Get steamed up for healthy fun in Harrison Hotsprings
Lightly poaching your tensioned body in these health-giving hot waters is just one of the things you’ll remember about your visit to Harrison Hotsprings. Named after a high-up in the Hudson Bay Company, the water temperature and other features are sure to energise the body. They’ll also prepare you mentally, for the thrills, activities and features that this region of British Columbia has to offer. Formerly known as St. Alice’s Well, the village first gained prominence when gold-digging entrepreneurs actually fell in to Harrison Lake. Rather than freeze to death, they wallowed, gleefully in these warm waters. Their experience is now yours to share.
There’s something in the water at Harrison Hotsprings
The opening of the Canadian Pacific Railway also opened the eyes of those further afield to the natural potential that existed here. It took the hotel market, though, to generate fully, the vast tourism market. Consequently, things reached boiling point in 1949 when Harrison Hotsprings really began to enjoy the benefits of its unique stock in trade; that constant supply of hot, mineral infused, healthy water. In truth, there are two main hot spring types; Potash which is of a lower temperature and Sulphur – which is blissfully not too hot at all with a maximum temperature of 65C. Harrison Hotsprings itself enjoys the finest geographic setting and the maximum sulphuric content. Heading north from the village and along the spring chain, the mineral content decreases until in Meager Creek, the sulphuric benefits and smells are hardly perceptible. Harrison Hotsprings, though, enjoys other natural benefits; such as lovely, lakeside sandy beaches and scenery which is beyond spectacular. Naturally; visitors can’t get enough of Harrison Hotsprings where hopes and expectations continue to spring eternal. They’ve certainly plugged a gap in the health and leisure market.
You’ll always be in hot water at Harrison Hotsprings
Over recent years, there has been a steady increase in the numbers of hotels, motels, guest houses, hostels and apartments in the Harrison Hotsprings region. Many are close to those springs; but very few have direct access to their health-giving qualities. At Harrison Hotsprings Resort, though, they claim the highest concentrations of any mineral spring and there are five pools here catering for children, family and adult requirements. These springs are fed directly and cooled to a pleasing temperature for guests. If you aren’t staying at Harrison Hotsprings Resort, the best access to the benefits of the springs is at the public pool. This is open every day and provides a safe family environment in addition to those same benefits for visitors who choose to stay elsewhere in the village. So, access to the unique qualities of spring water is available to everyone, irrespective of their budget limitations.
Things to do in Harrison Hotsprings; a watered-down version
In addition to its incredible natural benefits, there are first class hotels here and attractions other than the springs themselves. Scenically, the area is difficult to match. Harrison Hotsprings sits on the edge of Harrison Lake which extends for almost 50 miles with a backdrop of mountains. There is, though, a resort-type atmosphere here with sandy beaches, promenade and other traditional features. Organised activities include a self-guided, mouth-watering Circle Farm tour of cheese-makers and producers of home-made fudges and jams and nut producers. In addition to lots of canoeing and sailing pursuits, there’s family fun to be had at Bridal Falls Waterpark where parking is free and – of course – there’s warm water on the kids’ slides. Within a 15-minute drive, enthusiasts will find no less than four spectacular golf courses. These and many other activities are enjoyed by increasing visitor numbers. Many are from Vancouver which is 75 miles away and from Seattle which is accessed via a three-hour car trip.
Festivities and a celebration of life, in Harrison Hotsprings
A highlight of the cultural year in Harrison Hotsprings and the source of another surge in bookings for the hotel sector is the Season of Performing Arts. This has an extended run, from September through to May. Then, the long-established Harrison Festival covers nine days during July. This event involves groups from other regions of the Fraser Valley. The Copper Room is a venue for dining, dancing and attractions throughout the year. Dining is a real feature here where there is a noticeable absence of chain-like establishments. There’s lots of choice though; ranging from pub-grub through to pizzas, Thai, Chinese and gourmet dining. Fresh meat, fish and vegetables from the surrounding areas form the basis for many memorable meals that are to be enjoyed in Harrison Hotsprings. The hot water is great, but the prime memories will be of the glorious surroundings and the genuine joy promoted by the locals … just because they are privileged to live here in Harrison Hotsprings.