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Tourism, Parks and Recreation
Parks
William A. Switzer Provincial Park
Park
Features
History
History In the Beginning | Beaver Ranching | The Birth of a Park | Park Place Names | Spirit Houses |
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Updated: April 17, 2001  In
the BeginningNumerous artifacts found in the park indicate that the area was occupied many times during the early and middle prehistoric periods. Natural resources like fish, fur and timber attracted native and Metis people to the Jarvis Creek Valley. By the 1800s, this area was known as the Fish Lakes Valley. It was part of the best-known route for travelling from the Yellowhead Pass in west-central Alberta to the Peace River County in the northwest. This route was called the Hinton Trail. Surveyors, geologists, trappers, loggers and outfitters made extensive use of this trail passing along the west shore of Jarvis Lake. Travelers could catch fish throughout the year here in addition to finding a hearty supply of firewood and shelter for camping. A store and trading post was operated on the northwest shore of Gregg Lake from 1880 to 1920 and offered supplies to travelers. Graveyards found in the park indicate remnants of past communities and residents. In 1910, this area became part of the Athabasca Forest Reserve making the lands the responsibility of the Alberta Forest Service. Forest Wardens patrolled the area on horseback. The meadows were cut for hay used as winter feed for the horses. Cabins, horse barns, trails, corrals and a wagon trail were all built. Remnants are still visible in some areas of the park today. Top of Page Beaver Ranching Between 1946 and 1948, two short-lived, unsuccessful beaver ranching projects took place along Jarvis Creek north of Graveyard Lake. Allen Innes-Taylor and Stanley Knapp constructed large cement holding tanks to commercially raise beavers for their pelts, much like a mink farm. However, the beavers would not breed in the confines of their cement lodges and both projects ended in financial disaster. Evidence of these projects can still be seen today. The largest site is located adjacent to Beaver Ranch group use area. Top of Page The Birth of a Park. On December 9, 1958, upon request from the Hinton Chamber of Commerce to improve recreation and travelling conditions in the area, over 6000 acres were withdrawn from a lease registered to Northwest Pulp and Power. Following an order-in-council transferring the lands to Alberta Provincial Parks, it was declared a Provincial Wildland Park and named Entrance Provincial Park. The park was later renamed William A. Switzer Provincial Park in honour of William A. Switzer, the first mayor of Hinton. In 1975 and 1976, the Gregg Lake campground was constructed. In the late 1980s, the park underwent major capital upgrading. A new administrative site, now known as Kelley's Bathtub, was developed to include a formal day use area and administrative building. In addition, Jarvis Lake campground was built. The Jarvis Lake day use area and Pine Bay group use area were both upgraded. Top of Page Park Place Names By virtue of their names and the reasons behind the choices, the following park features honour its early settlement history. Blue Lake • Named for the colour of the lake. Cache Lake • A.H. Hawkins, Dominion Land Surveyor, ran the 13th, 14th and 15th base lines, and cached his supplies near the lake. Kelley's Bathtub Day Use • Named after Mike Kelley, a long time resident and trapper in the area. One story has it that Mike took spill into the lake during one of his many excursions. Graveyard Lake • A native burial ground is located on the east-side of the lake. Gregg Lake • Named after J. J. (Jack) Gregg, formerly a scout with General Custer. He homesteaded near Hinton in 1895. Jarvis Lake and Creek • Named after E.W. Jarvis, a civil engineer with Canadian Pacific Railway William A. Switzer • The namesake of the park when it was renamed in 1974. William A. Switzer was a Liberal M.L.A., the first mayor of Hinton and a long time resident of Hinton. Top of Page  Spirit
Houses There are two known burial grounds in and around the park. These are the graves of natives and Metis who once settled the area. Many of the old-style burial grounds include structures commonly referred to as a "spirit house." Many of these wooden shelters resemble small A-frame huts. These "houses" were meant to protect the remains of loved ones and items they might require in the next world. Some have crosses and fences representing Christian influence. 
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