There’s a herd of bison wandering the field at Fraser River Lodge. Lhílheqey (pronounced théeth-uhl-kay) in Halq’eméylem, or Mount Cheam, is holding up the skyline, and Stó:lō (pronounced STAH-loh) or Fraser River runs past the fence line. It might not be where you’d expect to begin exploring Indigenous-owned experiences in the Harrison River Valley, but it’s exactly where this trip starts.
Two days are enough to explore several Indigenous-owned experiences across the Harrison River Valley, along the Fraser River in Harrison Mills to the communities of Sts’ailes, Cheam, Seabird Island, Sq’ewá, and Sq’ewlets around Harrison Hot Springs and east toward Ruby Creek. The communities sit close together, making it easy to move between cultural experiences, galleries, river tours, and Indigenous-owned accommodations without spending much time behind the wheel.
The Harrison River Valley is home to some of the most accessible Indigenous tourism experiences in British Columbia. The valley sits on the traditional and unceded territories of the Sts’ailes, Sqʼéwqel Seabird Island, Sq’ewá:lxw, Xax’tsa, Leq’a:mel, Samahquam, Sq’ewlets, and Skatin First Nations.
Day One: Arrive Along the Stó:lō (Fraser River)
Where to stay: a base on the river
Make Agassiz your first stop. Fraser River Lodge is owned by the Cheam First Nation, having acquired it in 2024. There are 18 acres on the river, with Lhílheqey (Mount Cheam) behind it, and that small herd of bison out front. It has earned Indigenous Tourism BC’s Authentic Indigenous designation, the province’s gold standard. The lodge partners with local Indigenous Knowledge Keepers on a Traditional Welcoming, Traditional Talking Circle, Guided Grounding Meditations, Keynote Talks, and Empathic Body Work. You can explore the full list of activities and experiences offered through the lodge on their website.
Fishing is also a major draw. The lodge offers guided salmon and sturgeon fishing experiences that can be booked directly, giving visitors a chance to spend time on the Fraser River with experienced local guides.
If one of these experiences catches your interest, it’s worth reaching out a few weeks in advance.
Looking for something different? Sasquatch Crossing Eco Lodge in Harrison Mills sits on 87 acres of Sts’ailes-operated land, with a meditation labyrinth, walking trails, and a creek running through the property. It’s a bed-and-breakfast in a beautifully restored house from 1903.
Sasquatch Inn (Scowlitz Economic Development Corporation) and Harrison Grand Motel (Sqʼéwqel Development Corporation, Seabird Island Band) make solid bases depending on whether you’d rather wake up out in the country or steps from Harrison Hot Springs village.
Afternoon: out on the water
The Stó:lō people, whose name means “People of the River,” have lived along these waterways for generations. The Stó:lō (Fraser River) has shaped life in the valley for centuries, and one of the best ways to experience that connection is from the water. Sasq’ets Journeys, operated by Moytelexw Sts’ailes Development Corporation, offers guided kayak and boat tours led by Sts’ailes Cultural Ambassadors who share stories about pictographs, pit houses, and the river’s place in Sts’ailes history. Tours run year-round; book ahead.
Evening: dinner in Harrison Mills
Dinner is waiting at Sasquatch Inn Pub in Harrison Mills. With its rustic log cabin charm, cozy atmosphere, and friendly service, it’s a favourite with both locals and travellers. If you’re hungry after a day of exploring, try the Legendary Sasquatch Burger before settling in for the evening.
Day Two: East Through the Valley
After checking out, grab breakfast at Schi:ya Café on Esplanade Avenue along the waterfront in Harrison Hot Springs. Family-run by Mathew Point, a Seabird Island member, the menu reads like the food you actually want after spending the previous day on the water: fresh bannock, hearty soups, elk burgers. The sign at the door says “Food with Roots”, and that’s about right.
If you are staying at Sasquatch Crossing‘s B&B, breakfast is included.
Today follows the Stó:lō (Fraser River) east with stops that connect art, culture, history, and community along the way.
Morning: a stop for art in Agassiz
Stop at TwoChiefs Arts & Gifts, a Cheam First Nation-founded shop on Cheam First Nation land just outside the Agassiz town centre. The shop carries Indigenous art, blankets, jewelry, soaps, coffee, and home goods created by artists and makers from across the valley and beyond. The name honours two Chiefs who helped shape a legacy within the Pelólxw territory, recognizing the people and stories that came before rather than simply serving as a store name.
