Kelley's Bathtub, Jarvis Lake, William Switzer Provincial Park

In early August, we stopped at Kelley's Bathtub, a day-use area on Jarvis Lake in William Switzer Provincial Park. Jarvis Lake is shaped like a J, with the main access on the south end (i.e., the bottom of the J). Kelley's Bathtub offers both a sheltered paddling spot and easy access to the north end of the lake (the top of the J). Our plan was to paddle across the small, enclosed bay and then lift the boats over into the main lake.

Unfortunately, it was raining like hell when we arrived so we settled for a walk around the bathtub on the trail. The main parking lot offers pit toilets and picnic tables. The visitor centre is also in the parking lot. It is about a 30-meter carry from the parking lot to the water but there is a significant slope.

The shot above looks back at the access point and gives you a sense of the drop and the narrow beach area.  The water was clean and this would be a good place to paddle board.

To access Jarvis Lake, you need to paddle across the bathtub, get out of your boat by the bridge (in the picture above), lift over the walk, and get back in. You cannot get under the bridge. The north end of Jarvis was lovely and is sheltered from both west and north winds (sometimes an issue).

You probably want to lift over the board walk on the south end (on the left as you paddle towards it), just in front of where my wife is standing. The bottom there on both sides is pretty good. The bottom on the far side of the bridge had submerged logs and looked way harder.

I'd definitely go back and give this a go the next time where through here.

Jarvis Lake

Mid-September saw us stop in at Jarvis Lake in William Switzer Provincial Park, just north of Hinton. We put in at the day use area at the south end of the lake. There is a boat launch, beach, swimming areas, playground, and toilets (that are super dark).

It looks like a local paddle club is doing rentals.

You can also access the lake at the north end via Kelly's Bathtub. This is mostly a beach and swimming hole and will require you to make a very short portage to get out into the main lake.

We were there at about 10 am and it was a cold day (+4C). First time my wife had paddled in a parka and toque! 

We paddled the western reach, trying to stay out of the west breeze. We'll try the eastern reach next time. Beautiful clear water, lovely shore line, and basically no one around.

Coming back along the eastern shore, the wind picked up suddenly and we have quiet a paddle for the last half km across some open water. We were both drenched but otherwise had a good time.

William Switzer Park also appears to offer paddling at Blue Lake and Gregg Lake. Maybe next time.

 

Overall, a great time and nice location. This would be worth another trip next year.

Jarvis Lake

Jarvis Lake is located in William Switzer Provincial Park, about 5 km west of Hinton on Highway 16 and then 18km north on Highway 40. There are five lakes and a creek in the park, with Jarvis Lake being the southern-most lake. This is a lovely place to stop for a picnic lunch on the way to Jasper.

There is a large day-use area which includes a boat launch, dock, washrooms, playground, swimming area and picnic site. There is also a campground with separate docks.

The lake itself runs north-south (the day-use site is at the south end) with both a NW and NE reach, the latter being quite extensive. The water is very clear and was glassy-calm while were were there (boat wakes excluded!).

There is apparently a canoe route along Jarvis Creek that runs about 4km, starting where Highway 40 crosses the creek near Kelley’s Bathtub and ending at the Graveyard campground. This route can be paddled both way, although we've not tried it.