The Harrison area is one of my favourite weekend getaways from Vancouver. It’s an easy drive to a cute village on the lake with great views of the mountains. After my most recent visit, I can also confirm that visiting Harrison Hot Springs in winter is a great idea.
I spent a fun winter weekend with my sister embracing cozy cabin vibes, eating great food, going for short hikes, and soaking up the ambiance of this cute town. I also explored the surrounding area including Harrison Mills, Agassiz, and Bridal Falls.
If you didn’t already know, Harrison is the home of the Sasquatch – it’s part of local Sts’ailes First Nation culture – and the town has really gone all out on embracing the campy Sasquatch theme, which was super fun.
But the best part was something I didn’t expect: bald eagles. Harrison is home to literally hundreds of bald eagles each winter and they are such a joy to watch. I love their permanently grumpy faces so much!
In this post, I’ve got everything you need to know about visiting Harrison Hot Springs in winter. These tips work for spring and fall too.
This post includes:
- Why visit Harrison in winter? I explain why I love it.
- Map of Harrison that includes all the places I mention in this post.
- Best things to do in Harrison in the winter: eagle watching, hikes, boat tours, Sasquatch spotting, hot springs, skiing, and more
- Where to eat in Harrison: My picks for the best restaurants and cafes
- Where to stay in Harrison: My picks for the best hotels and cabins.
- Winter in Harrison basics: How to get there? How long to spend? What’s the weather like? And lots more.
This is a sensitive wilderness area. Learn how to Leave No Trace to keep the wilderness wild. Make sure you are prepared by bringing the 10 Essentials. Get ready for adventure with this checklist of things to do before every hike.
Hey there: Thanks so much to Tourism Harrison for hosting some of my experiences during my most recent trip. My previous trips were not hosted an all opinions in this post are my own. Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. – Taryn
Why Visit Harrison Hot Springs in Winter?
Like many people who grew up in Vancouver, when I think of Harrison Hot Springs, I picture the big lake for swimming, boating, and beaches. So, mostly summer activities.
On my recent visit, I discovered that Harrison is also a great destination in winter. It’s the perfect time of year to have some cozy cabin time or soak in the hot springs.
The summer crowds aren’t around, so the town feels a little sleepy. Accommodation prices drop too, making it a great time to take a weekend getaway.
But one of the big reasons to come in the fall and winter is the incredible eagle watching. I live in Squamish, which bills itself as the eagle capital of the world. We regularly have dozens of eagles along the river each winter. As a proud Squamisher, it pains me to say this, but… the sheer number of eagles in Harrison absolutely dwarfs Squamish.
Each fall and early winter, hundreds of eagles hang out near the mouth of the Harrison River to feed on spawning salmon. On my late November visit, we counted over 200 at once with binoculars! And there were even more upstream.
Harrison calls this time of year Season of the Wild. Local businesses celebrate with salmon and eagle-themed menus and tours.
Map of Harrison Hot Springs
To help you find your way around, I made this custom Google Map of Harrison Hot Springs for you. It includes every place I mention in this post.
Things to Do in Harrison Hot Springs in Winter
The pace moves a little slower in Harrison in the winter. Most businesses are open, but a few have shorter opening hours. In my list of recommendations below I’ve added notes and tips for winter visits.
Eagle Interpretive Trail
The easiest way to see the eagles is to walk the short Eagle Interpretive Trail at Sandpiper Resort in Harrison Mills.
From the parking area a 1-kilometre-long trail leads across the golf course and then through the forest next to Elbow Creek. There are interpretive signs along the way explaining the salmon lifecycle and the important ways that salmon and eagles contribute to the unique coastal rainforest ecosystem.
Be sure to look for spawning salmon working their way upstream in the creek. You might also spot salmon carcasses on the shore or along the paths. Eagles often pick up salmon and take them into the trees to feed, but sometimes they drop them!
The trail ends at an elevated viewing gazebo with a great view of Chehalis Flats, known as Lhá:lt in Halq’eméylem, the language of the local Sts’ailes First Nation. The Harrison River widens here into a series of shoals and sandy islands, perfect for salmon spawning. Eagles gather by the hundreds to feed.
