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Weekday Getaways: A Guide to Summer in Harrison Hot Springs

Harrison Hot Springs is an incredible summer destination with something for everyone! With seemingly endless activities to do in and around Harrison, the only difficulty you’ll have is deciding what to do first! A weekday getaway to Harrison is the ultimate way to beat the summer heat— the beaches and lakes are less busy during the week and there are great deals to be found.


HARRISON WATER SPORTS

If you’ve been to Harrison Hot Springs in the summer, you’ve likely noticed the brightly coloured floating waterpark situated on the lake in front of Harrison Hot Springs Resort. The waterpark is an absolute thrill and lots of laughter will be had as you romp around the bouncy surface and play on floating slides, trampolines, teeter-totters, and more. The “blob”, a giant inflated cushion, allows you to jump down from a high perch, and launch the person on the cushion high into the air before they come down for a splash-landing.
The waterpark is just one of the fun activities that Harrison Water Sports offers. They have a wide range of other water activities to take part in, including riding on water-blasting bumper boats, sea-doo rentals, and coming soon: barbecue boats! The advantages of a weekday getaway to Harrison Water Sports are there will be fewer people there, plus they have smoking hot deals on weekday rates! Get more information here: harrisonwatersports.com

BEACHES

Harrison is prized for its vast beaches with unparalleled views of the mountains surrounding them. A weekday getaway means you’ll have no problem finding a large space on the beach and making it your own for the day! Spread a blanket out, have a picnic and enjoy swimming and sunning yourself in comfort.
There are several separate beach areas along the village’s lakefront. If you have children, the playground on the main beach will be less busy during the week, meaning more play time for the kids. The lagoon and surrounding beach are generous in space and ideal for the whole family— the lagoon water is much warmer than the lake; and kids love the shallow areas to splash around in and collect water for building sandcastles. Lovely beaches can also be found at Greenpoint Day Use area, at Hick’s Lake and Deer Lake, as well as other spots around Harrison Lake which can be reached via Forest Service Roads. Explore and find your new favourite beach.


HIKES

Credits: chelseastunden on Instagram

There are a wonderful variety of hikes to choose from in and around Harrison Hot Springs. During summer, a hike that leads to a swimming spot is an ideal route to take. After a good hike, the water feels especially exhilarating.  A weekday hike means less people on the trails: the Sandy Cove hike leads you to a gorgeous, secluded beach, that during the week, will likely have few, if any people there. The Hicks Lake Hike is a great way to burn some calories on an easy 6km trail around the lake, during which time you can scout out new spots to go for a swim. About halfway through the hike, on the south side of the lake, there is a beautiful haven of a beach that is a relaxing spot to settle in for the day. There is so much shoreline with easy access to the water, on a hot day you’ll see people set up their own beach spots all around Hicks Lake.

BEAT THE HEAT

Credits: bronwyngram on Instagram

On a scorching summer day, it’s natural to want to get in the water to cool down. Since Harrison Lake is so large and glacier-fed, the water is typically cold. If you like a cold-water dip, you’ll love how invigorating the lake is, but if you’re looking for more temperate water, the smaller lakes in Sasquatch Provincial Park are fantastic places to swim.
Swimming and other water activities are a source of endless fun, but please keep safety in mind. If you are participating in water sports, make sure you have knowledge of water safety, practices and behaviors before you take part. Since Harrison Lake is quite cold, it’s important to know the impact of cold water on your body. For more information, check out the RED CROSS COLD WATER SAFETY page.


Remember these important tips:
Be prepared – wear a life jacket/personal floatation device (PFD) while boating.
Be smart – alcohol and water activities do not mix.
Be aware – water conditions may change quickly. Harrison Lake is known for its unpredictable weather conditions, including strong wind gusts.
Be safe – if boating, ensure your vessel has the required safety gear and sufficient fuel on board.
Be informed – know your limitations— open water conditions can be challenging. Expect cold water and limit your swim time accordingly.


For more information on water safety and drowning prevention, please visit:
BC YUKON LIFESAVING SOCIETY
TRANSPORT CANADA, OFFICE OF BOATING SAFETY
CANADIAN SAFE BOATING COUNCIL
CANADIAN RED CROSS

Have fun and stay safe! If you’d like more information about these or other Weekday Getaways in Harrison Hot Springs, visit our website HERE!

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