Harrison Hot Springs British Columbia Lake Beach and Trails

Why visit Harrison Hot Springs

The Chehalis First Nations knew and used the springs long before the Canadian Pacific Railway made the area easier to reach.

That scale is the appeal. You can walk from the hot pool to the beach to dinner without a car, and still be in forest or on a trail within minutes.

Beyond the water, the village is a gateway to the eastern Fraser Valley. Hope, the scenic Fraser Canyon and Manning Provincial Park all lie further east, and Bridal Veil Falls is a short drive south of Agassiz, so a few days here can be varied without long drives.

The village and the lake

Harrison Public Hot Pool

The indoor public pool is fed by water piped in from the source of the hot springs.

Harrison Lake and the beach

Harrison Lake is the largest lake in the southern Coast Mountains, about 60 kilometres long, and the village sits at its southern end. The beach is the center of summer life, with swimming in glacier-fed water and a warmer lagoon beside the sand.

Esplanade Avenue

The lakefront road is the heart of the village, with motels, small shops and casual restaurants facing the beach. It is a pleasant place for an evening walk, ice cream and a look at the mountains in the fading light.

Spirit Trail

This nearly flat loop of about one kilometre is lined with dozens of clay masks mounted on trees, made by a local artist. It is free, easy for children and takes under an hour.

Parks, trails and nearby falls

Sasquatch Provincial Park

North of the village on the east side of the lake, the park is named after the sasquatch, a figure from Halkomelem tradition said to roam the area.

Deer Lake and Hicks Lake

A few kilometres inland from the lakeshore, these two pretty lakes offer camping, hiking and a sandy beach. The access road is gravel with some potholes but is fine for a regular car.

Harrison Grind

This hike of about 7 kilometres round trip starts in the village and climbs roughly 600 metres to a view over Harrison Lake. It is a workout, so go early, carry water and tell someone your plans.

On the lake

Boat tours, jet boat trips, guided kayaking and white water rafting are all offered by local operators, and you can rent a boat or kayak to explore on your own. Winds usually rise in the afternoon, which suits windsurfers but can make paddling tougher.

Bridal Veil Falls

About 20 to 30 minutes from Agassiz, south on the road to Chilliwack, this waterfall makes an easy outing for the return trip. A short walk leads to the viewpoint through forest.

Food and local flavors

Harrison is a casual place to eat, with cafes and restaurants along Esplanade Avenue and Hot Springs Road. Wild Pacific salmon is the best local choice, grilled at a lakeside restaurant or served as smoked salmon in sandwiches.

Several cafes use ingredients from local farms in their sandwiches and baking. For dessert, look for Nanaimo bars, the no-bake British Columbia treat with a wafer crumb base, custard icing and a chocolate top.

Where to stay

Esplanade Avenue is the best base for most visitors. Hotels and motels face the beach, and the public hot pool, restaurants and lake are all within a short walk.

Agassiz is the larger town a short drive south, with more everyday services and a quieter feel.

Sasquatch Provincial Park offers camping beside lakes and forest for those who prefer the outdoors.

The public hot pool is the only hot springs water open to visitors who are not staying at the resort, so if soaking is your main goal, check which option suits your plans before you book.

Best time to visit

Summer is the busiest season, with swimming, boating and festival crowds. The Harrison Festival of the Arts takes place each July, with free beach concerts, art markets and workshops spread over ten days.

Spring and autumn are quieter and cheaper, and a soak in the hot pool feels especially good when the air is cool.

Getting there and getting around

From Vancouver the drive takes about one and a half to two hours depending on traffic. Take Highway 1 to exit 135, follow Highway 9 north to Agassiz, then follow Hot Springs Road north to the lake.

The village is compact, and walking is the easiest way to get around. BC Transit operates route 71 from the Chilliwack downtown exchange through Rosedale, Popkum and Kent to Harrison Hot Springs. Service days vary by season, so check the current timetable.

A suggested itinerary

First day

Arrive in the afternoon, soak at the public hot pool and walk Esplanade Avenue along the beach.

Second day

Spend the morning on the Spirit Trail, then drive to Sasquatch Provincial Park for Green Point and a picnic at Hicks Lake.

Third day

Hike the Harrison Grind early, or join a lake tour. On the way home, stop at Bridal Veil Falls or take Highway 7 for a slower scenic drive.

Practical tips

• Book accommodation early for summer weekends, when the village is very busy.
• Check opening hours and seasonal schedules for the hot pool and boat operators.
• The lake is glacier-fed and cold, so bring a towel and warm layers.
• The gravel road to Deer Lake and Hicks Lake has potholes, so drive slowly.
• Anyone fishing in British Columbia needs an appropriate licence.
• Pubs and restaurants close fairly early, usually by 10 or 11 at night.