You can spot tons of eagles from the viewing area both on the sand and in the surrounding trees. But bring binoculars or a camera with a zoom lens to get close-up views. We stayed at the resort and ended up going to the eagle viewing platform three times in two days since it was so fascinating to watch the eagles.
The trail and viewing platform are on private property so please be respectful. Sandpiper Resort asks visitors to check in with the front desk before going eagle viewing. As well, stay on the trail and watch out for golfers where the trail crosses the course.
Eagle Viewing Boat Tour
If you want to see the eagles from a different perspective, sign up for an eagle viewing boat tour with Harrison Eco Tours. They will pick you up in their jetboat at the marina in Harrison Hot Springs, then cruise down the Harrison River towards Harrison Mills.
After spending the morning at the viewing gazebo at the Eagle Interpretive Trail I thought I had seen a lot of eagles. But taking the boat tour let us get quite close to lots of eagles – it was a great way to get lots of good photos.
Our guide knew all the best spots to see the eagles and we spent lots of time just watching these grumpy-looking birds eating salmon, squabbling with each other, and stomping around. I love the way their fluffy feathers make them look like they are wearing pants!
If you take the tour, bring warm and windproof clothing including gloves! It’s chilly on the water and my hands got really cold while taking photos.
Sasquatch Museum and Sasquatch Spotting
While many cultures have legends about a huge ape-like creature, the name “Sasquatch” originates in the oral history of the Sts’ailes First Nation who have lived in the Harrison area since time immemorial.
So it is fitting that there is a Sasquatch Museum at the Harrison Hot Springs Visitor Centre. I was expecting a light-hearted and campy take on the legend, and I wasn’t disappointed. There is a diorama with a life-sized Sasquatch family, casts of so-called Sasquatch footprints, and maps showing the locations of supposed Sasquatch sightings in the area.
But the museum also includes exhibits that help explain the Indigenous origins of the term Sasquatch and the creature’s place in Sts’ailes culture. Part of the museum is dressed to look like the inside of a long house.
Inside, a short video explains the oral history of the Sasquatch from the Sts’ailes perspective. I learned that the white settler Indian agent popularized the legend of the Sasquatch. While he included some details from Sts’ailes oral history, many of his stories were embellishments or straight-up lies. Also, the Indian Agent mispronounced the Sts’ailes word, leaving us to use “Sasquatch” today instead of the correct Halq’eméylem pronunciation.
Note: The museum is closed on Mondays in winter.
If you want to go on your own Sasquatch hunt in Harrison, it’s pretty easy… as long as you are content with spotting Sasquatch statues instead of the real thing. There are dozens of Sasquatch statues around town. See how many you can spot!
Stroll the Esplanade
The main street in Harrison Hot Springs is called Esplanade Avenue. It runs along the southern shore of the lake. The pedestrian path beside the beach is a great place to go for a stroll to enjoy the views of Harrison Lake, the lagoon, and the snowy mountains that line the lake.
Don’t miss stopping in to some of the shops along the inland side of the street. There are lots of shops selling souvenirs, especially ones featuring Sasquatches. Don’t miss Rocky Mtn Chocolate towards the east end of the street. They have delicious chocolates, including adorable ones that are shaped like Sasquatch footprints!
Lights By the Lake
If you are visiting between late November and mid-January, don’t miss the annual Lights by the Lake display. The entire two-kilometre-long path along the Esplanade and the lagoon is lit up with twinkling holiday lights.
Some of the lights are arranged to form animals, photo frames, and more. But this wouldn’t be Harrison if there weren’t a Sasquatch… or 5! There are giant Christmas light Sasquatches waving from across the lagoon, a Sasquatch roasting a marshmallow, and lots more.
The lights are on every evening from dusk until 11 pm. On weekends and over Christmas break you can also skate outdoors on the synthetic ice rink.
Spirit Trail
If you want to go for a short walk, head for the Spirit Trail on the east side of Harrison Hot Springs. The trail is about 1 km long and flat, but it does have lots of roots and uneven ground.
While the trail explores a beautiful mossy forest, the main reason most people visit is the masks. There are dozens of handmade masks mounted on the trees. If you feel like someone is watching you… it’s probably one of these masks.
The masks are the work of local artist Ernie Eaves who started making them in 2007. He started with just a few masks but now there are nearly 50. See if you can spot them all!
