide range of amenities. It features a beach, a swimming area, playground, a boat launch, picnic tables, fire pits and outhouses.
The Gregg Lake Campground is the largest in the park and provides a host of facilities for campers.
Gas powered boats are allowed on Gregg Lake, but there is a 12km/hr speed limit. This lake is better for fishermen, not ideal for motorized water sports.
Switzer Park has over 10 marked trails to explore. All the trails are open for hikers to explore and many are also suitable for biking, and in the winter, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Dogs are allowed on hiking trails in William A Switzer Park, but must be on leash. 
An easy and scenic 1 km loop around the Jarvis Lake inlet with a boardwalk at the midway point. The trail is well maintained and on flat ground, and features a beautiful bridge and a little beach area at the end.
Length: 1km
Elevation gain: 27m
This is a perfect family hike. A short and easy loop suitable for any levels. This loop makes a great winter hike as well!
This trail meanders along the shoreline of Jarvis Lake. It goes through mixed wood forests and the scenic Jarvis Creek wetlands.
Length: 3km
Elevation gain: 27m
Various viewpoints with rest areas are located along the trail, creating excellent birding and wildlife viewing opportunities. Friendly Vista Trail is good for wheelchairs and strollers.
It is accessed from the southwest end of Kelley’s Bathtub Trail. This trail is an extension of the Kelly’s Bathtub Loop. This is also a great winter trail!
There are 13.5 km of trails, including Meadow Run, Sunburst, Rolling and Jarvis Lake. Stop by the Kelly’s Bathtub Visitor Centre for a map, or review and snap a photo of the Jarvis Trails information sign at the trailhead.
Length: 2.5-11km loops
Elevation gain: 40m
In summer, hike or bike through rolling hills, along meandering streams, meadows, aspen and spruce groves. In winter, these trails are groomed for cross-country skiing.
Trails start from the green gate in the parking lot at Kelley’s Bathtub, opposite the Kelly’s Bathtub Visitor Centre.
Two different trails, both leading to one of the most picturesque viewpoints in the region. One is a short and sweet hike, while the other presents a more challenging ascent.
From the Athabasca Lookout Viewpoint, and at several spots along the forested ridge trail, you’ll get to enjoy panoramic views of the Joachim Valley and front ranges of the Rocky Mountains.
Fire Tower Trail:
Length: 2.1km roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 137m
Short but sweet, this trail is an invigorating uphill journey that leads to an outstanding vantage point. From the parking lot at the far end of Hinton Nordic Centre road, hike 1 km uphill to be rewarded with the stunning views of the Rocky Mountains and surrounding foothills.
Though it is an uphill climb, due to it’s short length this trail is suitable for most hikers. This hike is do-able in the winter as well.
Athabasca Lookout Trail:
The Athabasca Lookout Trail is a different beast, offering a longer and more challenging hiking experience.
Length: 10.6km round trip
Elevation Gain: 526m
This route is generally considered moderately challenging but is well worth the effort.
The trailhead is across from the Jarvis Lake Campground and you can access the steep Athabasca Lookout Trail via the Joachim Valley. This route has some additional points of interest, such as the ‘crashed’ airplane used for search and rescue training and the indigenous burial site.
Athabasca Lookout Viewpoint
Hike or bike this hilly 2.5 km trail through mixed forest from Gregg Lake Day Use Area to Gregg Lake Campground (F-Fox Den Loop). Then return on the 1 km trail connecting F-Loop to the lake shore.
Length: 3.5 km roundtrip
Elevation gain: 57m
Watch for evidence of moose, elk and deer along the trail.
The trail is well maintained and very easy to follow as it goes through the forest along small rolling hills.
Length: 3.5 km interpretive loop
Elevation gain: 105m
There’s the option of detouring slightly to a nearby pond. The trail also continues for quite a ways south past Trout Pond and all the way down to Cache Lake.
This trail starts behind the Gregg Lake Campground shower building.
For a taste of backcountry hiking, Fish Lakes Trail connects Blue Lake Trail to Kettle Trail. The route follows ridges through rolling hills and thick spruce forests with viewpoints along the way.
Length: 3.5 km connector trail
Elevation Gain: 70m
Connect to Fish Lakes Trail on the south end from the Blue Lake Centre parking lot OR on the north end from the Trout Pond viewpoint on the Cache Lake Road.
In the late 1940s, some short-lived beaver ranching was attempted along Jarvis Creek. Ranchers built two large concrete holding tanks to raise beavers but the animals wouldn’t breed in them. The remains of the attempt can still be seen today.
Length: 1.5 km interpretive loop
Elevation gain: 27m
After you cross the creek, hike along Graveyard Lake to a viewpoint that showcases the surrounding wetlands. The trail starts at Halfway Campground.
This trail follows the Northern shoreline of Blue Lake. The trail is easy to follow but can be overgrown at times.
