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How to spend a long weekend in Harrison Hot Springs, BC

A GUIDE TO HARRISON HOT SPRINGS, BC

Harrison Hot Springs is a popular weekend getaway from Vancouver. Whilst you can easily go for just a normal, two-day weekend, you’ll have even more fun on a long weekend in Harrison Hot Springs. We spent the May long weekend in Harrison Hot Springs.

Although it wasn’t exactly the weekend I’d planned (our plans were foiled by tricky dirt roads), we still had a great time exploring. If you’re planning a long weekend in Harrison Hot Springs then check out this road trip itinerary to Harrison Hot Springs from Vancouver.

How to get to Harrison Hot Springs from Vancouver

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Direct from Vancouver to Harrison Hot Springs

Head east out of Vancouver on the 1 towards Abbostford/Chilliwack and Harrison Hot Springs. Take exit 135/Bridalveil Falls and follow signs north to Harrison Hot Springs.

Slightly longer & more picturesque route

If you’re up for making more of a road trip out of your trip from Vancouver to Harrison Hot Springs, then take this slightly longer route.

It begins the same way, with you taking Hwy 1 east out of Vancouver towards Abbotsford. Upon reaching Abbotsford leave the highway for the 11/Mission.

Fruit farms

Along this road are a few fruit farms that make for a fun visit. They’re great for picking up some road trip snacks. We stopped off at Lepp Farm Market and bought lunch there.

Cascade Falls

cascade falls near harrison hot springs

There’s also the chance to visit the beautiful Cascade Falls which you simply shouldn’t miss! The falls are a small walk from the parking lot. There’s also a suspension bridge too and plenty of picnic spots along the river at the bottom of the falls to eat your lunch.

Once you’re done visiting Cascade Falls head back the way you came until you rejoin the 7 and head east towards Agassiz and Harrison Hot Springs.

Roadside beef jerky

We came across a great roadside beef jerky stall just over the bridge at Harrison Mills that I’d highly recommend. So tasty!

What to do in Harrison Hot Springs

There’s plenty to do during a long weekend in Harrison Hot Springs. Here’s a few ideas to get you started.

Have a beach BBQ at Green Point Day Use Area

This spot is a great place for a BBQ or picnic. There’s a small beach area and you can launch a kayak or inflatable kayak from here too for a paddle around Harrison Lake.

Top tip: If you do go for a paddle then make sure you’ve checked the tide and weather conditions as it can get pretty blustery out there.

Explore Sasquatch Provincial Park

Sasquatch Provincial Park is popular for camping hiking and boating. If you plan on camping make sure you book well in advance.

There are several lakes in the park: Hicks and Deer Lake. You can’t use a motorboat here but they’re great for canoeing or kayaking.

We went kayaking on Hicks Lake and stopped off at some of the bays along the lake. You can also hike around the lake too.

Boat to Rainbow Falls in Harrison Hot Springs

There are some beautiful waterfalls along the east side of Harrison Lake. They’re only really accessible by boat and you can either take a tour or take your own kayak out.

Allow 8 hours to kayak to the falls and back and then some time to rest and explore.

If you want to take a tour check out Harrison Eco Tours. Their tours cost $219 per person for an 8 hour day.

Go camping in the forest

Campsites at Harrison Hot Springs book up quickly, especially over long weekends and any weekend in the summer. One option you have if you’ve left it too late to book a campsite at Harrison Hot Springs is to try one of the recreation sites along the east of Harrison Hot Springs.

Top tip: Recreation sites have a bit of a reputation for being very noisy and a bit of a party central. Bear that in mind. However, you may find a few pull-outs along the logging road to the rec site if you look early enough in the day.

Hike Bear Mountain

Bear Mountain is a moderately easy hike in Harrison Hot Springs. It’s pretty steep at times but worth it for those views of Harrison Lake and Harrison river.

The round trip is about 18km and you’ll pass an old mining office on the way. There’s no active mining in the area currently though!

Hike the Sandy Cove trail

The Sandy Cove trail is a 4km loop trail that takes you from the centre of Harrison Hot Springs past the Harrison Hot Springs source and out to Sandy Cove (a small, sheltered beach area). When we did this trail the beach was flooded and thus non-existent. The photos I’ve seen of Sandy Cove look lovely though!

Try the Harrison inflatable waterpark

Harrison Hot Springs is home to a big inflatable waterpark out on the lake. If you’ve watched the TV programme “Wipeout” then now is your chance to have a go yourself.

The inflatable playground in Harrison Hot Springs costs $33.33 plus tax and is open 11am to 6pm from June to September.

Visit the hot springs of Harrison Hot Springs

weekend in harrison hot springs spa and resort

Since this is probably the thing you’re hoping to do I couldn’t not include this. You can only visit Harrison Hot Springs pools at the resort if you’re staying in the resort. OR if you book a treatment at the spa for at least $100. There is no such thing as a Harrison Hot Springs day pass unfortunately.

However, you can swim in the hot springs by visiting the Harrison Hot Springs pool in the centre of the town.

Where to eat in Harrison Hot Springs

Harrison Hot Springs isn’t exactly somewhere you’d go for great food, but there are a few places you’ll find it.

Muddy Waters

Muddy Waters cafe is THE place to go in Harrison Hot Springs. They serve the best coffee in town as we were told on numerous occasions and do very tasty breakfasts. They also serve lunch and dinner.

Old Settler Pub

If you’re in need of some hearty pub food then head to the Old Settler Pub on the banks of the Miami River. Grab a seat on the decking if you can!

JJ Cup Bop

This place was closed when we visited but it’s supposed to do some of the best fish & chips in the area. Apparently the portions are great and the batter super crispy. There are also Asian dumpling and teriyaki beef on the menu if you’re in the mood for something different.

Were to stay in Harrison Hot Springs

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Hotels in Harrison Hot Springs

Camping in Harrison Hot Springs

Read this for more Vancouver weekend getaway ideas

Last Updated on March 13, 2023 by Hannah

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