Start the new year with a tranquil escape to the Harrison River Valley! The crowds of the holiday season have dispersed, but the sights and scenery remain just as spectacular: gauzy fog floats silently amongst deep forest groves, mountain peaks wear snowy blankets, and waterways sparkle like diamonds when the afternoon sun bursts through winter clouds. Forest walks or snowy mountain sports are especially enriching as you fill your lungs with crisp, cold mountain air, and the warmups after reward you with feelings of pure bliss… whether a hot soak, a fireside meal, or nesting in a cozy cabin. The bonus of a January getaway… many stays come with off-season discounts or winter specials, leaving more money in your wallet! Whether for a solo getaway, a friends’ escape, or a family holiday, you may find that winter is your new favourite time of year to take a vacation!
WINTER TRAILS & SNOWY ESCAPES
Eagle Interpretive Trail
Salmon Spawning Channel- Eagle Viewing Gazebo
Breathe in the wild of the Harrison River Valley during a tranquil wandering down a forested path, with just the sounds of your feet padding on the forest floor, and the quiet rhythm of your breath. Walk the Eagle Interpretive Trail at Sandpiper Resort, which runs alongside a salmon spawning channel, amongst giant cedars, and up to the Eagle Viewing Gazebo that overlooks the Chehalis Flats, which teems with bald eagles during the Season of the Wild. Insider tip: after your walk, cozy up in Sandpiper Resort’s River’s Edge Clubhouse Restaurant to re-fuel. This trail is just one example; there are many paths to choose from: check out our Trail Guide here. Our trails and routes are plentiful, and range from easy (like the East Sector Trails) to challenging (like Slollicum Peak).
Head up to the mountains of Hemlock Valley to experience the thrills of Sasquatch Mountain Resort (opening date to be announced). Sasquatch Mountain offers dozens of trails for skiing and snowboarding, from beginner to expert. Snowshoeing trails and a tubing park also add to the exciting options. Keep your eyes peeled while skiing, you never know who you might spot on the slopes!
WHERE TO WARM UP!
After a day spent exploring trails or sailing down slopes in the crisp winter air, a warmup feels especially sublime. You’ll find endless ways to get toasty warm, from hot soaks to fireside dining, to a hot cup of cocoa and a cuddle up with a loved one during a cozy cabin stay!
HOT SOAKS
Book a stay at Harrison Hot Springs Resort and you’ll have access to their five glorious, hot mineral pools, 3 outside and 2 inside, all kept at different temperatures. Take a dip in all of them and find your favourite! Or, visit the Public Mineral Pool located at the intersection of Hot Springs Rd. and Esplanade Ave.
FIRESIDE & COZY DINING
A cozy atmosphere, friendly staff, and enticing menu are part of every eatery in the Harrison River Valley. Our welcoming eateries feel like a homecoming after a long day! Many of our eateries, such as Old Settler Pub (pictured) and River’s Edge Clubhouse Restaurant, feature a blazing fireplace to add a warm glow to your dining experience.
And of course, there’s nothing quite like dining next to a fireplace, après skiing! Molly Hogan’s Bar & Grill (right) features delicious, hearty pub-style fare, perfect for refuelling after a day on the slopes. The stunning alpine views in every direction are the icing on the cake! Molly’s is currently open every weekend. Watch Sasquatch Mountain Resort’s Instagram account for updates on opening days and hours.
There are so many fantastic choices for a delicious meal to warm you up from your boots to your toque, from cafes to fine dining and everything in between! Click on each for more information. Please note that some restaurants are closed during the winter season. Explore our Dining Page and your chosen restaurant’s website to confirm opening days and hours.
