If you’ve considered visiting Harrison Hot Springs in British Columbia or if you’ve already arrived in the area and want to know what the greatest and most enjoyable activities to keep you entertained while you’re there, then this article is for you.
The city is just a 90-minute drive from Vancouver and offers a ton of fun activities all year round. Harrison Hot Springs is one of our most popular weekend getaways from Vancouver.
The city is ideal for friends looking for some fun or leisure, couples searching for a romantic break, and families looking for summertime activities.
Looking for the best & fun things to do in Harrison Hot Springs, the city is famous for its beaches, lake, biking, hiking, and local farm tours.
Choosing the best things to do in Harrison Hot Springs might be a little bit difficult for you if you have not been to the city before but believe me the city has no shortage of amazing things to do and explore.
For your perfect travel guide, here is the list of the best things to do in Harrison Hot Springs.
Things to do in Harrison Hot Springs
1 Go Kayaking on Harrison Lake
Harrison has one of the perfect lakes for Kayaking in the British Columbia of Canada. The river is very shallow in spots and on a kayak, you can even see the giant sturgeon swimming below.
There are several ways to go kayaking on Harrison Lake. One option is to rent a kayak from one of the local outfitters. There are several businesses that offer kayak rentals, including Harrison Water Sports, Killer’s Cove Boat Rentals, and Harrison Eco Tours. These outfitters can provide you with a kayak, paddle, and life jacket, as well as safety instructions and tips on where to kayak.
When kayaking on Harrison Lake, it’s important to be aware of the weather conditions and to always wear a life jacket. It’s also a good idea to bring sunscreen, water, and snacks, as well as a waterproof bag or container to store your belongings.
Overall, kayaking on Harrison Lake can be a memorable experience that allows you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of British Columbia’s wilderness.
2 Enjoy the Beachfront On Harrison Beach
Harrison Lake offers a gorgeous coastline and a lagoon with a sand beach. Enjoy the summertime weather by bringing a beach blanket. Keep in mind that Harrison Lake can be rather chilly, even in the summer. There is a swimming area where many visitors can swim at the lake.
Don’t skip a day at the lake if you’re visiting during the summer! Only because this town is well-known for its numerous lakeside water activities does it occasionally get crowded along the water.
One of the best things to do in the city during the summer, if you’re in Harrison Hot Springs with your spouse, is to spend time at the Harrison Beachfront.
3 Visit the Harrison Public Hot Springs Pool
Just as the city name suggests, it does have hot springs. The Harrison Hot Springs Public Pool is a natural hot spring pool that offers visitors the opportunity to relax and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of hot mineral water.
The water in the pool is sourced from the nearby hot springs, which are known for their healing properties. The pool is typically maintained at a comfortable temperature and is open to both locals and tourists. It provides a great place to unwind and soak in the warm water while surrounded by beautiful natural scenery.
The pool also features other amenities such as changing facilities, showers, and a café where visitors can grab a bite to eat or a refreshing drink.
Spending your day at the pool is one of the best fun things to do in Harrison Hot Springs.
4 Visit the Kilby Historic Site
The Kilby Historic Site is a popular heritage museum located just about 10 minutes from the lake.
It offers visitors a glimpse into the region’s history and provides an interactive experience that showcases life in the early 1900s.
The site is centered around the Kilby General Store, which was originally built in 1906 by British immigrant Thomas Kilby. The store served as a gathering place for local residents and provided a wide range of goods and services. Today, the store has been restored and transformed into a museum, offering exhibits that depict the early 20th-century rural lifestyle.
At the Kilby Historic Site, visitors can explore the general store and view its original merchandise and artifacts. There are also displays of historic farming equipment, a post office, and a working farm with friendly animals. The site often hosts special events, such as craft markets, live music performances, and themed historical reenactments.
Also, visitors can enjoy a meal at the Kilby Café, which serves homemade food and offers a scenic view of the Harrison River. The café features a menu inspired by traditional recipes and local ingredients.
The Kilby Historic Site is an ideal destination for history enthusiasts, families, and anyone interested in experiencing a bygone era.
5 Hicks Lake
Hicks Lake is a picturesque lake located in Sasquatch Provincial Park near Harrison Hot Springs. It is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers due to its scenic beauty and recreational opportunities.
