Skip to content
Summer on the lakefront in Harrison Hot Springs means the sounds of kids laughing and splashing, the hum of boat motors and jet skis in the distance and the sizzle and enticing aroma of food being grilled on barbecues. But on a bustling and busy beach, how do you know where to set up and get grilling? Read on to find out the hows and wheres of enjoying a fabulous day at Harrison that includes a classic summer activity: barbecuing!
BARBECUING ON LAND
LAKEFRONT BARBECUE AREA
The village has installed 14 new picnic tables and pedestal stands in a designated barbecue area. To barbecue in Harrison, village bylaws stipulate you must set your portable barbecue on the pedestal stands provided and your barbecue must not exceed the size of the pedestal. Use a propane or butane barbecue with a fuel cylinder capacity of 10 lbs or less. Wood, charcoal, and briquettes are not permitted. You’ll find the barbecue spots on the East side of Harrison Lake waterfront and in Rendall Park. BBQing is not allowed outside of these zones. These measures are put in place to reduce the possibility of wildfire; and keep residents and visitors safe.
PATIOS AND PICNICS
Don’t feel like doing the cooking? We have a fantastic array of eateries in the village, many with outdoor patios. Cafes, coffee houses, pubs, family restaurants, and fine fare: you’ll find barbecued eats (or anything else your tastebuds crave). Or, grab some take-out and bring your meal to our lakeside picnic benches for a picnic in the park!
BARBECUING ON WATER
Boating and barbecuing are two beloved summer activities, and at Harrison, you can do both at the same time!
HARRISON WATERSPORTS
Phone: 1-855-446-4974
Book a BBQ Boat from Harrison Watersports and spend an afternoon with friends floating, grilling, dining, and chilling! Each boat holds up to 6 adults (or 1000 lbs), and includes a barbecue grill with propane, cooking utensils, anchor, lifejackets and safety equipment, a bluetooth speaker sound system, large shade umbrella, swimming ladder and an electric motor (which means no extra fuel costs). Starting at $199 for a 2.5-hour rental, divide the cost between your friends and you have a very affordable way to spend an afternoon on the lake! Also available are 3.5-hour and 4.5-hour rentals. Tips: bring easy-to-grill foods, like prepared skewers of kabobs, or even easier, purchase takeout from one of Harrison’s restaurants, and keep the food hot on the grill for grazing as you float. Bring your smartphone to hook up your tunes to the speaker, and don’t forget a cooler with your food and beverages, and plates, cutlery, and beach towels. Please note: alcoholic beverages are not allowed on the boat. Book online here.
SHORELINE TOURS
Phone: 604-796-3100
Take a cruise with Shoreline Tours and let someone else do the grilling! Offering lake, river, and waterfall tours, or the historic Port Douglas tour, you can cruise in comfort on their luxury 62-foot cruiser, The Laroan! The Laroan is fully outfitted for a comfortable tour, including The Laroan Bar and Grill, which serves barbecued items like beef burgers, chicken burgers, veggie burgers, wraps, hotdogs, and more. You can also enjoy a wide selection of alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages while you cruise. See the menu here. Learn more about Shoreline Tours’ many cruises and book a tour online here.
OTHER TIPS:
• Summer weekends in Harrison Hot Springs can get very busy; if you are coming on a weekend, get here early to find parking and a good spot to set up. Wearing a mask in busy areas is recommended.
• Consider a weekday getaway; the lake and waterfront are quieter, and you’ll have more choices for parking, and choosing a barbecue pedestal.
• Pay parking is in effect from June 15-Sept 15. The Pay Parking in Harrison has changed for 2020, please visit the Village website for more details. You can find FREE parking in the overflow parking lot located on the corner of Miami River Drive and Hot Springs Road.
• Tents are not allowed on the lakefront, feel free to bring a sunshade, or umbrella; village bylaw is no more than 1.5 metres (5 feet) tall and with a maximum area of 2 metres squared (6.5 feet squared), because we want to ensure there is plenty of space on the lakefront for everyone to spread out and enjoy (which is especially important during this time of social distancing)!
• Drinking alcohol is not permitted on the beach, however we have many other licensed patios in the area if you feel like a cold brew!
• Please be respectful of our residents; for more information on travelling to Harrison during COVID-19, please visit Travelling During Covid.
• Visit 10 Ways to Travel Safely: Destination BC’s tips to help you travel responsibly in BC this summer.
Whether on land or water, we hope you enjoy your delicious barbecued eats! For more information on this, or other activities or restaurants in Harrison Hot Springs, visit us at TOURISM HARRISON. Share your summer moments in Harrison Hot Springs with us by tagging your photos with #JustUpTheRoad.
