TRAVEL SERIES || A Weekend Trip Guide to Harrison Hot Springs

Nature. Quietude. Bliss. The words encapsulate the spirit of Harrison Hot Springs, a picturesque lakeside destination perfect for a therapeutic weekend escapade.

A 90-minute drive from Vancouver, Harrison Hot Springs lies on the southern tip of Harrison Lake in the Fraser Valley of British Columbia. People come here to break away from the bustling urban life in exchange for respite amongst its natural grandeur. Whether you’re looking for a day trip with family or a romantic extended adventure, Harrison Hot Springs is a delightful addition to any itinerary this summer.

Not surprisingly, there’s an abundance of water-based activities in Harrison Hot Springs, from relaxing in hot springs to cruising the lake. For those wishing to stay dry, you won’t be disappointed either. Read on for our curated weekend trip guide to this quaint, historic resort town.

VISIT || FIELD HOUSE BREWING

The adventure begins as soon as you hit the road. On your drive to Harrison Hot Springs, make sure to stop by Field House Brewing. With a 3000-square-foot Beer Lawn out front and an incredibly cozy tasting room, this brewery offers award-winning craft beers ranging from drinkable ales to aged sours. Pick up a few bottles to savour during the rest of your trip. If you’d like to grab something to eat, they also have a Canteen whose menu features local ingredients prominently in tacos, pizzas, soups and more.

Photo Credit: Field House Brewing

EAT || MUDDY WATERS CAFE

This unassuming cafe serves up, without a doubt, the best coffee in Harrison Hot Springs, along with sumptuous farm-to-table breakfast and lunch fares. They also offer a wide selection of mouthwatering pastries which are as tasty as they look! Muddy Waters Cafe is only a short trek from Harrison Hot Springs Resort & Spa. Due to safety precautions, they are currently open for takeout only but keep an eye on their website for the latest updates.

Photo Credit: Muddy Waters Cafe

STAY || HARRISON HOT SPRINGS RESORT & SPA

There’s only a handful of resorts at Harrison Hot Springs, with most of them cautiously re-opening their doors to vacationers. We recommend staying at the Harrison Hot Springs Resort & Spa – a beautiful lodging with rustic charm and modern amenities. Their Deluxe East Tower rooms offer a spectacular view of Harrison Lake and Mt. Breckenridge and come equipped with an oversized shower, a private balcony, and fluffy duvet. Go for a dip in their natural sulphuric pools surrounded by lush foliage or pamper yourself with their therapeutic spa treatments.

Mineral Pool at Harrison Hot Springs Resort & Spa. Photo Credit: Recreation Foundation of BC

HIKE || SANDY COVE BEACH TRAIL

No trip to Harrison Hot Springs is complete without immersing yourself in its vast wilderness and natural beauty. Of course, there are plenty of outdoor activities and off-the-beaten-path adventures you could take on, but we highly encourage a hike along the Sandy Cove Beach Trail (also known as the Whippoorwill Trail). A 3.5-kilometer, medium-difficulty hike that’s also kid-friendly, this trail winds its way up through the forest, past a hidden sandy beach and features lookouts onto the valley and lake below. If your favourite colours are forest green and turquoise blue, then the enchanting scenery along this hiking trail will certainly leave you dumbfounded.

View of Harrison Lake.

EAT || MORGAN’S BISTRO

This lakefront, family-operated restaurant focuses on bringing hearty and scrumptious dishes to their guests using locally sourced, high-quality ingredients. We recommend trying their Duo of Fraser Valley Duck – a crispy skin lover’s dream – which is oven-roasted and served with wild blackberry balsamic reduction, roasted potatoes and locally-harvested vegetables. Make sure to grab a table at their patio so you can enjoy an evening of excellent food and friendly hospitality with scenic views of the town. Call for reservations at (604) 491-1696.

Duo of Fraser Valley Duck. Photo Credit: Nosh & Nibble

VISIT || THE FARM HOUSE NATURAL CHEESES

If you love all things cheese, a visit to The Farm House Natural Cheeses is mandatory. We recommend making a stop here as you make your way home after departing from Harrison Hot Springs. This cheese shop in the Agassiz area produces handmade artisan cheeses and dairy specialties from the farm’s own grass-fed cow and goat milk. Browse and shop their range of products including traditional Greek-style yogurt and bottled cows and goats milk as well as local artisan products such as jams, teas, gluten-free crackers, honey and more. And lastly, don’t forget to treat yourself to an Italian-style gelato ice cream! Check their website for the latest operating hours.