Hicks Lake provides various recreational activities for visitors to enjoy. Fishing is a popular pastime on the lake, with opportunities to catch trout and other fish species. Boating, kayaking, and canoeing are also permitted on the lake, providing a chance to explore the calm waters and appreciate the surrounding natural beauty.
The area around Hicks Lake offers several hiking trails that allow visitors to explore the park’s diverse ecosystems.
The Lake is a family-friendly day-use area for campers and day-trippers alike. Enjoy picnics on the beach, hiking around the Hicks Lake Loop, or paddling the calm, scenic waters.
This wonderful spot provided an afternoon of exercise and beauty as you walked around the lake.
6 Sasquatch Provincial Park
Sasquatch Provincial Park is a beautiful park located northeast of Harrison Hot Springs, about a 20-minute drive from the town. The park is easily accessible from Vancouver, making it a popular destination for day trips and weekend getaways.
The park offers a variety of outdoor activities for visitors of all ages. Hiking is a popular pastime, with several scenic trails to explore.
The Park is home to several picturesque lakes, including Hicks Lake, Deer Lake, and Trout Lake. These lakes offer opportunities for fishing, boating, kayaking, and swimming. Hicks Lake, in particular, is known for its calm waters and scenic beauty.
Wildlife enthusiasts have the chance to observe and appreciate these animals in their natural habitat such as black bears, deer, beavers, and various bird species.
Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, forests, and lakes. The park’s tranquil atmosphere and scenic landscapes make it an ideal place for relaxation and photography.
7 Clear Creek Hot Springs
Head out on this 23.8-km out-and-back trail near Fraser Valley B, British Columbia. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 7 h 58 min to complete. This trail is great for hiking and mountain biking, and it’s unlikely you’ll encounter many other people while exploring.
This trail goes along a beautiful forest service road that leads up to Clear Creek Hot Springs. It’s best suited for ATVs, dirt bikes, jeeps, and trucks, but can also be mountain biked or hiked. If driving, a high clearance vehicle and 4×4 are a must. There is plenty of opportunity to camp up there too.
8 The Old Settler Pub
One of the best things to do in Harrison Hot Springs is to visit the Old Settler Pub which is located in the city.
The Old Settler Pub exudes a warm and welcoming atmosphere, often described as a classic British-style pub. Inside, you’ll find a rustic interior with wood accents, comfortable seating, and friendly staff.
The Pub is a popular gathering spot for locals and visitors alike, offering a cozy and friendly atmosphere along with a variety of food and drink options. You can find classic pub fare such as burgers, fish and chips, sandwiches, and salads. They also have a selection of beers on tap, including local craft beers, along with a variety of other beverages.
The pub features an outdoor patio where you can relax and enjoy your meal or drinks while taking in the views of the surrounding area. It’s a great spot to unwind and soak up the atmosphere.
Make sure to add The Old Settler Pub to your initial of the best things to do in Harrison Hot Springs.
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9 Visit the Miami Bridges Walk
If you feel like taking a short, leisurely stroll, head over to Harrison Village and visit the Miami Bridges.
You will find yourself in a small old-growth forest, which is a lovely, peaceful place, surrounded by greenery. This gravel trail leads you to a mystical wooden pathway, stairs, and bridges.
It is safe to go for a stroll before after or during light rain because the wood has a grate on it for traction in slick conditions.
Start at the Harrison Hot Springs Resort’s rear of the parking lot. Follow the narrow path through this gorgeous cedar forest at the foot of Agassiz Mountain after crossing the bridge over the Miami River.
The trail comes to an end after 400 meters where Harrison Lake and the Miami River meet. To the left is the hot springs source, and to the right you can return back to the Village.
Don’t let the little distance deter you; the walk only takes 15 to 20 minutes and offers a wealth of sightseeing opportunities.
A visit to the Miami Bridges walks should be at the top of your list of things to do in Harrison Hot Springs if you enjoy leisurely strolls.
10 Canwest Art Gallery
Canwest Art Gallery on the Lake is located beside the Harrison Beach Hotel, at 160 Esplanade Avenue, in the Village of Harrison Hot Springs, British Columbia.
The Art Gallery has built a strong reputation for showcasing the creations of close to 40 Canadian great artisans. They are best recognized for their exhibits of watercolor impressions, magnificent bronze animal sculptures, crystal-clear pottery, metal art, and natural hardwood boxes.
Additionally, they sell the creamiest, tastiest fudge in town as well as magnificent jewelry and one-of-a-kind blown glass sculptures. You will find a truly unique gift for anyone on your shopping list at the gallery.