Just down the road, about a five-minute drive, you’ll find Xwchíyò:m Farm Market, a First Nations-owned market rooted in community, featuring Cheam-grown produce and locally sourced goods. Check their Instagram for current hours.
Late morning: a Sts’ailes-led cultural tour
If there’s one experience to book ahead of time, make it Sasq’ets Journeys. Based in the heart of Sts’ailes territory near Harrison Mills, they operate walking, kayaking and jet boat tours that take in petroglyphs, eagle viewing, ancient pit house sites, and the Sts’ailes Longhouse, along with hands-on workshops in drum making, cedar weaving, and traditional medicine walks led by Sts’ailes artisans. Storytelling, traditional songs, and sxwōxwiyám (ancient origin stories) feature in every experience.
Afternoon: a gallery and a playground of ancestors
The drive east follows the Fraser through farmland, forest, and steep mountain slopes before reaching Ruby Creek. Bring a lunch with you for a picnic at the adventure park.
Ruby Creek Art Gallery has been owned and operated by the Sq’ewá:lxw (Skawahlook) First Nation since 2005, with one of the strongest Coast Salish art collections in the region. The collection includes limited edition prints, carved gold and silver jewelry, drums, soapstone carvings, and textiles. On some days, there are live carving or cedar bark weaving demonstrations on site. If you’re lucky enough to catch one, take a few extra minutes to watch.
Five minutes further east, you’ll find Syéx̱w Chó:leqw Adventure Park. The name means “rockslide in the forest” in Halq’eméylem. The park has 4 kilometres of walking and cycling trails, a bike skills park, viewing platforms, and a 90,000-square-foot playground. Carvings, murals, and wood sculptures are scattered throughout, and there’s a talking circle around a fire pit near the entrance. If you brought your pup with you, leashed dogs are welcome. Families could easily spend an afternoon here, especially if bikes are coming along for the trip.
From the park, it’s about ninety minutes back to Vancouver.
Plan Your Visit
Two days introduce only a small part of the Indigenous stories, cultures, and businesses that shape the Harrison River Valley, from the Fraser River to Ruby Creek.
For more Indigenous experiences and trip-planning resources, visit the Indigenous Roots page.
Looking to spend more time outdoors? Explore our 3-Day Nature Itinerary for the Harrison River Valley, featuring hiking, paddling, and wildlife experiences throughout the region.
Travelling with kids? Our Family Guide to the Harrison River Valley highlights family-friendly attractions, shorter outings, and activities designed for younger adventurers.
For more dining, events, and accommodation, explore the Agassiz, Harrison Hot Springs, and Harrison Mills & Hemlock Valley community pages.
Ready to plan your trip? Start here: Harrison River Valley Visitor Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need to book ahead?
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For cultural experiences, yes. Sasq’ets Journeys and the cultural programming at Fraser River Lodge both need advance notice; a few weeks is usually enough. Most other stops (TwoChiefs Arts & Gifts, Ruby Creek Art Gallery, Syéx̱w Chó:leqw Adventure Park) are drop-in. Check websites for opening hours.
- Is this appropriate for non-Indigenous visitors?
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Yes. The businesses and experiences in this guide are designed to welcome all visitors. Showing up with curiosity and respect is the baseline. If you’re joining a cultural experience at Sasq’ets Journeys or Fraser River Lodge, your guide will lead. Follow their direction and ask questions.
- Are these experiences suitable for families?
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Most of them. Syéx̱w Chó:leqw Adventure Park is built for families, with its trails, large playground, and dogs on a leash are welcome. The river tours with Sasq’ets Journeys work for older kids. The cultural tours at Sasq’ets Journeys are best suited to children who can engage for a half-day.
- Do I need a car?
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Yes. The route spans roughly 45 minutes of driving between Harrison Mills and Ruby Creek. There’s no public transit connecting these communities.
- What’s the best time of year to visit?
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Spring and fall offer cooler temperatures and quieter trails. Summer has the longest daylight. Late fall into early winter is eagle season at Harrison Mills.
- Are the cultural experiences led by First Nations members?
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Yes, many are. Sasq’ets Journeys tours are led by Sts’ailes Cultural Ambassadors. Programming at Fraser River Lodge involves Indigenous Knowledge Keepers.
- What should I know before visiting?
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These are First Nations-owned businesses operating on their own territories. You’re a guest. Arrive on time for booked experiences, ask before photographing people or ceremonies, and buy directly where you can. Spending at these businesses supports cultural and language work within each Nation.
