Foodie Itinerary

A Foodie’s Guide to the Harrison River Valley

(2 or 3 days)

The Harrison River Valley is filled with charming eateries, with views of lakes, rivers, and mountains offering a global variety of signature dishes.

Day 1

Harrison Mills

Harrison Mills is a hidden jewel located 20 minutes east of Mission and 20 minutes southwest of Harrison Hot Springs. People work hard and play hard here, translating to hearty eats!

Start the day with a well-brewed coffee from the Nespresso Bar menu at River’s Edge Clubhouse at Sandpiper Resort. Dine on their heated, covered patio and take in the fantastic river and golf course views. From Smoked Sockeye Salmon Eggs Benedict to Challah French Toast, their menu is varied and features items from surrounding farms. Be sure to check out their seasonal Sunday Brunch!

After breakfast take a brisk 20-minute walk through the Eagle Trail which starts adjacent to the restaurant. Enjoy the sounds of the season as you explore old-growth forests and rushing streams before arriving at the eagle-viewing gazebo. While eagles can be spotted year-round, they gather in great numbers starting in early October through to January. Harrison Mills is home to the world’s largest winter Bald Eagle gathering.

Today’s first stop is Kilby Historic Site where you’ll be greeted by interpreters in period costume from the early 1900’s. See the 1906 General Store Museum and Post Office, followed by the Manchester House Hotel Museum. In the galleries and exhibit rooms, you’ll find pictures of the Kilby and Pretty families (the latter are the original owners of Sandpiper Resort’s Rowena’s Inn on the River).  The Kilby Café is famous for its farm-fresh fruit pies, soups, and sandwiches. Be sure to check their site for hours of operation.

A mid-day snack and brew awaits at Sasquatch Inn Pub. Choose from a vast selection of on-tap ales and lagers or uncork a bottle of BC wine. You’ll see locals playing pool or hear them chat about where to catch the biggest fish, search for the elusive Sasquatch, or spot a majestic Bald Eagle. From the Legendary Sasquatch Burger to Sasquatch Stromboli to Sasquatch Supreme Pizza, the menu is varied, and the portions are Sasquatch-sized! The staff at the Sasquatch Pub are down-to-earth and some of the friendliest in the area.

If you find yourself on top of Sasquatch Mountain, check out Molly Hogan’s Bar & Grill where you will find bar snacks, small bites, and larger fare.

Our last stop of the day is a dining experience where you step back in time and dine at Rowena’s Inn on the River, located at Sandpiper Resort. This elegant dining experience is only offered once a month during the shoulder seasons in the Upper and Lower Drawing Rooms. You will dine fireside, amidst the 1920s ambiance of the colonial inn with a backdrop of the Harrison River. To avoid disappointment be sure to reserve in advance.

Find accommodations in Harrison Mills here.

Day 2

Agassiz, Harrison Hot Springs & harrison mills: Fertile Lands, Farm-Fresh Foods, and Village Vibes

If only you could stop by each café and bistro for a small bite to experience them all!

Today’s breakfast is in Harrison Hot Springs at Harrison Corner Café.

From Cowboy’s Big Breakfast featuring eggs, bacon, sausages, pancakes & hash browns to the vegetarian Florentine of braised organic spinach, poached eggs, and hollandaise sauce on a toasted English muffin their menu is varied and seasonally fresh.

After breakfast explore the village of Harrison Hot Springs.  Rent a bicycle built for 4 at Harrison Hot Wheels; canoes, kayaks, and pedal boats at Killer Cove’s Boat Rentals, or a guided hike or kayaking trip with Harrison Eco Tours. 

For lunch options, a must in Harrison Hot Springs is the local favourite Muddy Waters Café. Family owned and operated since 1992 Muddy’s features farm-to-table menu items and monstrous baked treats! From smoked salmon lox to the open-faced Brie with sliced pear drizzled with local honey and toasted pecans on Cranberry sourdough, whatever you choose it is guaranteed to be delicious. Grab a soy or oat milk latté on your way out along with a cookie or square for a mid-day snack.   

The Royal King Indian Restaurant in Harrison Hot Springs is a traditional & modern North Indian restaurant specializing in authentic Indian curries and a wide variety of freshly cooked soft Naans. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available. In Agassiz, the Butter Chicken House is the perfect place to enjoy a delicious meal from spicy curries to flavorful biryanis.  

After lunch enjoy an afternoon walk along the Esplanade in Harrison Hot Springs exploring Village boutique stores and galleries. The Sasquatch Museum in Harrison Hot Springs is the perfect place to learn about the elusive Sasquatch or wander through the Museum in Agassiz which is housed in an old railway station located along CPR’s Cascade subdivision. The station is served by Via Rail’s The Canadian as a flag stop. The museum celebrates local, regional and national history, and features both indoor and outdoor exhibits.  

Next stop….dinner in Harrison Hot Springs!

The German-inspired Black Forest Steak & Schnitzel House overlooks beautiful Harrison Lake and has been family-owned and operated since 1975. Start with a delicious Spaetzle Nordsee or Herring Salad Bismarck, then tuck into a mouth-watering Schnitzel from their expansive Black Forest Specialties menu. If weather permits dine on their heated patio enjoying the lake view.

Milos Greek Taverna is located on the beachfront and serves a delish lamb shank, braised in Greek herbs and pulled lamb poutine, along with wild Pacific Salmon souvlaki. Did you know that the Harrison River is a certified Salmon Stronghold? Fun fact, it’s the only stronghold for Pacific salmon ecosystem diversity in Canada.  All five salmon species and steelhead are found in the Harrison River.

Phở Hỗ Vietnamese Noodle is a favourite for noodle soups and vermicelli dishes. 

From burritos to rice bowls to tacos it’s hard to choose just one dish at Taco Rio.  The crispy chicken rice bowl and quesabirria taco are our favourites and are best washed down with a glass of antioxidant-loaded hibiscus tea.  By the way, Rio means river and, in this case, the team is referring to the Miami River that flows behind them. 

For an elevated dining experience, Morgan’s Bistro, Harrison Corner Café, and the Copper Room, located at Harrison Resort pair beautiful food and award-winning wines with fresh, seasonal flavours.

Off the beaten path in Agassiz is the Broken Whisk Restaurant. This family-friendly restaurant specializes in wood-fired pizza, finger-lickin ribs and garlic shrimp, and burgers. Try their Iron Horse Alder bacon and cheeseburger!

Looking for baked goods, dessert, or ice cream? The Sweet Treat Trail in the Harrison River Valley has the perfect delights to satisfy your sweet tooth. Each stop along the trail is a portal to tasty treasures.

Bon Appétit!

Accommodations in the Village of Harrison Hot Springs can be found here.