Length: 3km loop
Elevation gain: 72m
From the parking lot on the West side of the lake, follow the well-marked trail through a beautifully wooded area. There is a private property here called Blue Lake Lodge, which has been closed to the public for some time.
Joachim Valley Trail to Airplane Wreckage is an enjoyable trail to a simulated airplane wreck, which is used for search and rescue training. You can turn around here, or continue on to the Black Cat Ranch.
Length: 13km to Black Cat Ranch, 7.2km to Airplane Wreckage
Elevation gain: 140m
This is a popular trail for cross-country skiing, hiking, and mountain biking. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
The Hinton Nordic Centre trails are situated in forested, hilly terrain, offering 35 km of expertly groomed trails for skating and classic skiing, a large rustic day lodge, and a biathlon range. In summer, trails can be used for mountain biking and hiking.
Length: 35km of trails
There are several trail access points along Athabasca Lookout Nordic Centre Road. The three main parking areas are located at the beginning, middle and end of the road.
William A Switzer Park features 5 lakes, all connected by Jarvis Creek: Jarvis Lake, Blue Lake, Cache Lake, Graveyard Lake, and Gregg Lake.
Canoes, kayaks, stand up paddles boards (and other non-motorized water sports) and electric motors are allowed on all five Lakes within the park.
Jarvis Lake Day Use
&
Gregg Lake Day Use
Gas powered boats are only allowed in these two lakes, and there is a 12km/hr speed limit at Gregg Lake.
Jarvis Lake is popular for tubers and water-skiers in the summer.
Kelly’s Bathtub is the perfect spot for paddling in the park. The protected bay means not having to worry about boats, and the bridge ensures no one can paddle away too far.
Kelly’s Bathtub is the perfect spot for families to get out onto the water.
One unique feature of the park is the Jarvis Creek Interpretive Canoe Route.
Running through the heart of William A. Switzer Park, Jarvis Creek connects all 5 lakes: Jarvis Lake, Blue Lake, Cache Lake, Graveyard Lake, and Gregg Lake.
This is a short, but beautiful canoe route perfect for beginners or long time paddlers.
You can paddle the Jarvis Creek Canoe Route with canoes, kayaks, or stand up paddleboards.
Switzer Park Paddleboard Rentals offers canoe, kayak and stand up paddle board rentals near the boat launches at Jarvis Lake and Gregg Lake.
As some of Alberta’s prime fishing lakes, the William A. Switzer bodies of water offer rainbow trout, northern pike, or whitefish. Fishing is permitted in all 5 lakes, with an Alberta fishing license.
Check Alberta Guide to Sportfishing Regulations for fishing regulations and restrictions.
Trout pond is another hidden gem inside William A Switzer Park!
Trout pond is stocked with hundreds of rainbow trout each spring.
The pond is accessed by a short trail off the Cache Lake Campground access road.
You can ice fish on any of the lakes in Switzer Park.
Switzer Park hosts an ice fishing derby in February as part of Hinton’s annual Winter Magic Festival.
You can get from one end of the park to the other on your bike on over 20km of pathways, and quickly get to scenic lookout areas, quiet wildlife viewing areas, or more intense mountain biking areas.
The following trails allow biking:
Beaver Ranch Trail
Blue Lake Trail
Fish Lakes Trail
Kettle Trail
Friendly Vista Trail
Gregg Lake Trail
Jarvis Lake Trail System
Joachim Valley
The Hinton Nordic Center also provides over 35km of great mountain bike trails in the summer.
Down the Cache Lake Road, you can find a viewing blind separating you from a small meadow; visit at dusk or dawn for your best chance to spot deer, coyotes, and several other small mammals!
All around the park there are spectacular chances for spotting birds, large or small, or mammals like moose, deer, or bears.
While negative animal encounters are rare, many of these animals are frequently spotted around the park, so be prepared.
The Kelly’s Bathtub Visitor Center also keeps a whiteboard with a running list of recently spotted animals, so check in there to see what’s been around! They also offer books and guides on spotting all the local wildlife.
William A Switzer Provincial Park offers some of the best camping in Alberta! William Switzer Park has five campgrounds spread along the valley, connected by a chain of five lakes and a navigable creek.
Whether you prefer to reserve your site in advance or opt for a first-come, first-served arrangement, the park offers a range of campgrounds to suit your preferences. From basic camp grounds to those with comprehensive amenities, there’s something for every camper’s taste.
All the campgrounds in the park offer washrooms, firepits, picnic tables, and access to the trail or creek systems.
It’s worth noting that these campgrounds tend to fill up rapidly during the bustling summer season. To ensure you secure your preferred spot, it’s advisable to make reservations ahead of time or plan to arrive early, securing your place in this sought-after camping destination.
Reserve online at reserve.albertaparks.ca or call 1–877–537–2757.
