Harrison Hot Springs

Harrison Hot Springs is a small village in British Columbia's Fraser Valley, known for its mineral-rich hot springs and its location at the southern end of Harrison Lake. Just a 90-minute drive east of Vancouver, this lakeside community offers a blend of outdoor recreation and deep relaxation. The village, with a population of just over 1500 people, serves as a popular destination for visitors seeking both tranquility and adventure.

The area is framed by mountains, offering a picturesque backdrop to the expansive lake and its sandy beaches. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities, from soaking in the therapeutic hot springs to exploring the vast Harrison Lake, which is the largest lake in the southern Coast Mountains of British Columbia. Whether seeking a tranquil escape or an active adventure, Harrison Hot Springs provides a distinctive experience in every season.

The hot springs themselves have been revered for centuries, with the Coast Salish and Sts'ailes First Nations people considering the area a spiritual and healing place. The water, sourced from two naturally occurring springs, contains eight different minerals, including potassium chloride, sodium chloride, and magnesium sulphate, and is reported to aid in the elimination of impurities.

From Indigenous Healing to Gold Rush Discovery

For thousands of years, the hot springs of Harrison were recognized as a sacred healing place by the Coast Salish and Sts'ailes First Nations people, who would travel by canoe to experience their therapeutic properties. The springs were known to them as "Warum Chuck," meaning 'healing waters.'

The first recorded encounter by European settlers occurred in 1858 during the Fraser River Gold Rush. A group of miners, whose boat capsized in Harrison Lake, were surprised to find the water warm instead of freezing, thus happening upon the hot springs. Judge Matthew Begbie reported this discovery to Governor James Douglas, who initially named the settlement "St. Alice's Well," possibly after one of his daughters.

The Rise of a Resort Destination

Commercial interest in the springs quickly followed. In 1873, Joseph Armstrong purchased 40 acres of land around the springs, envisioning a spa complex. By 1885, a stone wall was built to enclose the springs, and a two-story bathhouse was constructed. The opening of the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1885, with a stop in nearby Agassiz, made the springs more accessible, leading to the construction of the St. Alice Hotel and Bath House in 1886. This hotel, which could accommodate 50 guests, marked the beginning of Harrison Hot Springs as a resort destination.

In 1889, a townsite plan along the lakefront was registered. The original St. Alice Hotel was destroyed by fire in 1920 but was rebuilt and renamed the "Harrison Hot Springs Hotel." The village was officially incorporated in May 1949, becoming the "Corporation of the Village of Harrison Hot Springs." The name Harrison Hot Springs commemorates Benjamin Harrison, a former deputy governor for the Hudson's Bay Company.

The primary draw in Harrison Hot Springs is, of course, the hot springs themselves. Visitors can access the mineral-rich waters at the Harrison Hot Springs Resort, which features five different pools, including indoor and outdoor options, and an adult-only pool. For those not staying at the resort, a public hot springs pool is centrally located at the junction of Hot Springs Road and the Esplanade.

Beyond the springs, Harrison Lake offers a range of water-based activities. As the largest lake in southwestern British Columbia, it's ideal for kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, pedal boats, pontoons, and powerboats. Rentals are available at the dock in front of the resort. The sandy beach along the lake is a popular spot for sunbathing and swimming, though the glacier-fed waters of the lake are quite cool.

For land-based exploration, the village offers scenic walking paths along the lake and lagoon. The Spirit Trail meanders through an old-growth forest, featuring masks placed on trees by a local artisan. The Whippoorwill Point Trail leads along the lakeshore to the source of the hot springs and continues uphill through the forest to viewpoints. Sasquatch Provincial Park, a short drive away, provides forest trails, mountain views, and camping opportunities at Hicks and Deer Lakes. Be sure to visit the Sasquatch Museum for a look into the area's legendary inhabitant.

Harrison Hot Springs welcomes visitors year-round, with the hot springs always accessible. However, the period from April through October generally offers the widest array of activities. While summer is popular for lake activities and beaches, visiting in the fall or winter provides a quieter experience with fewer crowds and often lower accommodation prices. Fall and winter are also excellent for eagle watching in the Harrison area.

Harrison Hot Springs is approximately a 90-minute drive east of Vancouver. The easiest way to reach the village is by car, taking Highway 1 (exit 135) or the more scenic Highway 7. While car rentals are available in Vancouver, there are none in Harrison. The village itself is compact and easily navigable on foot. BC Transit offers bus service (Route 71) from Chilliwack to Harrison Hot Springs.

Accommodation options include hotels, motels, bed & breakfasts, and RV/holiday parks. The Harrison Hot Springs Resort is the only hotel with direct access to five hot spring pools, which are exclusively for registered guests and Healing Springs Spa day guests. The public hot springs pool is available for a fee. Parking is available, with fees in effect from May 15 to September 15. Water conservation measures are in place from June 1 to September 30, with restrictions on outdoor watering.