Harrison Hot Springs Getaway Guide: Discover More than Just Mineral Pools

Credit: tourismharrison.com

The mineral pool at the Harrison Hot Springs Resort and Spa is the main draw

Rich in history and only 90 minutes from Vancouver, Harrison Hot Springs is the perfect getaway for a romantic weekend, family vacation or outdoor adventure

Flanked by the majestic Coast Mountains on the south shore of Harrison Lake, Harrison Hot Springs has long been a tourist destination for its natural mineral pools. For hundreds of years the hot springs were only known to the local inhabitants, the Coast Salish First Nations people, who believed them to have “spiritual and super-natural medicinal qualities.”

It wasn’t until the late 1800s during the Gold Rush that European settlers discovered the area, and since then Harrison has attracted a steady stream of tourists seeking a boost from the water’s purported healing properties. There are two places to experience the hot springs: the Harrison Hot Springs Public Pool and the Harrison Hot Springs Resort and Spa (which has the sole rights to the hot springs and runs the public pool).

But there’s so much more to do than soak your cares away – Harrison is surrounded by opportunities for year-round outdoor adventures including watersports on Harrison Lake or building sandcastles on the shore, hiking around Harrison and in a number of adjacent parks, or skiing at nearby Hemlock Valley Ski Resort.

Plus the village has a surprising variety of restaurants, from Thai to seafood to Swiss cuisine, and shops carrying locally produced honey and hazelnuts, unique gifts and sundries.

Where to Stay in Harrison

Most of Harrison’s accommodations are along the main strip, Esplanade Ave., which runs along the southern shore of Harrison Lake. With everything from a hot spring resort to a beachfront motel to a riverside heritage bed and breakfast, you can take your pick of where to lay your head.

Looking back at the hotels and shops along Esplanade Ave., from the entrance to Whippoorwill Point trail at the structure that protects the source of the hot springs. Image: Aaron Barr

• Harrison Hot Springs Resort and Spa – with five natural mineral hot springs and swimming pools, the Healing Springs Spa and the historic Copper Room with dining and dancing to a live band, this is the place to stay in Harrison. Check out our photo gallery.
• Executive Hotel Harrison Hot Springs – one block from the beach, with Rockamoles Restaurant, Lake Haven Spa, and a health club featuring a jacuzzi, steam room, sauna, and fitness facilities.
• Harrison Beach Hotel – dog-friendly rooms, a second Lake Haven Spa location, indoor pool and outdoor hot tub, and Ravens Restaurant with an outdoor patio overlooking the lake.  
• Hot Spring Villa Hotel – a quaint little hotel across from the beach that houses the Swiss Gourmet Restaurant, which has a lovely patio with lake views.
• Bungalow Motel – located toward the east end of Esplanade Ave. against Rendall Park, these cozy cabins are run by Cascade Outdoor Adventures.
• Glencoe Motel and RV Park – located two blocks from the beach, you can sleep in the recently renovated motel or park your RV in the campground.
• Spa Motel – economical suites with complimentary high speed wireless in all units and kitchenettes in some units.
• Harrison Village Motel – steps from the beach, all rooms have air conditioning and high speed wireless and upper units have balconies with lake views.
• Harrison Heritage House and Cottages – the only B&B in the village is a beautiful 100-year-old home one block from the beach on a secluded, one-acre lot that backs onto the Miami River.

For more accommodations near Harrison, check out Tourism Harrison’s accommodations page.

Where to Eat in Harrison

There are plenty of choices when your itinerary calls for food – whether you fancy fine dining and dancing, sushi or pub fare. Much of Harrison’s restaurants and cafes are found on the main strip, but venture into the village and you’ll find everything from Chinese to pizza to an Italian deli.

The Jones Boys entertain diners and encourage dancing at The Copper Room. Image: Aaron Barr

• The Copper Room – situated in the Harrison Hot Springs Resort and Spa, dine on “Fraser Valley cuisine” and dance to swinging live music.
• Swiss Gourmet Restaurant – open for lunch and dinner, featuring Schnitzel, Bratwurst and other Swiss classics.
• Yukiya Sushi – authentic Japanese fare.    
• Lakeview Restaurant – friendly diner open for breakfast and lunch  
• Ravens on the Beach –  open for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch featuring local, seasonal menu.
• The Black Forest Restaurant – serving steak and Schnitzel with charming German ambiance.
• Sunyam Thai Restaurant – enjoy authentic Thai cuisine from the large patio with lake views.
• Muddy Waters Cafe – open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, featuring live music.
• Crazy Fish Bistro – seafood with West Coast flare.
• Harrison Chinese – Harrison’s only Chinese restaurant, also serves Western food.
• Harrison Pizza – classic and gourmet pizzas served by friendly staff.
• il Carpaccio Deli – Italian deli serving lunch, specialty coffee and pastries
• Kitami Japanese Restaurant – sushi, teriyaki and more served in Tatami rooms or on the patio.
• Old Settler Pub and Liquor Store – serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, has adjoining liquor store.
• Ian’s Bar and Grill – open for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch, has pool tables and darts.    

What to Do in Harrison

There are countless activities available in and around Harrison from hiking, skiing and boating to music festivals, farm tours and amusement parks.

Harrison Lake and the Coast Mountains in summer and spring. Images: (left) tourismharrison.com, (right) Aaron Barr

• Shoreline Tours – offers lake and river sightseeing tours.
• Harrison Watersports – watersport rentals including Sea-Doo, powerboats, banana tube and bumper boats.
• HarrisonEco Tours – offers wildlife, jet boat and kayaking tours in and around the Harrison area.
• Hikes from Harrison Hot Springs – including the 5km Lagoon Walk, 7.5km Bear Mountain Side Trail Loop, 10km Campbell Lake Trail, and more.  
• Sasquatch Provincial Park – located on the southeast coast of Harrison Lake, visitors can canoe, kayak, swim, boat, hike, picnic and camp.
• Hemlock Valley Ski Resort – a one-hour drive from Harrison Hot Springs, ski or snowboard on the slopes or tube at their Slopeside Snow Tube Park.
• Cheam Lake Wetlands Regional Park – a 30-minute drive from Harrison Hot Springs, see some of the 184 species of birds as you stroll the network of raised walkways through the marsh and forest.
• Circle Farm Tour – a self-guided tour, the Agassiz-Harrison Mills Circle Farm Tour takes you through a variety of farms, markets, heritage sites and special events.  
• Harrison Festival Society – take in a variety of local and national talent in the recently renovated Harrison Hot Springs Memorial Hall on Esplanade Ave.
• Minter Gardens – a 40-minute drive from Harrison Hot Springs, stroll through the gardens and surrounding woodlands to experience nearly 100,000 tulips, more than 1,000 rhododendrons, and the beautiful rose garden.
• Bridal Falls Water Park – a 30-minute drive from Harrison Hot Springs, fun for the whole family with 10 waterslides and a huge hot tub.
• Bridal Veil Falls Provincial Park – closed during winter, this day-use area is a 30-minute drive from Harrison Hot Springs and has a short hike to the viewing platform near the base of the falls where you may see songbirds and small mammals.
• Tug Boat Junction Adventure Park – play the 18-hole-themed mini golf course, try panning for gold, or head to the train station club house and take a ride through the park.

For even more ideas, check out 101 things to do in Harrison Hot Springs and this blog that lists 10 things to do every month of the year.