Winter Wellness in the Harrison River Valley

The holiday season has wrapped up, and with it, the excesses that come with the festive season. Many of us overindulged in decadent and delicious foods, drinks, and merriment, and are wanting to start the new year on the right foot, which includes practicing healthier habits and self-care. The Harrison River Valley is an ideal location to get started on a path to wellness this winter – from soaking in hot springs to immersing yourself in the healing properties of nature and so much more! Read on and get started on your journey to wellness!

HOT SPRINGS

Soaking in mineral hot springs not only feels incredible, it also has remarkable health benefits, 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.

FOREST BATHING

You’ve probably heard the term “forest bathing” — this activity became popular in Japan in the 1950s where it is known as Shinrin Yoku. Forest bathing is the act of 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, Clinical Counsellor, and has received training in cold water immersion and breathwork from a certified Wim Hof Instructor. She offers a wide variety of services to help you reach your full potential.

HIKING/SNOW SHOEING

There’s nothing like a hike on a forested trail to 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 (and you might want to book in a round of golf while you’re there)!

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 also offers tours once they re-open for the season in spring!  learn more about the benefits of breathing in the wild here, and how you can heal in the wild here. 

WINTER WELLNESS GIVEAWAY

We hope we’ve inspired you to take a trip #JustUpTheRoad to the Harrison River Valley this winter! For a taste of what the Harrison River Valley has to offer, follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest or Facebook, or stop by our Visitor Centre & Sasquatch Museum at #102, 160 Lillooet Road. Click the button below to explore even more!