11 Play in the Waterpark
Harrison Watersports is an amazing inflatable waterpark where families can have a ton of fun right on the lake. The park’s trampolines and bumper boats are typically touted for children, but anyone can have a blast there.
Enjoy our enormous inflatable water park for a full two hours. The water park contains a variety of features, including a challenge course, swings, teeter-totters, monkey bars, hamster balls, and much more. This is a genuine waterpark in British Columbia, and it is enjoyable from beginning to end.
12 Rent a Jetski
Riding a jet ski is a really fun way to zip around the water for quite the adrenaline rush. This is one of the most popular watersports that guests can participate in while traveling!
Harrison Watersports offers two-seat jet ski rentals on Harrison Lake for an hour. You’ll have a 25 km (15.5 miles) area to explore in front of Echo Island. If you choose a rental that lasts for two to three hours, you can go a little further and explore Cascade Bay and Echo Island.
If you wish to be in the driver’s seat of a jet ski, you must be at least 19 years old and possess a driver’s license. This is an opportunity that visitors shouldn’t miss in Harrison Hot Springs.
13 Visit Bridal Veil, Falls Provincial Park
Bridal Veil Falls Provincial Park is located in British Columbia, Canada, near the town of Chilliwack. The landscape encompassing the park is characterized by low-elevation valleys and lush, rounded mountains.
Visitors can take pleasure in hiking, picnicking, and witnessing the magnificent Bridal Veil Falls, which cascades 60 meters down a smooth granite face in the shape of a veil.
The main highlight of the park is the waterfall, which plunges down a rock face, creating an impressive cascade.
The park is home to various wildlife species and boasts a diverse ecosystem. Keep an eye out for birds, such as eagles or herons, and small mammals that inhabit the area. Remember to respect the natural environment by not disturbing the wildlife and following any guidelines provided.
Note: In colder winters, Bridal Veil Falls is prone to freezing, which causes an unstable ice wall to build. The falls’ base is a very dangerous place during these periods. Please exercise caution at the falls’ base as there may be falling rock or ice and slick footing there.
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14 Visit Sandpiper Golf Course
Sandpiper Golf Course is a stunning 18-hole golf course that is tucked away in a centuries-old forest and surrounded by the picturesque scenery of the West Coast.
The Sandpiper Golf Course is regarded as the top golf course in the Fraser Valley. Visitors who want to spend a night there can book a room at the clubhouse, which also has a wonderful restaurant.
Russ Olsen, a Canadian course designer, has done a fantastic job of using breathtaking mountain and ocean views. While there are many excellent holes, make sure to play the iconic hole the 486-yard, par-5 fifteenth, where the footprint of the fabled Sasquatch defends the green.
If you’re a serious golf player or just looking to take a holiday from your vacation, a visit to the Sandpiper Golf Course will surely inspire your mood.
15 Paradise Cove Spa
Looking for a top fascinating spa in Harrison Hot Springs? Paradise Cove Spa got you covered. They are a Relaxing Spa for Skin Care & Massage Therapy.
Additionally, a BNB or full waterfront house rental. They specialize in posture correction, therapeutic massage, deep tissue, trigger point, injury rehabilitation, and pain management. Their aim is to bring balance to the harmony of the whole body & mind.
One of the nicest things to do in Harrison Hot Springs after a day of sightseeing is to visit the Paradise Cove Spa for relief of stress.
You’ll start to experience better relief the moment you walk into the spa. Maybe it’s soothing music, the staff’s calm voices, the low lighting, or the delectable yet understated aromas coming from the spa rooms, but I guarantee you’ll feel instantly at ease.
Best time to Visit Harrison Hot Springs
The best time to visit Harrison Hot Springs depends on your preferences and what you’re looking to experience.
Spring (March to May): Springtime in Harrison Hot Springs is generally mild with occasional rain. The area starts to come alive with blossoming flowers and budding trees. It’s a quieter season, so you can enjoy the hot springs and other attractions with fewer crowds
Summer (June to August): Summer is the peak tourist season in Harrison Hot Springs. The weather is warm and sunny, making it perfect for outdoor activities like boating, fishing, hiking, and swimming in the lake.
Winter (December to February): Winter in Harrison Hot Springs is relatively mild, with temperatures rarely dropping below freezing. The hot springs offer a cozy escape from the colder weather, and you can enjoy serene surroundings.
