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Weekend in Harrison Hot Springs, B.C.

Harrison Hot Springs is an easy weekend destination.  Located on the south end of Harrison Lake in the Fraser Valley, it is less than a two-hour drive east from Vancouver.

The Lagoon at Harrison Hot Springs

We stayed at the fabulous Harrison Hot Springs Resort, a place I have gone to with my family since I was a child, which has actually been around since 1886. Although many tourists come here in the summer to enjoy the sandy beach and water activities, it is really a year-round destination with something to do each season.

Since it was fall, after we checked in we went for a walk on the trail that leads to the hot spring source to the west of the hotel. In the summer, you can hike the trails and view the waterfalls that wind up through the lush, green rainforest. The mythical Big Foot (Sasquatch as its called in the village) has been historically sited so beware!:)


Lush forest and Streams

Once we were back at the hotel, we enjoyed the hotel's hot springs pools (there are five of varying temperatures). My favorite is the high, cedar-beamed indoor pool. With a "Quiet" designation, it is a great place to relax and zen-out awhile.

The community of Harrison Hot Springs has several good restaurants.  Kitami Japanese Restaurant has been a favorite of my family. We enjoy the private, bamboo-screened rooms where you sit on cushions by a low table. The restaurant’s claim to fame is that Richard Gere once dined there! In the hotel, the Lakeside Cafe offers scrumptious buffet or menu items. I always have the granola with whipped cream and blueberry museli for breakfast. I dream about it when I'm at home!

We chose the fancy Copper Room at the hotel for dinner and we were not disappointed! Seated at a table by the dance floor, we not only enjoyed the four-course chef's menu and wine, but also the jazzy music of the Jones Boys, the restaurant's longtime house band. We may have even been tempted to dance a little ourselves:)

Hot Pools at Harrison Hot Springs Resort

The next morning, after another dip in the pools and breakfast at the Lakeside Cafe as noted above, we went for a walk around the small town stores. There are not many; several gift and souvenir stores, but it was fun to browse.

Finally, we reluctantly checked out, already planning to return in the summer for more activities (and of course the hot spring pools again!)

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