Sylvan Lake Shenanigans

Paws

The dogs loved the trails through Jarvis Bay Provincial Park, both along the water and through the bush.
Sylvan lake has a beautiful boardwalk and a massive beach, but no dog friendly beaches that we could see and dogs are not allowed on the sand (don’t tell these guys though, we let them have a rip :‑P ).
There are several dog-friendly pubs along the boardwalk and our pack loved the opportunity to sit and snack.

Breathe

Remember to check if campgrounds have lake access, clearly, some don’t.
Directions and maps are incredibly helpful at very large provincial parks, even if you jogged it once.
Check the weather before bed, seriously!

Pay it forward

Jarvis Bay is a beautiful campground with lovely staff, very clean facilities, and nice hot showers.
2nd Wind Brewery was a great little dog-friendly pub

Day 1: The Great Provincial Park Mystery

Hello, fellow adventurers! It’s your girl, Tracy, here to recount the hilarity that ensued during our three-day RV escapade to a provincial park outside Sylvan Lake, Alberta. Spoiler alert: not every provincial park has lake access, and that was the first of many surprises we’d encounter. Who knew? Apparently, not us. We packed up our adorable chihuahuas—August, Finnegan, and Casey—armed with paddleboards and enthusiasm, only to find ourselves scouring every path for lake access. Finally, after a little research, I came across the “No Lake Access” designation. Damn!

Now, let’s chat about Sylvan Lake for a second. This picturesque town is known for its beautiful beaches, water sports, and… apparently, the mystery of disappearing lakes. If you ever visit, keep an eye out for the famed Sylvan Lake Ice Cream Shop. Apparently, it’s a local legend that has been around since the dawn of time. Fun aside, I highly recommend going in the off-season, with lovely walks and amazing amenities, all to yourself!!!

With the weather being brisk enough for penguins, we decided paddleboarding would remain a distant dream, at least until August stopped trying to bury herself in the sheepskin. Instead, John decided to get back into (back into?) his running routine—because, you know, when life gives you lemons, you just have to run in circles around them.

Day 2: The Running Man’s Misadventure

John took off his first run our second morning and tracked himself doing around 3k, not a shabby start! We walked the path later that day with the chi’s and found a few new options to keep it interesting.

The best part is that when he decided to head out to go to the showers, he ended up on what I can only describe as a 5K version of “Where’s Waldo?” He drove around and around the park, looking like a confused contestant on a reality show (There go our hopes of winning the Amazing Race!). At one point, a concerned park ranger pulled him over, probably thinking he was lost and needed a map or perhaps just a snack.

Once we finally reunited, we decided to venture into town. We hit Walmart and found the holy grail of stoneware dishes! It was like we’d struck gold after a long, fruitless treasure hunt. Honestly, we’d been searching since leaving Saskatoon. They are the perfect blend of cream and black (and thanks to poor packing – I’ve already broken a bowl).

Day 3: Brews, Booze, and Thunderstorms

Later, we strolled around the boardwalk with the pooches in tow, soaking in the sights of Sylvan Lake. We found a dog-friendly brewpub downtown, where we enjoyed a ‘snack’—which was really just a fancy term for an adult picnic that included wine and an IPA. The chihuahuas, being experts in the fine art of begging, successfully scored some “dog treats” (which were, you know, some dry ribs John siphoned off the plate).

Just as the sun dipped below the horizon, Mother Nature decided to join the party, sending in a spectacular thunderstorm that rolled through like an uninvited guest. Rain poured into the next day, turning our campsite into a soggy disaster zone. There’s nothing quite like the thrill of packing up your RV in the rain while everything gets progressively wetter. I’m convinced we were performing a circus act at this point, with the chihuahuas acting as our little clowns, trying to dodge puddles.

So there you have it! Our adventure at the provincial park outside Sylvan Lake: a mix of mischief, mayhem, and wet socks. Until next time, keep your paddles ready and your RV towels close!