The covered public mineral pool, the Sasquatch Museum, the art galleries, and Kilby’s tearoom and shop all carry on regardless of the forecast. The full rainy-day plan is in Where to Go in the Harrison River Valley When It Rains (or the Smoke Rolls In).

I'm more interested in hiking and being outdoors.

If your ideal getaway revolves around trails, paddling, wildlife viewing, and time outside, take a look at our 3-Day Nature Itinerary for the Harrison River Valley. It highlights some of the region's most scenic hikes, paddling opportunities, and wildlife experiences, with options ranging from easy walks to full-day adventures.

What's there to do in the fall or early winter?

This is bald eagle season. The river corridor near Kilby in Harrison Mills draws one of the largest bald eagle gatherings in North America during the salmon spawn, peaking in November and December. Late afternoon is when most birds gather in one place. Bring binoculars. While you're in the area, the Agassiz-Harrison Museum offers a look at the region's history through exhibits and local stories. For a base nearby, Sasquatch Crossing Eco Lodge, a restored 1903 house, sits five minutes from Kilby on Morris Valley Road, on 87 Sts'ailes-operated acres. Hemlock Valley also opens for early-season skiing and snowshoeing if you want to pair the eagles with a mountain day.

Do I need to book activities in advance?

Your accommodations are the only thing that really needs to be booked in advance. Lake rentals, restaurants, the farms, Kilby, and Hemlock can mostly be played by ear, with the exception of Sts’ailes Cultural Tourism, guided fishing operators, and busy summer weekends.

How to Plan a Midweek Getaway in the Harrison River Valley

You’ve been meaning to book something. School’s out, the lake hot weather and the cool lake are so inviting, and you’ve been telling yourself for weeks you’ll take a trip somewhere, but the long weekends are already booked, and the drive home in Sunday traffic isn’t selling itself.

The easier version: take three days midweek. Drive from the Lower Mainland or the Sumas Border to the Harrison River Valley. The lake, the farms, the mountains, and the river are all within 25 minutes of each other. Accommodations that are full for the next four Saturdays have rooms available on Tuesdays.

That’s the shape of a midweek getaway.

In the Harrison River Valley, explore four connected communities: Harrison Hot Springs on the lake, Agassiz inland through the farms, Harrison Mills along the river, and Hemlock Valley in the mountains. Each one is 10 to 25 minutes from the next.

What to Know Before You Visit the Harrison River Valley

Drive time: about 90 minutes from the Lower Mainland, or 45 minutes from the Sumas Border.
How long to stay: plan for two to three days midweek. Monday to Wednesday or Tuesday to Thursday helps you avoid the crowds.
Where to stay: farm stays in Agassiz, riverside views in Harrison Mills, lakefront in Harrison Hot Springs, or camping throughout the area. Browse all accommodations in the Harrison River Valley.
When to go: Spring brings World’s Most Instagrammable Tulip Farm; Fall is the Season Of The Wild, a celebration of salmon, eagles & sturgeon. Winter brings Lights by the Lake and skiing and boarding, snowshoeing, and tubing. Summer showcases Summer Harvest with yoga in lavender fields to farm-inspired log-table dinners under the stars.

Day 1: Arrive in the valley and settle at the lake

Two people kayaking on the calm waters of Harrison Lake, surrounded by forested islands and mountain views in the Harrison River Valley.

The drive into the Harrison River Valley is part of the appeal. The highway gives way to farmland, river views, and mountain backdrops that make it feel like you’ve travelled much farther than you have. Before heading to Harrison Hot Springs, make a stop at Sandpiper Resort in Harrison Mills for lunch beside the river. River’s Edge Clubhouse looks out over the Harrison River and the surrounding mountains. The menu is West Coast cooking with Fraser Valley sourcing: chowder, salmon, tuna, and wood-fired pizzas. After eating, walk the resort paths to stretch out before getting back in the car.

If golf is on your list, Sandpiper Golf Course is an on-site 18-hole course. Booking a round in the afternoon turns Day 1 into a full day at the resort: golf, dinner at River’s Edge, then either stay on the property or make the 15-minute drive to Agassiz or Harrison Hot Springs for the night.

What to Do at Harrison Lake: Paddleboarding, Kayaking, and the Promenade

If you are only staying at Sandpiper for lunch, continue east on Highway 7 through Agassiz, turn north for Harrison Hot Springs, and head down to the waterfront.

Killer’s Cove Boat Rentals sits on the docks in front of Harrison Hot Springs Resort with paddleboards, kayaks, and canoes available for rent. For those who would rather explore with a guide, Harrison Eco Tours offers guided kayak experiences on Harrison Lake and the Harrison River, including tours that paddle past petroglyphs, as well as cultural and natural landmarks along the shoreline. A short paddle is often enough to leave the bustle of the village behind. With mountains rising straight from the water and long stretches of undeveloped shoreline, the lake feels calm, spacious, and surprisingly peaceful. Remember to wear a life jacket and stay aware of changing conditions.

