As the holidays wrap up, and we look back on all the celebrating – the decadent and delicious foods and drinks, the snacking, and late nights – many of us are determined to start the new year by establishing healthier habits and self-care routines. The Harrison River Valley is the ideal place to get started on a reinvigorated path to wellness this winter. From basking in the benefits of forest bathing, to challenging yourself on calorie-burning hikes, you’ll feel re-energized and ready to start the new year on the right foot!
FOREST BATHING
Forest bathing became popular in Japan in the 1950s where it is known as Shinrin Yoku. This activity is easy to get started, it simply involves spending time in nature and soaking in all the benefits a natural environment has to offer. Some of the scientifically proven benefits of forest bathing include: stress reduction, lessening of anxiety and depression, accelerated recovery time from illness, improved memory retention, reduction of inflammation, increased Vitamin D absorption, increased creativity, and improved relationship skills. Book a guided nature therapy walk with Ya Doma Nature and Forest Therapy, and Forest Therapy Guide Kim will lead you on a mindful experience of slowing down and being present in the moment to support healing, wellness, and happiness through immersion in nature. Kim is not only a certified Forest Therapy Guide, she’s also a Jikiden Reiki Practitioner and Clinical Counsellor, offering individual and couples counselling in nature or online. Improve yourself and your relationships, and reach your full potential with help from Ya Doma!
HIKING/SNOW SHOEING
There’s nothing like a hike on a forested trail to alight your senses and get your blood pumping, and winter is a great time as the trails are less busy than in warmer seasons. The Harrison River Valley is home to a wondrous variety of trails, suitable for all skill levels. From easy hikes like Spirit Trail to the challenging Campbell Lake Trail (aka Harrison Grind), getting started is as easy as lacing up your hiking boots and taking that first step! Click here for our Harrison River Valley Trail Guide to get a full list of hikes in Agassiz/District of Kent, Harrison Hot Springs, Harrison Mills and the Hemlock Valley. Speaking of the Hemlock Valley, you’ll find excellent opportunities for snowshoeing at Sasquatch Mountain Resort. Whether you choose a beginner path like the 5km long Village Loop, an intermediate path like the 7km long Ridge Run, or work your way up to the advanced Mt. Cartmel to take in the views from the mountaintops, you’ll find snowshoeing offers an incredible workout! Snowshoeing offers the same cardiovascular benefits as running, at a much slower pace, with less impact on your joints. Learn more about snowshoeing at Sasquatch Mountain Resort and purchase passes here.
WILDLIFE VIEWING
Although the Season of the Wild is coming to its seasonal end, you’ll still find great eagle viewing through January. Visit Sandpiper Resort’s Eagle Viewing Trail and follow along as it winds its way through towering forests, across a rushing creek, and alongside vibrant golf greens, until you reach the Eagle Viewing Gazebo, with stunning river and mountain views! It’s an easy trail for getting your steps in and filling your lungs with fresh air. Your soul and senses will be heightened by the scenic surroundings and soaring eagles!
RAINBOW FALLS TOUR
There’s nothing like the feeling of standing under the magnificence of a cascading waterfall, feeling the mist on your face and hearing nature’s thunderous roar! Did you know that plants and water release negative ions into the atmosphere? Negative ions attach themselves to mold spores, allergens, pollen and dust; and clear the air of them. Inhaling them strengthens immunity, purifies blood, reduces harmful free radicals, and improves mood, just to name a few healthy effects. Commercial air purifiers release negative ions in a bid to mimic nature; but there’s nothing like the real thing! Take a boat cruise with Harrison Eco Tours to see the glorious Rainbow Falls. Shoreline Tours resumes their Rainbow Falls Tour for the season in February. Learn more about the benefits of breathing in the wild here, and how you can heal in the wild here.
SKIING/SNOWBOARDING
With a 1350 cm average snowfall, 37 marked runs, 2 terrain parks, and 205 skiiable acres, Sasquatch Mountain Resort is your source for fantastic exercise that’s so much fun, you don’t realize you’re burning calories! Enjoy the stunning scenery as you glide down snowy slopes and take in mountain-fresh air. There are a great many benefits to skiing and snowboarding, including strengthening muscles, improving balance and stability, boosting mental health, improving circulation, strengthening the cardiopulmonary system, aiding in weight management, and much more. Get your lift tickets here!
GOLFING
The Harrison River Valley’s mild climate means you can golf all year long! Book a tee time at Sandpiper Resort and challenge yourself to the par 72 course, spanning 6,500 yards from the black tees. Warning, you may be distracted by the striking river and mountain scenery! Did you know that the average round of 18 holes burns 800-900 calories and will have you walking approximately 6km? Not only does golf offer great exercise, other health benefits include relaxation, better sleep, lowered blood pressure, and the time outside will help you get your sunshine vitamin! Vitamin D boots immunity, decreases the risk of cancer, and helps your body absorb calcium. You only need 15 minutes of sunlight a day to reap these benefits!
HOT SPRINGS
Soaking in mineral hot springs not only feels incredible, it also has remarkable health advantages, including soothing aches and pains, improving blood circulation, easing stress and anxiety, aiding in sleep, and healing skin conditions. Book a stay at Harrison Hot Springs Resort and you’ll have access to five rejuvenating mineral pools: 2 indoor and 3 outdoor, all kept at different temperatures. Plus, the resort is home to Healing Springs Spa, offering facials, massages, water treatments, body care treatments and a variety of spa packages.
If you’re not staying at the resort, you can also experience the warmth and healing benefits of the Public Mineral Hot Springs Pool, kept at a balmy 38C and located at the junction of Hot Springs Road and Esplanade Avenue, available to all visitors.
We hope we’ve inspired you to take a trip #JustUpTheRoad to the Harrison River Valley this winter. Don’t forget to tag us on social media @tourismharrison and #HarrisonRiverValley – we love to see your winter adventures in the Harrison River Valley! Be sure to stop by and visit us at our Visitor Information Centre and Sasquatch Museum at 499 Hot Springs Road.
