Water Lovers

The Hot Springs

The place to start is of course the hot springs. While the Resort owns the rights to the springs they also pipe water directly from the springs to the Harrison Hot Springs Public pool one block away from our house. The actual spring water 74° C/165° F is pumped to the public pool and cooled to 38° C/100° F. For a modest fee you can rejuvenate in the warmth of mother natures self healing miracle. Harrison Public Hot Pool is open daily from 9 AM to 8 P.M.. For more information call 796-2244.

Harrison Lagoon

If you are looking for a nice sandy beach to lay on while the kids swim in the Harrison Hot Springs Lagoon this is the place to be. Its right across the street and offers play areas for the kids, a clean sandy beach and the relatively warm water of the lagoon.

Harrison Lake

There is of course Harrison Lake one block from our house. Sailing, wind surfing, power boating, water skiing, on one of the cleanest lakes you can find anywhere.  For details on the lake check out Harrison lake.  It is possible to use our canoe, or rent a boat and explore the vast expanse of the largest lake in southwestern B.C.. A word of warning it is a large, 65 kilometer long, glacier fed lake and the water can be very cold. As well, storms can make the lake a dangerous place to be, so exercise caution and common sense. Boats can be rented or skiing arranged, here are a couple of places:

Harrison Watersports Inc. (Banana boat & Sea-Doo Rentals) 1-604-796-2244
H & H Parasailing 1-604-796-0324
Killers cove marina and boat rental 1-604-819-5398

Harrison Lake offers some superb wind surfing.  A large long lake, it channels the air into some pretty healthy wind.  Better bring your wet suit/dry suit as the water can be pretty chilly.  For more information visit the  Harrison Windsport Society web site.

Bridal Falls Waterpark

A 15 minute drive back to the Trans-Canada highway you will find the Bridal Falls Waterpark. Spend a day racing down the various slides and chutes. Their season runs from June till early September. Need more info give them a call at 1-604-794-7455 or toll Free 1-888-883-8852 or visit the Bridal Falls Waterpark web site.

Hicks Lake

Looking for a quiet lake to spend the day away from civilization? Then its time to head up to Hicks Lake in nearby Sasquatch park. Only 15 minutes from Harrison Hot Springs, Hicks lake is a great place to canoe, swim and hike. Check out the Sasquatch Provincial park site. For specifics on the lake go to the provincial lake site Hicks Lake.

Fishing

Cutthroat, Rainbow, Dolly Varden, Steelhead, Coho and gigantic Sturgeon abound in the lakes, rivers and creeks around us. While we are not fishing experts we know that excellent fishing is to be had in Harrison Lake, Harrison River, the Fraser River and many other smaller rivers and lakes in the area. Need more information on fishing then try the B.C. fishing forum for general questions regarding fishing in B.C. its found at the FishBC web site.

Or, if you just want to learn more about Fish and Fishing go visit the Chehalis River Hatchery they can be reached at 1-604-796-2281. They also have an excellent web site that covers among other things fishing conditions, hints, and regulations check it out .

If you are looking for a guide or more information contact nearby BC Sportfishing Group (they helped me catch five Salmon in four hours) or for a great source of information including current fishing reports as well as guiding services try Sharphooks.

To top of page

Family Fun

Harrison Hot Springs Mini golf

Always fun whether you win or lose try your luck at mini golf at Tugboat Junction Adventure Park.  Beautifully landscaped course with waterfalls, a train trestle, a train station clubhouse and a ride-along miniature train!  Check out their website at Tugboat Junction.

