It may only be fall but it’s certainly the most wonderful time of year for people that love the great outdoors.
No, it’s not the holidays, it’s the Season of the Wild!
Every year between October and January, spawning salmon return to the nearby Harrison River just as tens of thousands of bald eagles gather…. all at the same time.
Located just a two-hour drive from Vancouver, The Harrison River Valley offers outdoor enthusiasts an incredible opportunity to witness an unparalled amount of natural wonder in one short trip. So pack a day bag, hop in the car, and get ready to experience the wildest season of them all.
Here’s more of what you can expect to see:
Bald eagle gatherings
While wintering bald eagles can be spotted throughout the Harrison River Valley, the true capital is Harrison Mills. Situated on the ecologically rich Harrison River, here you can take a walk through the forest trails to the eagle-viewing gazebo at Sandpiper Resort, enjoy a guided walk along the shores at Kilby Historic Site, book a bald eagle viewing tour with Harrison Eco Tours, or cruise the river with Shoreline Tours. As part of the B.C. Bird Trail, The Harrison Valley is the ultimate place to witness these majestic raptors feast on the river banks and put their gigantic wingspans on full display. You can learn more about birding near the Harrison River HERE.
A rare salmon stronghold
While apex predators soar above, it’s what’s going on beneath the surface of the river that’s truly astonishing.
As the first designated Salmon Stronghold in Canada, the Harrison River is a rare waterway that houses all five species of salmon. Season of the Wild will see these iconic fish complete the circle of life as they spawn in unison, following their epic migration from saltwater to freshwater, which ends in November. The best place to view the spawning salmon is via the Eagle Walk trail at Sandpiper Resort or Weaver Creek Spawning Channel. For an experiential tour, you book an educational boating experience with Harrison Eco Tours.
200-year old sturgeon
Anglers from across the world come to witness the incredible sturgeon in the Harrison River. Called the marlins of freshwater, these magnificent creatures date back to the Jurassic period of dinosaurs and can age up to 200 years old. They are considered one of the most spectacular freshwater sports fish, having a reputation for their strength, impressive jumps, and size – a sturgeon can grow up to 3 metres long, and some as long as 8 metres have been observed in the wild! Guided fishing tours to view these prehistoric behemoths are available with the B.C. Sportfishing Group, Fraser River Lodge, and Kilby Lodge.
Wild accommodations
Just down the road from Vancouver, The Harrison Valley is comprised of Harrison Hot Springs, Agassiz, Harrison Mills, and the District of Kent. Each community offers visitors a charming small-town atmosphere with a variety of quality accommodations ranging from motels to spas, all just steps from the awe-inspiring nature the Season of the Wild has to offer. You can learn more about where to stay, play, eat, and explore in the Harrison Valley HERE.
