Whether or not you believe Sasquatch exist, your adventure bucket list should include an outdoor escape to Harrison Hot Springs to try and find out for yourself. The chances are more than good that you will leave rethinking whether the myth is fact or fiction. There have been more recorded Sasquatch sightings in the Harrison/Agassiz/Yale neck of the woods than anywhere else in the world. The area is such a natural wilderness wonderland and epic playcation destination that it’s no wonder Sasquatch chose Harrison as their stomping grounds.
When you first drive into the area it’s hard not to be lured into the myth and become intrigued with the idea that Sasquatch might just live here. Their presence is larger than life as you approach the outskirts of Sasquatch country – oversized sculptures and signage make it feel like you are entering into another’s domain. A primate seven to 10 feet tall, weighing 600 to 1,000 pounds with distinguishing features like hair, a flat face, broad shoulders, long limbs and a high crotch have been allegedly spotted.
While Canadians call the mythical creature Sasquatch, Americans refer to it as Bigfoot. The name Sasquatch is thought to have been derived from the mispronunciation of the Sts’ailes First Nations word “Sasq’ets,”which means “hairy man.”and their legends say they are spiritual beings with the ability to disappear into the spirit realm at freewill. Whichever way you sway, one thing is for sure. Taking a Sasquatch Country Adventure with Bill Miller will leave you questioning whether this hairy beast is actually a myth or reality.
Miller, who claims to have had a personal encounter with a Sasquatch in the 1980s that changed his life forever, later attended a UBC conference where he bonded with other Sasquatch researchers like Thomas Steenburg. He ended up moving to Harrison Hot Springs to dedicate his life to researching and sharing his knowledge of this creature of the woods. Miller offers highly entertaining and informative tours via a Polaris Ranger Crew UTV high above Harrison Lake on trails overlooking Mount Breakenridge, which finish with Miller sharing an array of footprint castings, photos and stories.
I don’t want to spoil the experience, but this one must go on your bucket list. At the end of the day, I highly recommend you wrap up the adventure at the Harrison Hot Springs Resort and Spa for dinner and dancing in the Copper Room followed by a good soak in the hot baths. Be sure to stop in at the Sasquatch Inn and Pub on your way back to Vancouver. The Big Daddy Sasquatch Burger paired with a pint of the 2014 Brew of the year: Old Yale Brewing’s Sasquatch Stout is a must.