Biking & Riding

Riding in and around Harrison can be experienced a number of ways. There is of course the bike. Whether you want to go for a leisurely ride through the local streets or test your mountain biking abilities on the local trails, Harrison is a great place to bike. If you want to get some help biking around why not try a Quadracycle. You can rent one at Jamie's Quadracycle Rentals. A fun way to see Harrison

To top of page

Circle Farm Tour

The Circle Farm Tour is a wonderful way to experience the rich variety that Agassiz, Harrison Bay and Harrison Hot Springs have to offer by way of things historical and agricultural.  Please contact individual farms for opening times. Three of our favourites in easy biking distance of Harrison Hot Springs are:

Limbert Mountain Farm - Nursery and Organic Specialties Farm. Find everything from potted herbs, heirloom tomato plants, and ornamental grasses. Visit their beautiful gift shop for home and garden décor, custom tea blends, fresh seasonal foods & culinary products.  Cooking classes offered.  Located at 5493 Limbert Road in Agassiz   Tel: 604-796-2619
 

The Back Porch at 6116 Golf Road in Agassiz, BC.  Enjoy great pottery, basketry, collectibles & nostalgic pieces, a trundle through their character gardens and before you leave, a chance to scoop some great estate coffees, roasted fresh on the premises.

FarmHouse Natural Cheeses - offering a wide range of natural cheeses produced straight from farm fresh milk.  Through the viewing window watch the process and enjoy some gelato or browse the gift shop. You can find them at 5634 McCallum Road in Agassiz.

To top of page

Nature Lovers

Minter Gardens

A world class garden with 27 immaculate acres of flowers, plants and gardens arranged in 11 wonderful theme gardens. A delight to the eyes and soothing to all your senses.  Open mid May to mid October.  For opening times or more information visit the Minter Gardens web site.

Bridal falls

Found at the base of the majestic 7000 foot Mount Cheam, Bridal falls is a wonder of nature that is magnificent to see any time of the year. While no picture can do it justice check it out at the Bridal Falls site at BCadventure.  Only 15 minutes away from Harrison it's also a great place for a walk or a picnic.

Hiking

There are countless hikes in and around the Harrison Hot Springs area. Use our Hiking guide as a reference source, it lists 80 of the best hikes in the area. Want to get some ideas from the internet then go to the Bcadventure-hiking site. This site describes hikes in the Vancouver area. A few in the neighbourhood of Harrison are First Brigades Trail, River, and Mount Cheam. There are also a couple of great hikes in the Chilliwack region described in Hiking in BC. They are a bit of a drive away but give an idea of the kind of hiking you can expect in this area of the world. 

Bird/Wildlife Watching

Harrison Lake is a major resting area on the north-south migration path. The Harrison River is the second largest home for bald eagles in North America. Of course there is much, much more of nature to be seen and enjoyed in the area. To get a good overview head over to BC Wildlife Watch - Lower Mainland Region Fraser Valley Viewing Sites. They provide all sorts of information on what can best be seen where.

Canoeing/kayaking

Whether it's the Miami River, the lakes of Sasquatch Park or Harrison Lake canoeing and kayaking of every level is possible in the area.  Killers Cove Boat Rentals provide kayaks, paddles and pfd's.  They can be reached at 604 819 5398 or visit their website at www.killerscovemarine.com.

Country Drives

The Harrison area provides wonderfully scenic driving whether in your city sedan or your 4 wheel drive bush basher.  You'll need a four wheel drive vehicle and some good backroad maps. 

Forestry Green Tour: This self-guided tour around Harrison Lake will help you learn more about our forests. See the Old Harrison Ranger Station, Green Point camp, the site of the 1958 fire, tree plantations, Bear Creek campsite and a logging airstrip constructed in 1947.

For an extensive list of day trips in the Fraser Valley check out the Valley Guide.

To top of page

Thrill seekers

Looking for some excitement, well Harrison Hot Springs also has a lot to offer in that area. From scuba diving, to mountain climbing from water/snow skiing to helicopter sightseeing, you can do it all within minutes of the village.

Agassiz Speedway

Is a great racing venue minutes from Harrison Hot Springs.  Operating from April till October Agassiz Speedway offers some of the most thrilling racing you will find anywhere at very reasonable prices.  Check their schedule.

