Planning day at the river

May is officially underway and for many campgrounds that marks the official opening to the Alberta camping season. With camping comes hiking, biking, and loads of “fond” family memories. So what can you do to make sure that your trip doesn’t end up like a Griswold (enter sequel) Vacation? …You plan.

This past weekend my brood (3 and 5 years old) and I spent some time in the Eagle Point Blue Rapids Provincial Park – East North Saskatchewan River, specifically the area of the park around Willey West Campground; this got me thinking that perhaps it was time to outline a day trip itinerary for those who find themselves spending time in the area.

What to pack:

If you’re heading this way for a weekend or a day make sure to bring your mountain bikes, fishing rod, a good pair of walking shoes, and water shoes. In the hot summer months bring a bathing suit and some fun.

Day Trip Itinerary:

It is 10:00 am you are buzzing from your morning latte.The kids just gobbled down their amazing apple fritters from the Drayton Bakery, because we all know anything with apples is a breakfast food. You have pulled into the Eagle Point Provincial Park, east side of the river and you can finally say, “Yes! We are there!” to the brats in the back.

Morning – Pack a snack with you and spend the first part of your day (2 hrs) hiking the Hilltop Trail system. To just do the circular circuit it takes about an hour. Add on an extra 30-40 minutes if you head down on the river detour to watch the river and have a snack.

Pre-lunch – Head down to Willey West Campground and if it isn’t quite lunch time then pop over to the playground and let the kids blow off some extra steam.

Lunch – Drive or walk over to the former boat launch area, to have an alfresco picnic lunch at the edge of the river. If it is the summer and the weekend you can also purchase some hot food from the Sasquatch food truck.

Afternoon – After lunch spend some time down by the river. Head upstream and you will find a sandy chunk of the interpretive trail that follows the river bank for some beautiful views, benches and rock throwing. I found that just the sand occupied my kids for an hour. If the weather is nice forget about walking and get in the water, depending on the flow it may be a nice depth for the kids to paddle around and wade in.

Late afternoon – On the way out a sign for an interpretive trail might catch your eye (located eight across from the check-in station). This is a lovely little trail with boardwalks and foraging opportunities in the summer, and if you are lucky you just might discover a gnome home.

Evening – If you are camping now is the time to set up camp. If you are hotelling it then head back to Drayton Valley for your choice of AAA beef, kebabs, sushi, pub style food, and comfort food, with 31 restaurants to whet your palate you will find something for everyone.

Spending time in our provincial park can be a great time if you keep the trip to bits and bites, pack food and water, extra clothes and let the kids set the pace.