You know those family getaways where everyone is excited when you leave home, but by the time you’ve packed the car, sat in traffic, checked into your hotel, and unpacked the car, you’re already tired?
Well, there is another type of getaway where you pack the car after work, the kids fall asleep about 30 minutes away from home, and you wake them up just as Harrison Lake comes into view. Before the car is unpacked, shoes are off, and the kids are running for the beach.
This three-day itinerary takes you through all four communities that make up the Harrison River Valley: Harrison Hot Springs on the lake, Agassiz through the farmland, Harrison Mills along the Fraser River, and Hemlock Valley in the mountains. They’re all connected by short drives, making it easy to see more of the valley without feeling like you’re constantly packing up and moving on.
Before You Go
- Drive time: less than 2h from Vancouver and the Lower Mainland and only 45 minutes from the Sumas Border. It’s a straightforward drive east on Highway 1, then north on Highway 9 into the valley.
- Where to stay: Accommodation options range from lakefront resorts and vacation rentals to cabins, campgrounds, and cozy B&Bs throughout the valley. Staying midweek often means more availability and flexibility when choosing where to base yourself. Browse accommodations across the valley.
- When to go: Summer is the busiest season, particularly on weekends, so midweek is an ideal time to visit. Spring brings blooming farms and quieter trails, while fall offers warm days, colourful scenery, and fewer crowds. September is often a local favourite, with temperatures still warm, and accommodation availability improving after Labour Day. In winter, Hemlock Valley becomes the region’s hub for skiing, snowboarding, and snow-filled mountain getaways.
Day 1: Harrison Lake & the Village
Start where most families do: the beach.
The village of Harrison Hot Springs sits at the southern edge of Harrison Lake. The glacier-fed lake is surrounded by mountains, easy to explore on foot, and has plenty of room to spread out. Around the swimming lagoon, you will find a sandy beach, children’s playground, showers, and outdoor picnic areas.
If you’re visiting in summer, the Harrison Water Park is usually the biggest draw for active kids. The floating inflatable course includes climbing walls, slides, balance features, and trampolines. It’s open to ages 6 and up, with life jackets (an adult aged 16 or older must accompany children between ages 6 and 10). Sessions are 90 minutes and start at approximately $40 per person. Summer sessions can fill up quickly, so booking ahead is recommended.
If you’d rather be on the water than in it, Harrison Eco Tours runs guided lake and river outings with kid-friendly tour options available.
Keep lunch simple. Grab takeaway and enjoy it on the waterfront, or settle onto a patio in the village.
The rest of the afternoon is yours to spend at the lake. Return to the beach, rent a paddleboard from Killer’s Cove Boat Rentals, or simply claim a spot by the water and watch the boats come and go.
When dinner rolls around, you’ll find plenty of family-friendly restaurants within walking distance. Muddy Waters Cafe is a local favourite for casual fare, Basecamp Burgers is an easy choice after a day outside, and Black Forest Restaurant offers hearty German-inspired meals if you’re looking for something a little more substantial.
Finish the evening with a walk along the lake. On summer nights, the beach stays busy well past dinner, the mountains catch the last light, and brave one final swim before calling it a day.
Day 2: Farms or Mountain
Today is your choose-your-own-adventure day. One direction takes you through Agassiz, ideal for younger kids, where farm stands, animals, and mountain views set the pace. The other heads into Hemlock Valley, ideal for older kids, where forest roads, mountain air, and outdoor adventures take over. Both are less than an hour from Harrison Hot Springs, making it easy to match the day to your family’s energy level.
Agassiz Farm Route (for younger kids)
Start the morning with a short drive into Agassiz, where the main competition for the kids’ attention is a goat. This is an easy day for families who prefer short stops, room to wander, and plenty of opportunities to meet animals along the way.
The self-guided Circle Farm Tour connects many of the area’s farms, markets, and local producers, making it easy to build a route that fits your family’s interests and attention span.