The year-round camping at William A. Switzer can be enjoyed at three of the park’s lakes: Graveyard, Gregg, and Jarvis.
The seasonal campgrounds at Halfway and Cache Lake are both smaller campgrounds that offer more rustic camping experiences.
Firewood can be purchased at Kelly’s Bath tub visitors center or the Gregg Lake Campground booth.
Jarvis Lake Campground offers 25 sites with 15/30amp electrical power next to Jarvis Lake which are suitable for RVs and tents. There is a small beach, playground, vault toilets, water pump (not potable), dock and hand launch area for boats.
A beach, boat launch and dock are located at the nearby Jarvis Lake Day Use Area. Potable water is available at Gregg Lake Campground.
Reservations are required for Jarvis Lake Campground between May 17 – Sep 5.
Winter Camping is available on a first come first serve basis between Oct 11 – May 17.
Gregg Lake Campground is the biggest campground in the park, with the most amenities.
There are 163 sites (83 with power, 11 with power and water, 69 basic sites).
Sites are suitable for both RVs and tents, including unserviced, powered, power/water, and pull-through options.
Most sites are surrounded by mature trees for privacy, with one loop located right next to Gregg Lake.
There is a campground booth, firewood sales, playgrounds, amphitheater, interpretive programming, flush toilets, potable water taps in the upper loops, a shower facility, dumping station and a boat launch.
Reservations are required for Gregg Lake Campground between May 17-Sep 5.
Lakeside loop is open for winter camping by self registration and is first come fist serve.
Gregg Lake Campground Booth at 780-865-5152.
Cache Campground offers 14 rustic treed camping sites with tent pads, water pump (not potable), camp shelter with wood stove, vault toilets, and playground.
Reservations are required for Cache Campground between May 17 – Sep 5.
12 rustic campsites located in a meadow near lakes and Jarvis Creek with a fish cleaning station and vault toilet.
Halfway Campground is considered the sites in the meadow ‘halfway’ between Cache and Graveyard.
Graveyard Campground is the campsites next to the Jarvis Creek Take Out.
Both of these campgrounds are First Come First Serve between May 17-Sep 5.
Enjoy a lovely secluded lakefront area with a cook shelter, 2 group campfire pits, water pump (not potable), private beach and dock. There are 10 walk-in tenting sites along the lake and in the woods, and space for approximately 8 RVs depending on size.
Reservations are required for Pine Bay Group Use Campground between MAY 18 – SEP 5.
The site accommodates up to 18 units and has a cook shelter, pull-in sites, and a group campfire pit.
Reservations are required for Beaver Ranch Group Use Campground between MAY 18 – SEP 5.
The fun doesn’t stop in William A Switzer Park once it gets cold – it’s only getting started!
Switzer Park has just as many things to do in the winter as it does in the summer:
Winter Hiking
Ice Skating
Ice Fishing
Snow Shoeing
Cross Country Skiing
Snowmobiling
Just to name a few.
Artifacts found in the park reveal a history of human habitation during the early and middle prehistoric periods. The area’s wealth of natural resources, including fish, fur, and timber, attracted both native and Metis people to the Jarvis Creek valley.
In the 1800s, this region was known as the Fish Lakes Valley and played a vital role as part of the well-traveled Hinton Trail, connecting the Yellowhead Pass in west-central Alberta to Peace River County in the northwest. Travelers on this route, including surveyors, geologists, trappers, loggers, and outfitters, frequently stopped by the west shore of Jarvis Lake. Here, they could fish, find firewood, and shelter for camping.
In 1910, the area became part of the Athabasca Forest Reserve, under the care of the Alberta Forest Service. Forest wardens patrolled the area on horseback, utilizing the meadows to cut hay for their horses during the winter. Over time, they constructed cabins, horse barns, trails, corrals, and a wagon trail, and some remnants of these structures can still be seen in the park today.
On December 9, 1958, more than 6,000 acres were released from a lease held by Northwest Pulp and Power, a move requested by the Hinton Chamber of Commerce to improve recreational and travel conditions in the area. Following this, the area was designated a wildland provincial park, initially named Entrance Provincial Park but later renamed William A. Switzer Provincial Park in honor of Hinton’s first mayor, William A. Switzer, a Liberal MLA and a beloved long-time resident of the town.
There are two stories told on how Kelly’s Bathtub got it’s name.
Mike Kelly was an avid outdoorsman and manly man. The most told story is that he once fell into the the bathtub while canoeing, and because of his reputation as a manly man, they laughed and called it Kelly’s Bathtub.
The nicer story is that he used this bay for bathing, since he lived nearby in the cabin.
If you keep your eye out, off the side of the Friendly Vista Trail, you can see the remains of Mike Kelly’s old trapper cabin. There is not much left except a few base logs, but it’s still neat to see.
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