If you’d rather stay on land, the lakeside promenade follows the shoreline for roughly 3km through Harrison Hot Springs. The paved, mostly flat route is suitable for nearly everyone and passes beaches, viewpoints, public art, and plenty of benches if you want to stop and take in the view.

The shoreline tells a story that stretches back thousands of years. The Sts’ailes people knew the area’s hot springs as Kwals, meaning “boiling water,” and regarded them as a place of healing. Today, traces of that history remain throughout the region, including ancient petroglyphs near Doctor’s Point.

Explore the Harrison River Valley by E-Bike

If you’d like to cover a little more ground without getting back in the car, Harrison Hot Springs is also easy to explore by e-bike. Rentals are available through Lifty Life, and the village is connected to a number of scenic cycling routes. Just make sure to reserve your bikes in advance!

From the waterfront, it’s an easy ride to the Sasquatch Museum, the Harrison Hot Springs source, and Spirit Trail. More confident riders can continue toward Agassiz, Harrison Lavender, Earthwise Farm, Kilby Historic Site, or Homestead Cidery. The bikes have enough battery life to comfortably reach Green Point, Kilby, or Homestead and return on a single charge.

The Tourism Harrison Google Map Bike Guide also provides cycling resources, including route ideas, washrooms, bike repair locations, air pumps, and points of interest throughout the region.

Where to Eat in Harrison Hot Springs: Dinner and Evening Options

The small, walkable village offers plenty of choices for dinner. Black Forest Steak & Schnitzel has been a popular Harrison Hot Springs dining fixture since 1975 with a loyal local following, and serves a German-inspired menu. For something more casual, Basecamp Burgers is a block off the waterfront. Take an evening stroll along the promenade afterwards.

If you’re not quite ready to call it a day, spend a little time browsing the shops around the village. Harrison Hot Springs has a collection of locally owned boutiques, gift shops, and specialty stores that are easy to explore on foot before heading back to your accommodations.

A soak at the Harrison Mineral Bath is an easy addition to the evening. It’s a short walk from the village and stays open into the evening. Please call 604-796-2244 Ext. 5 for current hours and admission information.

Day 2: Agassiz and the Circle Farm Tour

White goat at The Farm House Natural Cheeses in Agassiz, part of the Harrison River Valley Circle Farm Tour.

Start the morning at The Broken Whisk. Order light. You’ll be grazing your way through the rest of the morning.

The Agassiz-Harrison Circle Farm Tour is a self-guided loop through local farms, cideries, and restaurants, and is one of the best ways to spend a morning in the valley. Three stops worth planning into the loop:

The Farm House Natural Cheeses: You’ll know you’ve arrived when you see the cows and goats grazing in the front fields. You can watch the farmers hard at work milking in the morning, and cheese-making, as seen through a window. The shop sells the full range of hand-made cheeses, making it an easy stop, especially if you’re building a picnic lunch for later in the day. Be sure to bring a cooler.
Harrison Lavender: If you’re visiting in summer, Harrison Lavender is worth a stop. You’ll catch the scent of lavender before you even reach the fields. Browse the gift shop and pick up oils, sachets, teas, or lavender shortbread to take home. The farm operates seasonally, typically from early summer through mid-fall.
Kilby Historic Site: Kilby Historic Site feels like stepping into another era. The 1906 General Store is the centrepiece, while the farm is home to goats, turkeys, rabbits, chickens, and other friendly animals that are always a hit with younger visitors. The tearoom serves farm-fresh fruit pie and other homemade treats, making it a worthwhile stop even if you’re just passing through. Kilby is open Thursday through Monday, 10-4. Hours vary seasonally, so be sure to check before you go. Adult admission is $16, $11 for youth aged 6-16, and family passes are $42. Plan for about 90 minutes.

Cheam Wetlands, and the Best Short Walks Near Agassiz

Take a short detour before heading back to Harrison Hot Springs. Cheam Wetlands offers an easy loop trail system with one boardwalk out to the small lake. Walk through wetland habitat beneath Mount Cheam, while Syéxw Chó:leqw Adventure Park at Ruby Creek combines walking trails and cultural connections.

Evening back in the village

From the wetlands, the drive back to the village of Harrison Hot Springs is approximately another 25 minutes. You’ll be in the village by late afternoon with time to walk the promenade in golden light, grab an ice cream at Muddy Waters Cafe, or take one last paddle before dinner.

For dinner, head to The Settler Pub. This log cabin pub serves a West Coast-inspired menu alongside BC craft beverages and features a patio overlooking the Miami River and regularly hosts live music, trivia, and workshops. After dinner, take a stroll along the waterfront before turning in for the evening.

Day 3: Bridal Veil Falls and the Best Hikes on Your Way Home

Two visitors relax on a driftwood log at the edge of Harrison Lake, enjoying views of the lake and surrounding mountains on an overcast day.

Day 3 is short. You’re heading home, with one detour worth making.

