Harrison Scorching Springs, British Columbia
Situated on the shores of Harrison Lake and surrounded by evergreen mountains, the quaint Village of Harrison Scorching Springs in British Columbia is an ideal household getaway for Vancouverites. We’ve identified about it for years (it’s a really helpful day journey from Vancouver), nonetheless, this was our first time visiting Harrison Scorching Springs with youngsters.
As I mirror on our journey to Harrison Scorching Springs, I’m questioning why it took so lengthy for us to go to?
I’m unsure what we have been anticipating, however we have been pleasantly shocked. It’s a straightforward weekend getaway. Good for households and adults looking for a fast escape from the every day grind.
Harrison Scorching Springs has an analogous laid-back vibe as most of the vacationer cities on Vancouver Island. The village is small and charming, the air is recent and clear, and all the pieces is centered round nature.
We’re really kicking ourselves for ready so lengthy to lastly go to Harrison Scorching Springs.
Issues to do at Harrison Scorching Springs
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Harrison Scorching Springs Resort
The principle attraction is the enduring spa resort, aptly named Harrison Scorching Springs Resort. This resort dates again to 1886 and is presently house to 5 mineral sizzling swimming pools.
The spa resort has expanded just a few occasions over time. Friends now have the choice to remain within the East Tower, West Tower, West Wing, Heritage Constructing or personal Cottages. See room choices right here.
We have been suggested to remain within the East Tower (see photograph above) as a result of the rooms are greater and extra splendid for households. Our room is spacious and has a lake view balcony (see photograph beneath).
Our buddies stayed within the Heritage Constructing. They mentioned the room was outdated and dated. They mentioned it was nice, however the partitions are skinny and it was loud throughout their keep (there was a rowdy marriage ceremony occasion on the identical flooring). After they visited our room within the East Tower, they mentioned it was a lot nicer than their room within the Heritage Constructing.
Seek for Harrison Scorching Springs Resort offers right here.
Lake views from the balcony of our East Tower resort room.
Harrison Scorching Springs Resort Swimming pools
Soaking within the soothing sizzling swimming pools is the purpose to go to the city of Harrison Scorching Springs.
Whereas there are different Harrison Scorching Spring accommodations within the village, solely Harrison Scorching Springs Resort has mineral sizzling swimming pools situated instantly contained in the resort. Extra information right here.
The resort options 5 completely different sizzling spring mineral swimming pools, every stored at a special temperature.
- Indoor pool – temperature 32-35°C or 90-95°F
- Indoor Scorching Pool – temperature 38-40°C or 100-104°F
- Outside Household Pool – temperature 33°C or 92°F
- Outside Lap Pool – temperature 28°C or 83°F
- Grownup Pool – temperature 37°C or 98°F
Pictured above and beneath is the Outside Household Pool. Extra pictures right here.
Observe – I captured these pictures earlier than the swimming pools open. They’re not this quiet. The outside swimming pools get fairly busy through the day, particularly on the weekends.
Above is one other view of the Outside Household Pool. The constructing to the left is the place you’ll discover the Indoor Pool and Indoor Scorching Pool. I used to be not in a position to get a very good photograph of the indoor swimming pools as a result of they have been typically full of individuals.
The Grownup Pool is pictured above and beneath.
You’ll discover the room balconies within the above photograph. That’s the West Tower on the Resort.
The coated walkway pictured above separates the grownup pool from the household pool.
The outside lap pool. This pool was essentially the most refreshing out of the 5 resort swimming pools.
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Get on the water!
Except for the recent spring swimming pools, the opposite large attraction is Harrison Lake. That is the biggest lake within the southern Coast Mountains of British Columbia. Harrison Lake is 60 km in size and nearly 9 km at its widest level.
You’ll be able to lease kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddleboards, pedal boats, pontoons and powerboats to discover the lake at your leisure. Leases might be picked up on the dock situated instantly in entrance of the resort. Extra information and charges might be discovered at Killers Cove Boat Leases.
You can even lease jet skis, banana tubes and bumper boats at Harrison Water Sports activities. The marina is open from Might to September.
Harrison Lake Water Park
Harrison Lake is house to a powerful inflatable water park. The floating water park is open from early June till early September from 11:00 AM to six:00 PM every day. Weekend price is $40 per particular person.
Go to this web site for more information and pictures of the Harrison Lake Water Park.
Harrison Lake Boat Tour
One other enjoyable approach to expertise the gorgeous surroundings of Harrison Lake is to take a ship tour with Shoreline Excursions. We went on the two.5 hour Harrison Lake Waterfall Cruise aboard the Laroan, a 62 foot cruise boat with an open higher deck and enclosed decrease deck.
Excursions depart from the docks in entrance of the resort. Extra information and charges right here.
Fortuitously, we lucked out with the climate throughout our lake cruise. We loved a BBQ lunch on the boat whereas we cruised across the lake and soaked up the spectacular views.