Helicopter sightseeing

For a view from above contact Far West Helicopters, 604-819-6919  

Hellsgate Airtram

A few miles past Hope you will find one of the truly magnificent and powerful wonders of nature - Hells Gate.  A tram will take you down to the gorge where the entire flow of the Fraser river is forced between massive rock walls.  Check out their site at Hell's Gate Airtram or call them at 867-9277.

If you're interested in some real excitement you might want to think about whitewater rafting. Fraser River Rafting Adventures offers a number of packages including one trip that starts at Boston Bar, an hour from our house, and ends in historic Yale. Multi day trips are also available Fraser River Rafting Adventures can be contacted Toll free 1-800-363-RAFT  

Skiing/Snowboarding

Another place to get a shot of adrenaline is at Hemlock Valley - Skiing /Snowboarding /Cross-country skiing in the winter, hiking and mountain biking in the Summer they can be reached at 1-604-797-4411 or at their web site Hemlock Resort.

To top of page

History Buffs/Cultural Connoisseurs

Yale Museum

Interested in the Caribou gold rush then try visiting the historic Yale Museum and Gold Rush Church, its located 15 minutes east of Hope on Highway #1.   

Agassiz-Harrison Museum

Agassiz Harrison Museum located on Pioneer avenue in Agassiz has a collection of historical artifacts and memorabilia from Agassiz, Harrison Hot Springs and the Harrison Lake area. Its open from the May long-weekend until mid-September.  Open 7 days a week, 10 am until 4 pm.  No charge but donations are welcome. Ph: 1-604-796-3545

Kilby Historic Site

Kilby Historic Site   Experience a 1920s Fraser Valley living history site with costumed interpreters. This 3 hectare, BC Heritage attraction includes our 1906 General Store Museum, Manchester House Hotel & Post Office, as well as a working farm with friendly farm animals. Facilities include a home-style restaurant, unique country gift shop and a separate tranquil campground on the shore of Harrison Mills. ©

Other cultural pursuits

Kent/Harrison Arts Council 1-604-796-2678
The Ranger Station Art Gallery 1-604-796-2723
Harrison Arts Festival 1-604-796-3664

To top of page

Laid back recreation - yes we're talking golf

Sandpipers Golf Course

A beautiful golf course surrounded by majestic firs and cedars on the upland shores of the Harrison River. Sandpiper is located in Harrison Mills on Highway 7, about 20 minutes from Harrison Hot Springs. Check out Sandpipers site for more information.

The Falls Golf and Country Club

Rising 750 ft. above the Fraser Valley, The Falls is a great course at the foot of Mount Cheam and offers a par 71, 18 holes. For more information visit the Falls site or call Toll-free: 1-800-862-3168 to reserve a tee time.

Harrison Resort Golf Course

PGA rated 9 hole course found at the entrance to Harrison Hot Springs. Its one of the older courses in the Valley and is a great way to enjoy a sunny Harrison afternoon.  More information can be found at Resort Golf or to reserve a tee time call 1-604-796-9009

To top of page

Laid back Recreation - Spa's and Massage

Lakehaven Day Spa

Lakehaven offers a wide range of massage packages to help you relax and recharge.  Healing massage, Aromatherapy, Body wraps to name a few.  The Side-by-Side Couple massage is a specialty.  Its our favourite and good value for money, for more information check out there website or call 1-877-796-0223

To top of page

Special events

Harrison Festival of the Arts

The Village comes alive with music, dance, theatre and visual arts as over 200 international, national and regional artists and performers take part in the celebration.   Visit their site for more information Harrison Festival Society or call 1-604-796-3664

Agassiz Fall Fair & Corn Festival, September - please check their website for exact dates

Fraser Valley Bald Eagle Festival - late November

The Festival is an educational event that everyone can enjoy. The weekend focuses on the lifestyles of the Pacific Salmon and the natural habitat of the Bald Eagle, as Harrison Bay and Harrison Mills provide the third largest population of over-wintering birds in North America. For more info go to Fraser Valley Bald Eagle Festival