Popular stops along the route include:
- Creekside Cheese + Creamery: A certified organic farm in Agassiz with alpine-style cheeses made on site, farm gelato, grass-fed beef, and a self-serve dispenser for fresh whole milk. bring your own washed and sanitized bottle. If a picnic is in the plan, this is a good first stop. Open Thursday to Saturday, 9:30–5:00, so Thursday or Friday works for a midweek trip.
- Earthwise Society Farm: Trade the playground for a working farm at Earthwise Agassiz. Kids can wander through the demonstration gardens, watch the bees, search for frogs, spot birds along the wetland trails, and discover where food comes from while exploring 58 acres of farms, forests, and natural habitats. Check out their seasonal farm stand housed in a beautiful rustic barn.
- Harrison Lavender is a lavender farm and gift shop nestled among the fields just outside Agassiz. Browse a collection of handcrafted teas, salves, essential oils, and other lavender products made in small batches on the farm. Open Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Along the way, stop for fresh berries when they’re in season, pull over at a roadside stand, grab a pie to take home, or pick up lunch wherever the kids decide they want to stay longer.
Hemlock Valley Mountain Day (for older kids)
If your crew is looking for a little more adventure, point the car toward Hemlock Valley and Sasquatch Mountain Resort. The drive from Harrison village winds steadily uphill through dense forest, and before long, the lake and village feel a long way away. Download directions before you go, as cell service can be limited on the mountain. It also happens to be one of the easiest ways to get the kids off their screens for a couple of hours.
The activities at Sasquatch Mountain Resort change with the seasons. In summer, families can play a round of disc golf, explore the surrounding trails, and take in the mountain views. For older kids and teens who enjoy mountain biking, the resort also offers a network of trails. Riders should note that there is no lift service for biking and bikes are not available to rent, so you’ll need to bring your own. Trail access is free. Check the trail map before you go. In winter, the resort becomes a hub for skiing, snowboarding, and tubing, making it a popular destination for families looking to spend a day in the snow.
When everyone is ready for a break, grab lunch at Molly Hogan’s Bar & Grill and enjoy the mountain views before heading back down to the valley.
Day 3: Harrison Mills & Kilby Provincial Park
Take it a little slower today and head west toward Harrison Mills. The drive follows the Fraser River for much of the way, with mountain views, farmland, and plenty of reasons not to rush.
Kilby Historic Site is the main destination. Kids and adults often end up enjoying different parts of the site. Admission is $16 for adults, $11 for youth aged 6-16, and $42 for a family pass covering two adults and two children. Hours vary seasonally; check ahead before your visit.
The 1906 General Store and heritage buildings are what draw most adults in, while the working farm tends to steal the show for younger visitors. Chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys, sheep, goats, and pigs wander the grounds, and kids can purchase feed to interact with many of the animals. During the summer months, Kilby also offers its “Udderly” delicious ice cream and butter-making demonstrations. Check the calendar for upcoming dates and times.
Before you leave, make time for a slice of pie from the café. It’s become something of a tradition for visitors passing through.
If you still have a little time before heading home, Kilby Provincial Park is just steps away with easy walking trails, a sandy beach, and a view where the Harrison River meets the Fraser.
From there, it’s less than 2 hours back to Vancouver. Close enough for an easy drive home, but far enough away to feel like you’ve actually escaped for a few days.
If It Rains
Rain doesn’t shut down a Harrison River Valley trip. It simply changes the itinerary. Museums, galleries, the covered mineral pool, and attractions like Kilby Historic Site continue to offer plenty to do when the weather turns.
For more indoor activities and weather-friendly ideas, see Where to Go in the Harrison River Valley When It Rains (or the Smoke Rolls In).
Start Planning Your Trip
Ready to plan your own midweek escape? The Plan Your Trip hub includes accommodation options, seasonal experiences, maps, and local recommendations.
Looking for more ideas? Explore our Mid-Week Getaway itinerary, and additional itineraries and trip inspiration from across the Harrison River Valley, including seasonal getaways, family adventures, and couples’ escapes.