You’ll be able to learn evaluations about Shoreline Excursions right here.
Our tour information working the grill as we method Echo Island.
The boat docks for 20 minutes so visitors can stroll to Rainbow Falls. It’s solely a 5 minute forest stroll to achieve the waterfalls. Extra pictures might be discovered right here.
A uncommon second with all 4 of us captured in the identical photograph.
Calm down on the lake seashore
The sandy seashore at Harrison Lake is situated instantly in entrance of the village promenade. It’s a public seashore that may get fairly busy through the summer time months.
We should warn you that the waters of Harrison Lake are glacier fed, so it’s chilly. Don’t let the close by sizzling springs idiot you. This water is very refreshing! For smaller youngsters, you may wish to contemplate a wetsuit. We use wetsuits for swimming classes too.
We loved strolling on the seashore within the evenings. Our boys like flipping over rocks and driftwood looking for small crabs. Despite the fact that we defined that it’s a mountain lake, not the ocean, they didn’t appear to care.
It really appears and feels just like the ocean seashores discovered on the coast of the Pacific Northwest.
Harrison Lagoon
Harrison Lagoon is a man-made water physique situated instantly in entrance of the Village on the southern tip of Harrison Lake. It’s separated from Harrison Lake by a man-made sand bar and strolling path.
The lagoon is a well-liked swimming spot through the summer time as a result of it’s shallow and will get fairly heat.
The Village Promenade
The Harrison Scorching Springs Village promenade connects the seashore, spa resort, retail outlets and eating places. It’s a paved walkway the runs parallel to Esplanade avenue.
Alongside the promenade are massive grassy fields, vibrant gardens and massive shady timber (pictured above). We loved strolling up and down this promenade a number of occasions every day.
Extra journey ideas at Tourism Harrison Scorching Springs right here.
Harrison Village Playgrounds
There are just a few child’s playgrounds situated instantly on the seashore. The playground pictured above is properly suited to youthful youngsters. Our boys loved working round this playground with their toes within the sand.
Should you look to the fitting, you’ll see a grassy subject. This can be a nice space for household picnics on the seashore. Should you’re visiting Harrison Scorching Springs with youngsters, you’ll discover your self frequenting these playgrounds.
Harrison Scorching Springs Hikes
Harrison Scorching Springs is surrounded by outdated forest and mountains, so there are many climbing choices for all climbing ranges. The most effective time to go climbing in Harrison Scorching Springs is between April and September.
Spirit Path
Spirit Path is a brief stroll by an attractive cedar forest that could be very accessible from the Village. What makes this path so particular is {that a} native resident and artist has adorned most of the cedars alongside the path with lovely masks. Extra information right here.
Distance: 1 km / Time: half-hour / Degree: Simple
Whippoorwill Level Path / Sandy Cove Path
The Whippoorwill path (aka Sandy Cove Path) gives a pleasant escape from the crowds and is a brief 4km climbing path that passes the hidden Sandy Cove seashore and gives a number of views of the Harrison River. Extra information right here.
Distance: 4 km / Time: 1.5 hours / Degree: Simple
Campbell Lake Path (aka Harrison Grind)
Harrison Lake’s reply to the Grouse Grind is a route that climbs up the facet of a steep mountain alongside the Campbell Lake path and gives a fantastic view of Harrison Lake on the prime. Extra information right here.
Distance: 7 km / Time: 6 hours / Degree: Troublesome
Bear Mountain Path
The Bear Mountain hike is without doubt one of the most difficult hikes within the area (together with the Campbell Lake Hike). The path has an elevation acquire of three,200 ft, so it may be a leg burner. The scenic mountain views on the prime are a pleasant reward on your effort. Extra information right here.
Distance: 18 km / Time: 7 hours / Degree: Troublesome
Sasquatch Provincial Park
Situated on Harrison Lake, about 8 km from the Village of Harrison Scorching Springs, Sasquatch Provincial Park is house to a collection of lakes, distinctive forests and scenic mountain ridges.
Right here’s the Sasquatch Provincial Park map.
Hicks Lake Path
The climbing path round Hicks Lake in Sasquatch Provincial Park gives a pleasant, peaceable loop that passes alongside the lake shores, over a number of small streams, and returns by way of a gravel street. Extra information right here.
Distance: 6 km / Time: 2 hours / Degree: Simple
Harrison Scorching Springs Public Pool
Should you aren’t staying on the most important spa resort you’ll be able to go to the general public pool to benefit from the soothing Harrison sizzling springs with youngsters. The Public Pool is centrally situated on the junction of Scorching Springs Highway and the Esplanade (pictured above).
Harrison Scorching Springs Public Pool Hours
- Saturday & Sunday 10:00 AM to three:00 pm
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Chilliwack Tulip Pageant (Seasonal)
Should you plan to go to Harrison Scorching Springs within the spring, we suggest you go to the annual Chilliwack Tulip Pageant. It’s mentioned to be Western Canada’s largest and most acknowledged Tulip Pageant.