CAFES & CASUAL DINING
Agassiz Corner Café
5, 1824 Hwy. 9, Agassiz
Basecamp Burger Joint
140 Esplanade Ave., HHS
Horn of Plenty Café
7216 Pioneer Ave., Agassiz
Karen’s Café & Gifts
318 Hot Springs Rd., HHS
Muddy Waters Café
328 Esplanade Ave., HHS
Picnic Café
140 Esplanade Ave., HHS
The Broken Whisk Restaurant
7205 Pioneer Ave., Agassiz
Village Pizzeria
101, 160 Lillooet Ave., HHS
SPECIALITY CUISINE
Black Forest Steak & Schnitzelhouse
180 Esplanade Ave., HHS
Butter Chicken House
7168 Pioneer Ave., Agassiz
Milos Greek Taverna
234 Esplanade Ave., HHS
Morgan’s Bistro
160 Esplanade Ave., HHS
Naked Chicken
103, 196 Esplanade Ave., HHS
Ocean Sushi
105, 196 Esplanade Ave., HHS
Royal King Indian Restaurant
140 Lillooet Ave., HHS
Taco Rio
791 Hot Springs Rd., HHS
PUBS & LOUNGES
Islands Patio & Lounge
100 Esplanade Ave. in HHS Resort
Molly Hogan’s Bar & Grill
20955 Hemlock Valley Rd., Harrison Mills
Old Settler Pub
222 Cedar Ave., HHS
Sasquatch Pub
46001 Lougheed Hwy. Harrison Mills
Sossy’s Saloon
7215 Pioneer Ave., Agassiz
COZY COMFORTS: CABIN & LODGE STAYS
A cozy cabin or lodge stay and January go together like hand in (warm, fuzzy) glove! There’s nothing quite like the cozy, comfy feeling of sitting fireside, enjoying a glass of wine, sheltered from the chill outside. Here are some suggestions for cabin rentals you’ll love, featuring either fireplaces or hot tubs (or both):
Barnhouse Lodge This private 2,000 sq.ft. accommodation sleeps up to 8 guests and features 3 bedrooms, a full living room, a fully equipped kitchen, and 1.5 bathrooms. Enjoy outdoor living with features including a hot tub, outdoor kitchen, BBQ, fire pit, and a backyard with a playground.
Bramblebank Cottages Privacy, peacefulness, and onsite amenities only steps away from the restaurants, shops, and beach in Harrison Hot Springs. Some rooms feature jetted tubs for a feeling of pure luxury! Check out the Sequoia Suite (pictured) – it includes both a jetted tub and a wood-burning fireplace.
Harrison Hot Springs Resort Cabins Situated by the Miami River, these cozy 1-bedroom cabins feature gas fireplaces to keep you toasty. Plus, your stay at the resort means you have access to the five resort hot pools.
Sandpiper Resort Choose from the rustic 1-bedroom Classic Cabins or new Luxury Series Nature Cabins, available in 1-, 2-, or 3-bedroom layouts, all with fireplaces and striking views. For ultimate comfort, book one of the new Woodland Series Cabins (right). Each of these cabins is beautifully appointed with a gas fireplace and cedar hot tub. Some have forest views, some have river views, and there are pet-friendly options too!
Fraser River Lodge Situated near the banks of the mighty Fraser River with a stunning backdrop of snow-capped Mt. Cheam, the lodge is only minutes from Agassiz and 10 minutes from Harrison Hot Springs. You’ll find a variety of suites to choose from. Each plush Bison Suite features a gas fireplace and hot tub with magnificent views of the Cascade Mountain Range, perfect for a soothing soak after a day spent outside!
The Lodge on Harrison Lake Offering modern waterfront accommodations, the lodge has a private beach and dock on the shores of Harrison Lake. Only a minute’s drive from the Village of Harrison Hot Springs, the lodge offers several luxurious accommodations, including a unique Geodome. Guests at the lodge can enjoy the soothing heat of the Cedar Wood Barrel Sauna, with jaw-dropping views of the lake!
HARRISON HAPPENINGS
Harrison River Valley events are sure to brighten winter days. Get full details on these events here. Check back as we update January’s events list!
Musician JP Cormier at the Harrison Memorial Hall, January 9
Lights by the Lake Runs ’til January 11
Magician/Mentalist/Comedian Randy Charach at Sasquatch Inn on January 24
– January 9. The Harrison Festival Society presents JP Cormier. JP is a Canadian musical virtuoso whose talents span bluegrass, folk, and Celtic traditions. He performs live at the Harrison Hot Springs Memorial Hall on Friday, January 9. Doors open at 6:30 pm, show starts at 7:30 pm. Tickets: $28.50 + GST. Get your tickets here.
– Runs to January 11. Lights by the Lake. Experience the magic of the season with Lights by the Lake. The quaint lakeside in the Village of Harrison Hot Springs lights up every year from late November to early January in true holiday fashion. As you stroll along the promenade, delight in the warm glow of the lights, charming winter window paintings, and holiday cheer. This is the largest free holiday light display in the Fraser Valley!
– January 24. Randy Charach: Comedy, Magic & Mentalism. Experience an evening of laughter, amazement, and unforgettable entertainment at the Sasquatch Inn. Randy Charach is a world-class performer known for his unique blend of magic, mentalism, and comedy. His charismatic stage presence, sharp wit, and mind-bending feats have captivated audiences worldwide. Admission: $50 | Early Bird $45 if purchased by December 31. Tickets are available in the pub, by phone at 604-796-2205, and online. Get tickets here.
We invite you to bundle up and head #justuptheroad to experience the winter offerings in the Harrison River Valley. For more information on these, or other Harrison activities and events, stop by the Visitor Centre at 499 Hot Springs Road, or follow us on Facebook or Instagram.