Before heading home, choose one final adventure before leaving the valley.

If you’re looking for lake views, Sandy Cove and Whippoorwill Point is a 3km loop with a short, steep climb that opens onto a wide view of Harrison Lake before the trail drops down to a quiet beach.

For something easy, Spirit Trail is a 1.1km walk through old-growth forest. If you have more time, Bridle Loop extends the outing into a 5km route through wetlands and forest.

Looking for more trails? Explore the Top Hikes in the Harrison River Valley for hiking options throughout the region.

Bridal Veil Falls Provincial Park sits about fifteen minutes south of Agassiz across the Fraser River via the Rosedale Bridge. A short forest trail leads to the base of a 60-metre cascade that drops down a moss-covered rockface. An easy 30-minute return loop trail leads to a viewing platform near the base of the falls.

Not Ready to Leave Yet? More Ways to Spend Time in the Valley

Catch-and-release sturgeon fishing on the Harrison River, with an angler holding a large white sturgeon beside the boat.

The valley has more in it than three days can hold. A few options are worth adding on.

Hemlock Valley & Sasquatch Mountain Resort

If your getaway can stretch to a fourth day, point the car toward Hemlock Valley. The road climbs steadily through dense forest before opening onto the alpine landscapes surrounding Sasquatch Mountain Resort.

Summer brings mountain biking, hiking, disc golf, and the aerial park. Winter transforms the same slopes into one of the Fraser Valley’s closest ski destinations. Either season, it feels surprisingly remote considering you’re less than two hours from Vancouver.

Guided Kayaking and Paddling Options in the Harrison River Valley

Harrison Eco Tours runs guided kayak trips that go beyond the Killer’s Cove paddle: a two-hour lake-and-river introduction, half-day routes around the lake’s southern bays, and an eight-hour Rainbow Falls day for stronger paddlers.

Hicks Lake in Sasquatch Provincial Park offers a quieter paddling experience for visitors bringing their own canoe or kayak, as rentals are not available on-site. For a deeper connection to the region, Sasq’ets Journeys offers guided jet boat and kayak experiences that explore the stories, traditions, and history of the Sts’ailes people, including ancient pictographs, village sites, and culturally significant places throughout the Harrison River Valley.

Fishing the Fraser and Harrison Rivers: Sturgeon and Salmon

Have you ever caught a dinosaur? The Fraser River draws sturgeon fishing enthusiasts from around the world (catch and release), with guided charters running out of Harrison Mills. In addition to sturgeon, the Harrison River also carries five species of Pacific salmon.

Licences are required, and the regulations vary by species and stretch of water; check Fisheries and Oceans Canada for current rules before booking.

Indigenous-Owned Experiences in the Harrison River Valley

Throughout the valley, you’ll find Indigenous-owned tourism experiences, accommodations, and cultural opportunities that offer deeper connections to the region’s history, landscapes, and living cultures. To learn more, explore our Indigenous-Owned Experiences in the Harrison River Valley guide. Indigenous-owned businesses in the region include Syéxw Chó Adventure Park, Sts’ailes Cultural Tourism, Fraser River Lodge, Grand Motel, and other locally owned enterprises that help share the stories of the Harrison River Valley.

Start your mid-week getaway

Start by booking your accommodation using the Plan Your Trip hub, which has more details on accommodation, seasonal experiences, and operators worth knowing about. We can’t wait for you to meet the valley!

First time in the Valley? Here are some of the most common Q&A’s.

What if it rains?: The covered public mineral pool, the Sasquatch Museum, the art galleries, and Kilby’s tearoom and shop all carry on regardless of the forecast. The full rainy-day plan is in Where to Go in the Harrison River Valley When It Rains (or the Smoke Rolls In).
I’m more interested in hiking and being outdoors.: If your ideal getaway revolves around trails, paddling, wildlife viewing, and time outside, take a look at our 3-Day Nature Itinerary for the Harrison River Valley. It highlights some of the region’s most scenic hikes, paddling opportunities, and wildlife experiences, with options ranging from easy walks to full-day adventures.
What’s there to do in the fall or early winter?: This is bald eagle season. The river corridor near Kilby in Harrison Mills draws one of the largest bald eagle gatherings in North America during the salmon spawn, peaking in November and December. Late afternoon is when most birds gather in one place. Bring binoculars. While you’re in the area, the Agassiz-Harrison Museum offers a look at the region’s history through exhibits and local stories. For a base nearby, Sasquatch Crossing Eco Lodge, a restored 1903 house, sits five minutes from Kilby on Morris Valley Road, on 87 Sts’ailes-operated acres. Hemlock Valley also opens for early-season skiing and snowshoeing if you want to pair the eagles with a mountain day.
Do I need to book activities in advance?: Your accommodations are the only thing that really needs to be booked in advance. Lake rentals, restaurants, the farms, Kilby, and Hemlock can mostly be played by ear, with the exception of Sts’ailes Cultural Tourism, guided fishing operators, and busy summer weekends.