In the Beginning

Artifacts found in the park indicate this 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.

There are two known burial grounds in and near the park that contain the graves of natives and Metis who once settled the area. Many of the old-style burial grounds include structures commonly referred to as "spirit houses". These wooden shelters often resemble small A-frame huts. The "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.

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. The route was called Hinton Trail.
• Surveyors, geologists, trappers, loggers and outfitters made extensive use of Hinton Trail passing along the west shore of Jarvis Lake.
• Travelers could catch fish here throughout the year. They could also find a hearty supply of firewood and shelter for camping.
• A store and trading post operated on the northwest shore of Gregg Lake from 1880 to 1920.
• Graveyards in the park indicate remnants of past communities and residents.

This area became part of the Athabasca Forest Reserve in 1910, 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 their horses. Cabins, horse barns, trails, corrals and a wagon trail were constructed in the area and remnants are still visible in the park today.

Beaver Ranching

There were two short-lived, unsuccessful beaver ranching projects along Jarvis Creek (north of Graveyard Lake) between 1946 and 1948. 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. Both projects ended in financial disaster. Evidence of the beaver ranches can still be seen today, the largest of which is located adjacent to Beaver Ranch group use area.

Birth and Growth of a Park

• On December 9, 1958 more than 6000 acres were withdrawn from a lease registered to Northwest Pulp and Power. This was done at the request of the Hinton Chamber of Commerce to improve recreation and travelling conditions in the area.
• The area was declared a wildland provincial park following an Order-in-Council transferring the lands to Alberta Parks. It was originally named Entrance Provincial Park but was later renamed William A. Switzer Provincial Park in honour of the first mayor of Hinton.
• Gregg Lake campground was constructed in 1975-76.
• The park underwent major capital upgrading in the late 1980s. During the upgrade, Kelley's Bathtub was developed into a formal day use area, a new administration building and Jarvis Lake campground were built and Jarvis Lake day use area and Pine Bay group use area were both upgraded.
• New land totaling 36 square kilometres were added to the park in December 2000; additions included:
• • Wanyandi Meadows (also known as the Joachim Valley), located southwest of the previous park boundary - the Meadows feature a Sundance Aboriginal heritage site and an old Metis graveyard
  • Gregg Lake area and wetlands, which include a cottage subdivision and unique wetland complexes
  • Athabasca Lookout Nordic Centre
• Friends of Switzer Park Cooperating Association renovated the administration office at Kelley's Bathtub in 2004. The park's visitor centre had its official grand opening ceremony on Parks Day in 2007. 
• Kelley's Bathtub Trail was resurfaced and a new bridge built in 2007.  
• The Friends of Switzer completed wheelchair-accessible Friendly Vista Trail in 2007 as well.
• Several upgrades were carried out in the park between 2008 and 2010:  
• • Jarvis Lake day use area, including beach improvement with new sand and playground
  • in Gregg Lake campground, campsites were leveled and expanded, a new shower facility was constructed and playgrounds were upgraded

Park Place Names

Several features in William A. Switzer Provincial Park bear names honouring its early settlement history.