Extra pictures from our go to might be discovered right here.
Chilliwack Tulip Pageant Hours
Will probably be re-opening in 2024!
Tulip Pageant location and instructions
The Tulip Pageant is situated at 41310 Royalwood Drive, Chilliwack.
Extra information – Chilliwack Tulip Pageant
The cherry blossoms in full bloom throughout our go to in mid-April.
Photograph credit score Tourism Harrison weblog
Bald Eagle Watching at Harrison Mills (Seasonal)
Harrison Mills is claimed to be the house of the biggest concentrated bald eagle gathering on this planet. The eagles are drawn to the area by the tens of millions of spawning salmon that swim up the Fraser River to tributaries, such because the Harrison River.
There isn’t a longer a proper competition, however the eagles nonetheless come and it’s a fantastic place to view them.
Different Harrison Festivals and Occasions
- November – Lights by the Lake options the village lit up by vibrant Christmas lights.
- June – Sasquatch Days is a cultural competition that features canoe races, conventional salmon barbeque, drugs walks, cultural boat excursions, arts & craft actions, video games and stay leisure.
- July & August – Summer season Harvest Occasions
- July – Harrison Pageant of the Arts is a 10-day competition that includes artwork, workshops and live shows.
- September – Bands on the Seashore is a free music competition on the Labour Day vacation weekend.
Harrison Scorching Springs Eating places
Though the Village just isn’t very large, there are sufficient restaurant choices to select from. A lot of the eating places and cafes are discovered on Esplanade Avenue.
Standard eating places in Harrison Scorching Springs:
- The Black Forest Restaurant – German delicacies specializing in schnitzel and conventional European delicacies. See menu right here. We dined right here and would suggest it.
- Morgan’s Bistro – Subtle Canadian dishes and cocktails. Beachfront location with an unobstructed view of the lake from a second flooring patio.
- Milos Greek Taverna – Genuine Greek delicacies. We dined right here and would suggest it.
- Muddy Waters Cafe – Casual bistro serving burgers and basic breakfast choices.
- Previous Settler Pub – Casual tavern serving basic pub grub, with a liquor retailer, in an old-timey log constructing. See full menu right here.
- The Copper Room – situated contained in the spa resort providing conventional nice eating and cocktails with stay music and dancing.
Traditional Vienna Schnitzel at The Black Forest Restaurant.
Harrison Hamburgers on a sunny afternoon in April. Learn evaluations right here.
Lakeview Restaurant and Lakeview Gelato Home. Learn evaluations right here.
Milos Greek Taverna. Learn evaluations right here.
The place is Harrison Scorching Springs?
The Village of Harrison Scorching Springs is situated on the southern finish of Harrison Lake within the Fraser Valley of British Columbia. It’s a couple of 90 minute drive east from Vancouver to Harrison Scorching Springs.
We suggest you drive to Harrison Scorching Springs. Whilst you can take public transit, it’s not simple and will probably be very time consuming. Should you don’t stay in Vancouver, you may must lease a automobile. Seek for offers on automobile leases right here.
Harrison Scorching Springs Instructions
Listed below are driving instructions from Vancouver.
From Vancouver Worldwide Airport to Harrison Scorching Springs, take Freeway 99 south to Freeway 10 by Langley, following the indicators to Freeway 1 east to Hope. Keep on Freeway 1 till exit 135. Comply with avenue indicators to the resort. This drive will seemingly take 2 hours, relying on visitors.
Harrison Scorching Springs Map
Listed below are just a few maps to assist together with your journey planning.
Harrison Scorching Springs climate
Usually, the local weather in British Columbia’s Decrease Mainland is delicate within the winter and heat in the summertime. It would seemingly rain within the winter months, so plan for it. Examine the climate report right here.
Journey ideas for Harrison Scorching Springs Resort
- It’s smart to e-book your lodging upfront, particularly on vacation weekends. We suggest you keep on the Harrison Scorching Springs Resort. Seek for resort offers right here.
- In case you are visiting over a vacation weekend, anticipate lengthy strains at check-in between 2:00-5:00 PM. We waited in line for 45 minutes. It was irritating as a result of we weren’t ready for a protracted line. Think about your self warned.
- Keep hydrated whereas soaking within the sizzling mineral swimming pools. Deliver bottled water with you.
- Grownup robes are included, however there aren’t any robes for teenagers. It’s a good suggestion to convey a gown on your youngsters when you have one. Our boys have this gown and like it.
- The outside household pool has a shallow part for little ones. For the deeper areas it’s smart to convey water wings or life jackets. We use this puddle jumper life jacket for our youngest boy.
- Parking is an extra cost. On the time of our keep, the worth for parking was $10 per day. There’s a massive parking zone behind the resort. It’s greatest to drop off your baggage on the foyer first, then discover parking afterwards.
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