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Whether you're after a romantic weekend, family vacation or outdoor adventure, Harrison Hot Springs has got you covered
The mineral pool at the Harrison Hot Springs Resort and Spa is the main draw
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.
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
For more accommodations near Harrison, check out Tourism Harrison’s accommodations page.
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
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
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.
Catherine Roscoe Barr, BSc Neuroscience, is a Vancouver-based writer, editor, and fitness professional. Before settling on the west coast she lived in Sydney, Toronto, Oregon, Montana, and practically everywhere in Alberta. She can be found jogging with her adorable dog, dining with her fabulous husband or voraciously reading anywhere comfy.