Harrison Hot Springs is a popular resort, self-described as “The Spa of Canada.”  Harrison Hot Springs lies on the sandy southern shores of southeastern BC’s largest body of water, Harrison Lake, 125 kilometers east of Vancouver. Harrison Lake provides many recreational opportunities, with good swimming, sailing, canoeing, and fishing for trout and coho salmon. A popular summer vacation locale for families, Harrison provides an abundance of lakeside accommodations, hotels, motels, cabins, bed and breakfasts, RV parks and campgrounds on and around multiple pocket lakes in the area.

Hot, mineral-rich water from the springs is believed to be healthful, especially for arthritis and rheumatism sufferers, and the community has been a popular year-round resort since the first hotel, the St. Alice, opened in 1886. In 1920, a fire destroyed the St. Alice Hotel, and it was replace by the Harrison Hot Springs Resort and Spa. Only the Harrison Hot Springs Resort has water rights to the hot springs, but the hotel operates Harrison Public Pool, each summer daily from 8am to 9pm, and the rest of the year from daily from 9am to 9pm.  Cost of admission is $8.00 for adults, $6.00 for seniors or children. 

Through town to the north is 1,220 hectare Sasquatch Provincial Park, named for a tall, hairy, unshaven beast that supposedly inhabits the area.  The park extends from a day- use area on the bank of Harrison Lake to picturesque tree-encircled lakes, each with road access, short hiking trails, and day-use areas ($5.00 per day).  Hicks Lake and Deer Lake are ideal for motorboats and canoes, where Trout Lake provides a more tranquil fishing locale.

In early September, Harrison Hot Springs hosts the World Championships of Sand Sculpture, a gathering of sand sculptors aiming to create a masterpiece that will crown them world champion, and net a share of the $37,000 prize money.  The event is unique in that the inland venue has no tides to wash away the sculptures, which stay in place for a month after judging. The annual sand-castle building competition attracts visitors from around the world to this waterfront resort community in the Fraser Valley.

The lakeside Harrison Hot Springs Resort is the town’s most elegant accommodation, offering guests use of a large indoor and outdoor complex of mineral pools, complete with grassed areas, lots of outdoor furniture, and a café.  Other facilities include boat and canoe rentals, sailing lessons, and a restaurant and lounge bar.  Most of the 300 rooms have a private balcony, many with spectacular views across the lake.  Rates range from $160-$240 per night, but check the web site for travel packages and discounts.

The pick of three campgrounds along the road into town is Bigfoot Campgrounds (tent sites $16, hookups $18-$22), which features large shaded campsites, free showers, a laundry facility, and a games room.  Rates at Sasquatch Provincial Park, through town to the north, are $14 per night.