Summer isn’t the only time of the year we have to go on vacation and take a break. Due to the slower pace, smaller crowds, and of course, nature’s changing colours, the fall months are an ideal time to plan a local getaway and hit reset.
Located a short hour and a half drive away from downtown Vancouver, the Harrison River Valley is the place for rejuvenating wellness experiences in the southwestern part of B.C. The communities of Harrison Hot Springs, Agassiz, Harrison Mills, and the District of Kent make up this region that offers the perfect destination for a weekend or week long adventure to get back in touch with the wild – and with yourself.
Breathe in and explore the wild
Nature is the beating heart of the Harrison River Valley. With ancient forests, emerald lakes and racing rivers, explorers can find inspiration, peace and healing while breathing in the fresh air of the wild. Enjoy forest bathing and wildlife tours along the Harrison River to truly rewind and be one with nature. Or, head over to the mountains for hiking, to the lake for paddling and to the links for golfing if being active is more your wellness speed.
Celebrate the beautiful biodiversity of the valley during Season of the Wild, an annual event which honours the bald eagle, the salmon and the sturgeon. Every year between October and January, spawning salmon make their return to the Harrison River. This ecologically rich river is one of the most protected salmon ecosystems in the world, attracting tens of thousands of bald eagles to the area.
Engage your senses
Enjoy the diversity of fall colours and fall flavours by embarking on the Circle Farm Tour, a self-guided tour that takes you through the very best of the Fraser Valley’s agricultural hits.
Among the unmissable local experiences of the tour are sniffing the relaxing scent of hand-pressed lavender at Harrison Lavender, tasting fresh artisan cheese at Creekside Cheese + Creamery, sipping on craft cider at Homestead Craft Cider, and taking home all you can carry pumpkins at the Harrison Pumpkin Festival. Go to tourismharrison.com/circle-farm-tour to access and download the full Circle Farm Tour guide.
See the lights by the lake
When you plan a visit to the Harrison River Valley during the winter months, you’ll be in for a merry and bright surprise. From November 18 to January 7, Lights by the Lake will transform the lakefront of Harrison Lake into an enchanting display of festive lights. As you stroll along Harrison’s promenade, delight in the warm glow of the custom built light displays and charming winter window paintings at each storefront. You’ll easily get into the holiday spirit with the wondrous weeping willow Christmas trees and old fashioned lamps that grace the Village Square Plaza.
Stay in the wild
Planning to stay overnight in the Harrison River Valley? There are a number of accommodation options to choose from, including the cabins at the Sandpiper Resort, the bison suites at the Fraser River Lodge, or the historical rooms with old world charm at Rowena's Inn, that will place you right in the middle of all of the action.
For an accessible world-class wellness retreat within the area, book a stay at the famous Harrison Hot Springs Resort and heal with a relaxing soak in the resort’s hot springs pools. Visit tourismharrison.com/deals for the season’s best deals on local accommodation packages.
Tourism Harrison is a proud partner of Wellness Travel BC.