Walk along the Miami River
The Miami River cuts through the middle of the town of Harrison Hot Springs. I enjoyed was the Miami Bridges Trail, which has great views of the river.
It’s a 1 km loop that starts and ends behind the Harrison Hot Springs Hotel. The trail crosses the river, then meanders over nine wooden bridges through a gorgeous rainforest. My favourite part was the old streetlights covered in decades worth of moss.
Whippoorwill Point Trail
If you’re looking for a short hike in Harrison Hot Springs, check out the Whippoorwill Point Trail. It starts at the Harrison Hot Springs Resort and continues along the lake shore to the source of the hot springs. From there it heads uphill and inland through the forest to viewpoints at Whippoorwill Point and Sandy Cove Beach.
I didn’t have time to hike much farther than the hot springs source on my visit. The whole trail is a 3.7 km loop with 150 m of elevation. Plan to spend about 1.5 hours on the hike.
Soak in the Hot Springs
The natural hot springs are the main reason the town of Harrison Hot Springs exists. There has been a hot springs resort here since 1886. (Psst: Did you know there are hot springs all over BC?)
Today you can book a stay or a spa treatment at the Harrison Hot Springs Resort, which is the only way to get access to their pools. Unfortunately, they don’t do day passes to their pools.
However, anyone can visit the Indoor Public Hot Springs Pool in the heart of the village at the corner of Hot Springs Road and Esplanade Avenue. It’s the same water as at the resort, just piped into a less luxurious indoor pool.
Kilby Historic Site
Visit the Kilby Historic Site to step back in time. It is located near the mouth of the Harrison River in Harrison Mills. The community-run historic site includes historic buildings that demonstrate what life was like here 100 years ago. The museum is open on weekends but is closed in January and February.
If the museum is closed, you can still check out the buildings’ exteriors including the imposing two-story General Store. It’s also worth driving around the corner to Kilby Provincial Park on the banks of the river. This is another great spot to watch for bald eagles in the winter.
Visit Nearby Farms
The fertile soil along the Fraser River means that there are lots of small farms in the Harrison area.
Stop at Harrison Lavender to pick up all kinds of handmade lavender products from soap to honey, all of which are made from the lavender grown on-site. They are open on weekends in November and December, but closed in January and February.
I couldn’t resist picking up several handmade cheeses at Farmhouse Natural Cheeses. They have lots of great cow and goat cheeses made with milk from their own herds. They have cheeses you’ll recognize, like gouda and brie. But I was impressed to see that they had lots of less common European-style aged and mould-ripened cheese. They are open all winter but closed on Sundays.
Sasquatch Mountain Resort
Sasquatch Mountain is a small ski hill with a community feel that locals love. They have three lifts and 36 ski runs ranging from beginner to expert.
If you don’t ski, it’s worth visiting to check out their five snowshoe trails – it is one of my picks for the best places to go snowshoeing in the Fraser Valley. They have rentals too. Or you can buy a ticket for their tube park, which has 8 lanes and a magic carpet lift.
They open each year in late December once there is enough snow and typically stay open until March. The resort is 30 minutes from Harrison Mills via the Hemlock Valley Road. It’s worth noting that you must have tire chains to drive this road and there is no public transportation available.
Cheam Lake Wetlands Regional Park
I have unwittingly been driving right past this Cheam Lake Wetlands Regional Park for years. It is located just off Highway 1 near Bridal Falls. Recently, I heard it was a great place for birding so I had to check it out on my most recent visit.
We didn’t have time to explore all of the trails, but the floating boardwalk leading out to an island was really cool. I spotted several species of ducks, Canada geese, and some trumpeter swans!
Bridal Veil Falls
Bridal Veil Falls Provincial Park is a great stop on Highway 1. The spectacular falls is 122 metres tall and spreads out across the rock face. It’s on my list of the best waterfall hikes near Vancouver.
In the winter, the park gate is closed so you will need to park outside and walk the road for about 5 minutes into the park. From there, it’s another 5 to 10 minutes on a trail to the base of the falls, which has a great view.
Be extra careful around the base of the falls. Heavy rains can wash rocks or trees over the falls. And if it’s icy, big chunks of ice can break off. There have been accidents and injuries here before, so stay far back.
