One of the perks of living in Vancouver? When you need a break from city life, you’ve got no shortage of stunning getaways just a short drive away.
I recently spent a weekend exploring the charming village of Harrison Hot Springs — and trust me, it’s well worth the trip.
Most people know Harrison for its famous mineral-rich pools (and yes, soaking in them is very nice), but there’s so much more to this place than just hot springs.
Just a 90-minute drive from Vancouver, this lakeside getaway is packed with forest trails, Indigenous legends, water activities, and seriously good eats.
Need a little inspiration? Here are some of the things I did!
Walk the Spirit Trail
Just outside the village, you’ll find Spirit Trail, a short, peaceful 1 km path that winds through a beautiful cedar forest.
A local resident and artist has adorned dozens of the trees with hand-crafted clay and wooden masks, giving the forest an enchanted, almost otherworldly vibe.
It takes about 20 minutes to stroll at a leisurely pace, but if you’re in the mood for a longer wander, you can add on the Bridle Trail and turn this into a 5 km walk through the forest.
Visit Sasquatch Provincial Park
Another quick drive out of the village brings you to Sasquatch Provincial Park, a dream come true for nature lovers. You can spend an afternoon wandering the many trails here, like the Hicks Lake Trail — a peaceful 4 km loop around the lake that’s perfect if you’re looking for quiet forest vibes and waterfront views.
If you’re up for staying overnight, the park also has a few campgrounds to choose from. I camped at Hicks Lake and loved how calm and tucked-away it felt.
Learn about local legends
You can’t visit Harrison without diving into its most legendary resident: Sasquatch! I stopped by the Sasquatch Museum in the village, and it had such a cool mix of history, Indigenous stories, and artifacts.
The Sts’ailes people, whose traditional territory includes the Harrison River Valley region, consider Sasquatch (or Sa:sq’ets) a spiritual being, and the museum honours that history while keeping things fun.
Don’t forget to snap a picture with the life-size statue of the creature!
Rent a kayak
One of the best ways to take in the area’s natural beauty is from the water. With Harrison Eco Tours, you can rent a kayak and explore Harrison Lake either at your own pace or with an experienced guide.
If you choose the latter, the guide will take you on a journey through the serene waters, showing you secluded coves and hidden waterfalls, while pointing out the area’s abundant wildlife and fascinating history.
Check out the Harrison Tulip Festival
If you’re lucky enough to visit Harrison Hot Springs in spring, check out the Harrison Tulip Festival — Canada’s largest event of its kind. With colourful, vibrant fields and carefully curated landscapes, this makes for a truly awe-inspiring experience.
Make sure to bring your camera; it’s hard to find a backdrop that is more perfect than this!
Grab a bite at Basecamp Burger Joint
After a long day, you’re bound to work up an appetite. One of my favourite places to eat in the area is Basecamp Burger Joint. It’s right at the lake and has a small patio (if you want to soak up the views while you eat).
The staff are super friendly, the portions are generous, and the menu has something for everyone, from meat lovers to vegans.
So there you have it — proof that Harrison Hot Springs has much to offer. Next time you need a quick escape from city life, you know where to go.
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