Holly Goes Camping

 

The May long weekend is the start of the camping season in Alberta. However, there were forest fires, dense smoke, and fire bans in effect. Subsequently, this caused a stutter-start to our camping season that finally got underway in June.  Jarvis Bay Provincial Park campground, located next to Sylvan Lake was our home away from home for the weekend.

 

Getting there

The most direct route to Jarvis Bay is north on the Queen Elizabeth 2 Highway. However, we were leaving on a Friday afternoon and didn’t want to deal with the volume of traffic and the stress involved on that road. Instead, we went west on the 1A Highway to Lochend Road or Highway 766 and took the tertiary roads to Sylvan Lake. As a result, Google Maps indicated this route would take 20 minutes longer. Without a doubt, it was worth it.  

We drove through farmland and rolling hills. Oil derricks, synonymous with Alberta, dotted the landscape and besides that, we encountered almost no other traffic. Instead of stress mounting on the drive, we felt a gentle release of tension as the cityscape receded. Bliss and eye candy rolled into one.

 

 

Approximately two kilometres from the campground there is a Canadian Tire, gas station, No Frills and Tim Horton’s. Sylvan Lake had us covered if we forget anything.

Check-in

On arrival, an attendant with a warm smile greeted us at the drive-up check-in building. Only recently had the fire ban been lifted at this campground. Happily, our next step was to purchase firewood and ice from her.

 

Amenities

Find the following amenities at Jarvis Bay Provincial Campground:

• Amphitheatre
• Dump station
• Campfire pits
• Firewood (for a fee)
• Grocery store (limited supplies in June)
• Playgrounds
• Powered sites
• Showers
• Toilets
• Picnic shelter

 

 

As you move past the check-in point you drive into a wide-open area. A sign for showers is down a road to the right. A small store is next to the road followed by a playground. On the left is the dump station utilized by trailers on the way out. Further on, the campsite loops start on the left just beyond this. Although it doesn’t look like it, there are nearly 200 sites at this campground.

 

 

We took the first, one-way loop to our site and drove through a thick forest of Aspens. Trees and foliage divide the sites, which all have power, a fire pit and a picnic table. At first glance, the place looks clean and well-maintained and it didn’t disappoint.

 

 

For this trip, we didn’t pick our site but instead took what was available. As it turns out, we were across the road from a bank of four bathrooms. On closer examination, they are ultra clean, well-lit with flush toilets, running water and room to move around in each unit. Additionally, these bathrooms are set slightly back from the road and are sheltered by towering aspens as well.

 

Holly’s first camping trip

On arrival at our site, we discovered a massive ant hill near the base of a tree.  Obviously to us, this would be a problem for Holly because we knew she’d get into it. So we went and chatted with the ladies at the check-in building and within the hour a maintenance person came and took care of the ants. Remarkably, the same fellow checked in on Saturday and Sunday to see if the problem had been solved.  We were impressed with his due diligence.

 

Trails

Trails thread through each loop of the campground. Unfortunately, our campsite happened to be beside one of these pathways. Our excitable 60-pound puppy took exception to this. In addition, she either wanted to play with or bark at those whom she spotted through the leaves and trees. Luckily for all, she was tethered to a tree. At times, it was a bit of an issue for her and also us.

 

Note for next time: Check out sites without pathways.

 

 

We took a walk down the main road from our campsite and followed the map we were given at check-in. Although the campground does not officially have access to Sylvan Lake, there is a pathway that follows the cliff beside the lake. There are points at which you could scramble down to the water if you are so inclined.

 

 

After dinner, we took a walk toward the group camp. Holly needed some time away from people and this was perfect. Trail loops meander through dense forests complete with squirrels, crows, and lots of growth. At first, Holly was tentative as she’d never been on a trail like this before. A fallen log caused her to pause, and her reaction gave us giggles. But, she was a trooper. We reassured her, and she continued. So many new experiences!

 

In her eyes

Unquestionably, the weekend was a new adventure for Holly. First, we went on a two-hour car ride, then we were outside for the rest of the weekend. We slept outside, ate outside, and we explored the forest. Furthermore, there were new people and sounds everywhere.

 

 

Happily for us, Holly slept through the night in her kennel. She tried to catch bees in her mouth (thankfully unsuccessfully) and dug after bugs on the ground. She chewed leaves and rose bushes with delight and ate dirt as well as barked in conversation with other dogs. I think it’s safe to say, Holly enjoyed her first camp experience.

 

In our eyes

To start, the weather was warm and wonderful. Although we weren’t super thrilled with the pathway right beside our site, we were happy to explore the roads and other pathways. Especially, a walk down to Sylvan Lake.

 

 

In summary, it was bliss having a fire, roasting hotdogs, and marshmallows and cooking steak over the open flames. A campfire is a big deal to us; fire therapy and warmth, and somewhere we can enjoy a coffee and read books.

 

 

Furthermore, the campground was well maintained. The bathrooms were clean, the showers were free and the campsites a good size. To make things even better, the park staff were friendly and accommodating. If you ask me, we’ll be back.

 

All good things…

As they say, all good things must come to an end, and our first camping trip with Holly was no exception. We had smoke-free warm days. It should be noted, that the other people near us in the campground were respectful of noise limits. And thankfully, dogs were kept on leashes. All in all, it was a positive experience.

 

 

In conclusion, our time spent at Jarvis Bay Provincial Park campground was a success. Even though Holly provided a few more challenges for us, we think she enjoyed herself. Without a doubt, we did too.

 

 

To read about another of our favourite campgrounds click here.