Where to Eat in Harrison
The Harrison area has quite a few restaurants and cafes that are worth visiting. If you are visiting on a weekday in winter, check opening hours – some places are only open on weekends.
Muddy Waters Cafe
Muddy Waters Cafe is a cute cafe on the Esplanade in Harrison Hot Springs is a great place for lunch or a coffee. I had an amazing sandwich made with local duck breast. Their tomato soup was a great way to warm up on a chilly afternoon. They also have a yummy-looking brunch menu. They are open for breakfast and lunch seven days a week in winter.
River’s Edge Clubhouse Restaurant
I ate both breakfast and dinner at the River’s Edge Clubhouse Restaurant during my stay at the Sandpiper Resort. But you don’t have to be a guest to eat here – it’s worth stopping in for a meal if you’re here to visit the Eagle Interpretive Trail. They are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week in winter.
They have a great traditional breakfast menu that includes eggs benedict. I also loved their breakfast sandwich, which is served on a brioche bun. My favourite part of their breakfast was their incredible smashed rosemary potatoes – definitely an upgrade from hashbrowns!
The glassed-in patio has great views of the river. It’s heated too. We watched eagles flying overhead while eating breakfast!
On my visit, the dinner menu included a few salmon dishes to celebrate Season of the Wild. My sister ordered a really good pan-search salmon dish. Their stuffed yorkie dinner special is also amazing.
Black Forest Steak & Schnitzel House
If you want some old-school tourist vibes, Black Forest Steak & Schnitzel House has German food in a rustic faux-Bavarian setting that hasn’t changed much since it opened in 1975. I haven’t tried it yet, but I’ve heard good things and it looks adorable. They are only open for dinner in the winter.
Old Settler Pub
If you’re looking for somewhere laidback, I’ve heard that locals hang out at the Old Settler Pub, which is inside a log cabin. They have classic pub fare with lots of burgers, pizza, nachos, etc. They are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week in winter.
Where to Stay in Harrison Hot Springs
Sandpiper Resort
I spent two nights staying in the coziest cabin at the Sandpiper Resort in Harrison Mills. It’s right on the river so it has great views. The Eagle Interpretive Trail is here too – I walked it three times! They also have a pretty good restaurant, the River’s Edge Clubhouse, on-site. The resort has a golf course, which isn’t my thing. But maybe it’s yours?
Sandpiper has a few different types of accommodation options. I stayed in a classic rustic cabin which was adorable. It had serious log cabin vibes with a huge stone fireplace and great views of the river.
The resort also has a series of newer cabins with more modern finishes. Some of them even have Japanese-style ofuro soaking tubs on the patio. You can also stay in rooms at the historic Rowena’s Inn, which is also on the property. Check rates.
Bramblebank Cottages
If you want cozy cottage vibes but also want to stay in the heart of Harrison Hot Springs Village, book a stay at Bramblebank Cottages. They have several suites and cottages on the edge of the Miami River. Check rates.
The Lodge on Harrison Lake
For incredible views, stay at The Lodge on Harrison Lake. It’s a lakefront lodge a few minutes outside of the village of Harrison Hot Springs. They have suites as well as cabins, most of which have incredible views. You’ll also get access to their private beach, campfire pit, and barrel sauna. Check rates.
Harrison Hot Springs Resort and Spa
If hot springs are your priority, stay at the Harrison Hot Springs Resort and Spa since only resort guests can access their hot springs pools. The resort has grown over the years and offers a variety of accommodations. The East Tower is the newest and has the nicest rooms. Check rates.
Winter in Harrison Basics
In this section, I’ve got practicalities for a winter visit to Harrison, including getting there, getting around, what to pack, and more.
How to Get to Harrison Hot Springs
Harrison Hot Springs is located about 90 minutes east of Vancouver on the north side of the Fraser Valley. The easiest way to get there is to drive yourself.
There are two ways to drive there from Vancouver. The fastest way is to take Highway 1 to Bridal Falls, then Highway 9 across the Fraser River to Agassiz and then to Harrison Hot Springs. Here are Google Maps driving directions for that route.
