Harrison Hot Sprints - Jewel of the Fraser Valley In British Columbia

When driving from Vancouver to Harrison Hot Springs in the Fraser Valley, you'll see stately Mount Baker in the distance covered in snow and, as you get closer to the village, you'll become wrapped in the arms of the surrounding mountains. And if you are fortunate enough to go early in the year, you'll see the magic of trees adorned with springtime blossoms. But your adventure will only be beginning.

Sixty kilometers long, Harrison Lake sits in a valley, glacier fed, its color is a fascintating deep blue and with the mountains as a contrast, it is a truly beautiful setting. On the grounds of Harrison Hot Springs Resort, the lights in the trees on a starlit evening add to the ambience of the area.

Many visitors enjoy the hot springs in both the resort and the public pool; some believing them to have healing powers. The lake itself offers sandy beaches for relaxing with a book, swimming, fishing, kayaking and boat tours. When we went on a boat tour of the lake, we saw areas of this large lake that not many people have the good fortune to see as there are few roads in the area.

For those who have come to do more than relax there is hiking, golfing, rock hounding and the opportunity to search for some of the fossils occasionally found in the area, as well as going on nature walks. In close proximity also are attractions such as Minter Gardens, Hell's Gate Airtram, Othello Tunnels, the ski resort of Hemlock Valley, and the nearby historic site of Kilby Farm and Museum where more than one thousand bald eagles return each fall. As a visitor to each of these attractions, I can attest to the fact that they are all well worth a visit.

For those who visit this fabulous area with children, there is Dinotown, a children's dinosaur town, Bridal Falls Water Park, Tugboat Junction featuring Sasquatch caves, gold panning and train rides and most years, in early fall, there is a popular sand sculpture competition attended by people from around the world.

In spite of the varied attractions, for many of those who visit this small village, there is mostly the allure of nature's beauty and the feeling of romance inspired by the ambience that surrounds this small town that is tucked away in the heart of the Fraser Valley. For some it is a honeymoon destination or a place to celebrate anniversaries or birthdays. Most people, after having visited this delightful place, will agree that it is the place to go when a special venue is required.