Harrison Hot Springs is a village just a couple of hours’ drive away from Vancouver. It is located at the southern end of Harrison Lake and can be a perfect place to explore with your family and friends. In the summer, the area offers a variety of water-based sports and hiking options. And in winter, you get an exciting skiing destination. It’s also the ideal bird-watching destination and has some great dining options.
The sandy beaches, hot springs, forests, and rocks altogether are enough to impress the tourists to visit there again. I must say a trip to Harrison Hot Springs is worth it to give you all chills and thrills. Still confused? I will help you decide how to spend your time at Harrison Springs. This small place is full of surprises, where you can relax, visit a few historic places, and go to fun places full of adventures.
1. Harrison Hot Springs Resort
What could be better to spend your leisure time in a resort, like Harrison Hot Springs? It is a relaxing resort and healing spa that combines nature and pampering since 1886. Set in a beautiful location along the lake and provides a wide selection of events and activities to locals and visitors.
While access to the hot springs is complimentary for guests, visitors can gain access by purchasing a wristband. Additionally, if you go for a massage at the resort, the access to hot springs is complimentary. The resort has five different natural hot pools, kept at different temperatures. Then, there is the marina, which has fishing grounds and kayaks for a more adventurous experience. In-house dining options include beautiful fine-dine meals and poolside access for the guests.
2. Art Lovers Can Go to the Canwest Art Gallery
The Canwest Art Gallery on the Lake is located near the Harrison Beach Hotel. It offers a breathtaking view of Harrison Lake and has something new come on its shelves every week. Canwest Art Gallery is well-known for showcasing the work of 40+ very talented artists – including watercolour art, vintage animal sculptures, and metal art. It would definitely be an awesome experience
3. Spend Time at the Sasquatch Provincial Park
After having a good time at the Harrison resort, you can plan your day trip to the Sasquatch Provincial Park. I am sure you will love the whole area. As it allows you to enjoy many activities. It is a huge forested region with lakes and campsites and lies just northeast of Harrison Hot Springs. The park’s day-use area is Green Point, and that’s where you will find the boat ramp access area to Harrison Lake, picnic tables, and a swim beach that’s pretty popular during weekends. Some of the animals that you can witness here include beavers, bears, mountain goats, and bald eagles.
4. Try Out the Miami Bridges Walk
Miami Bridges Walk is located near Harrison Hot Spring and takes a minimum of 20 minutes to complete – which is fairly easy by Canadian standards. This is also an excellent walking trail. The source of the hot springs is on the left, and you can return to the village on the right. It offers serene cedar woodland at the base of Agassiz Mountain after crossing the Miami River bridge. The trail returns you to the west side of the resort along the lake after about 400 meters. You can have a nice private family trek and explore the boardwalks, old cedars and tranquil views. Therefore, I highly recommend you experience this.
5. Explore the Othello Tunnels
Now this is something different that you may not find everywhere. At Othello Tunnels, a network of abandoned railway tracks stretching the Coquihalla River, you can walk through the province’s deep pathways and lush forest. It’s a great way to experience up-close views of the rushing river all through the simple 3.5 km loop through their five separate tunnels – and without any elevation. I must tell you that the park has a series of walkways, bridges, and roads cutting directly through steep rock cliffs. It was built in the twentieth century to connect the region with the coast via train (300 ft).
It’s a great way to experience up-close views of the rushing river all through the simple 3.5 km loop through their five separate tunnels – and without any elevation. The park has a series of walkways, bridges, and roads cutting directly through steep rock cliffs. It was built in the twentieth century to connect the region with the coast via train (300 ft).
6. Stay at the Sandpiper Resort
The beautiful Sandpiper Resort is a well-known attraction in Harrison Mills. I will tell you about this English-style manor. It is a popular destination for weddings, corporate events and special occasions. The gorgeous grounds and serene views of the Harrison River and luxury accommodations – including rustic and luxurious cabins – make it a great choice of stay for a weekend getaway.
7. Kilby Historic Site
If you want to experience some historic elements on your trip, I suggest you visit the Kilby Historic Site. if you don’t know about it, let me tell you this. It is a living museum showcasing BC’s history and rural life in the village of Harrison Mills which is only 5 minutes from the Sandpiper Resort. During the summers, you can experience some beautiful gardens and visit the 1906 general store museum. The site also has a vintage postal service and art centre, and the Manchester house is open to the public for tours.
8. Go for the Agassiz Speed Way Car Racing
If racing cars were what you always wanted, this is your dream come true! This stock car racing set is a venue where you can experience the thrill of racing. The best thing I found about it is that you don’t need to be an adult to race, and be prepared to have some really loud fun – for your whole family!
Also, if you don’t want to race on your own, I will tell you some other options to enjoy. You can look out for special events. There is a 1,000-seater grandstand seating, and concession stands during the event. The volunteer-driven events like motor sports are one of the best examples of how a community comes together to do what they love.
9. Explore Your Adventurous Side with Harrison Water Sports
You can try out water sports and games as long as you’re ten years or older. And believe me, it would be great fun there. The inflatable water sports are a delight, and the obstacle courses are something that is both fun and challenging. You also have swings, teeter totters, rope swings, and hamster balls. If that doesn’t interest you, you can also rent a BBQ Boat or a Bumper Boat.
If you’re looking to know more about what you can do at Harrison Hot Springs, let us know. This little, world-renowned resort town is known for its geothermal hot springs. The local economy, which employs a few hundred people, is mostly based on tourism. All this makes it the perfect weekend gateway you might be looking for when you’re in Vancouver. Harrison isn’t just about spas and sunbathing though. There are plenty of exciting activities, fascinating sites, and delectable restaurants to tempt your taste!
Last Updated on April 21, 2024 by Pragya Chakrapani