A slower and more scenic option is to take Highway 7 (Lougheed Highway) through Port Coquitlam, Maple Ridge, and Mission. Here are Google Maps driving directions for that route. I usually take one route there and the other one on the way back.
It is also possible to get to Harrison Hot Springs by bus, but I don’t recommend it because it is VERY time-consuming. The most direct way from Vancouver is to take the Skytrain to Lougheed Stain. From there, take BC Transit bus 66 to Chilliwack and then transfer to Bus 71, which will take you to Harrison Hot Springs. Check the bus schedule carefully because there is limited service on evenings and weekends.
Getting Around Harrison Hot Springs
If you stay within the village of Harrison Hot Springs, it’s easy to walk everywhere – it’s a small place.
However, if you want to make the 20-minute trip to Harrison Mills to visit the Eagle Interpretive Trail or Kilby Historic Site, you will need a car. A car is also necessary for visits to the farms, Cheam Lake Wetlands, and the Bridal Veil Falls.
You will also need a car with chains if you want to go to Sasquatch Mountain Resort for skiing, snowshoeing, or tubing since it is a snowy mountain road.
There is no taxi service in Harrison, although taxis from Chilliwack (30 min away) will pick up and drop off in Harrison.
How Long to Spend in Harrison Hot Springs in Winter
In the winter, a long weekend is the perfect amount of time to spend in Harrison. That’s enough time to spend some time eagle viewing, walk some of the trails, and indulge in some cozy cabin relaxing.
Winter Weather in Harrison Hot Springs
Harrison Hot Springs has similar weather to the rest of the eastern Fraser Valley and Vancouver region. Winters are fairly mild and a bit wet.
The average temperature between November and March is between 0°C and 11°C (32 to 52 F°). Expect rain if you visit in winter – it rains between 13 and 17 days a month. However, while it can be very rainy some of the time, on most days, it rains for a few hours and is cloudy (or even sunny) for the rest of the day.
It’s worth noting that it can be quite windy along the lakefront in Harrison Hot Springs because the wind rushes down the lake. However, once you get away from the shore, the wind dies down.
What to Pack for Winter in Harrison in Winter
Harrison is a pretty laid-back place, so you don’t need to bring anything fancy. Even if you go out for a nice dinner, jeans and a sweater are fine.
Make sure you bring clothing for the weather. A rain jacket is key, along with warm layers to wear underneath like a fleece or lightweight puffy jacket. Bring a warm toque and some gloves, especially if you plan to take an eagle watching boat tour.
Waterproof hiking boots are great if you’re planning to hit the trails since they can be muddy in winter.
Don’t forget to pack a bathing suit and towel for the hot springs or your hotel hot tub.
Binoculars or a camera with a big zoom lens are essential for eagle watching.
If you plan to visit Sasquatch Mountain Resort, pack ski clothing and winter boots. You can rent skis, boots, poles, helmets, and snowshoes on-site or bring your own.
Indigenous Context in Harrison Hot Springs
The Harrison area is the traditional territory of the Sts’ailes First Nation. The Nation’s name comes from the Halq’eméylem word ‘Sts’a’íles’, which means “the beating heart”. Parts of the Harrison area are also the shared traditional territory of the Leq’á:mel, Samahquam, Skatin (SkookumChuck), Sq’ewá:lxw (Skawahlook), Sq’éwqel (Seabird Island), Sq’ewlets, Xa’xtsa (Douglas), and Xwchí:yò:m (Cheam) First Nations.
Before colonization, these Nations lived in a series of seasonal villages throughout their territory to facilitate hunting, fishing, gathering, and cultural practices. But like most Indigenous people in North America, their culture and way of life was severed by residential schools and racist colonial policies.
Today, the Nations still live in the Harrison area and continue to practice their traditions and culture. It is important to be respectful of Indigenous lands, culture, and traditions when you visit.
Final Thoughts
I really loved my winter visit to Harrison. It was lovely to stay in a cozy cabin and relax with some real hygge vibes at night. During the day, I was blown away by how many eagles there were and how fun it was to watch them feed and strut around. If you haven’t seen the eagles in Harrison yet, you’re missing out!
Do you need help planning a trip to Harrison Hot Springs in the winter? Ask your questions in the comments – I’m happy to help.
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