Visit Harrison Hot Springs | Agassiz Museum | 90 Minutes From Vancouver⎮Fraser Valley BC Day Trips – [Video] – Travel guides for couples; romantic escapes, city breaks + worldwide adventures

VERDICT: We gave 4 out of 5 tickets and here’s why!

Hot Springs, Golf, Spas, Train Museum & Fraser Valley Charm

After having worked at the Agassiz Harrison Observer newspaper in the area for nearly nine years & having daytripped to Agassiz/Harrison many times as a child, then taking my own children, I feel I know it well.

It was a serene place to go to take my packed lunch and sit on a bench along the beach, facing the beautiful blue/green lake, while on a lunch break.

I took my children many times to see the famous World Championship in Sand Sculpture, a competition that ran from 1989-2009. It was really cool to see the artists creating fantastic sculptures in the sand. We’d try to create our own mini versions, of course.

We would take a picnic & play on the beach near the water, then enjoy an ice cream as a treat. So, visit to

Harrison Hot Springs is always a treat and makes a perfect Fraser Valley day out!

Photo by: itspauljoseph – Fraser Valley Nights (Tourism Harrison)

How far is the drive from Vancouver?

Only 90 minutes east of Vancouver, Harrison Hot Springs & Agassiz are the Fraser Valley’s go-to for relaxation + adventure. You get natural hot springs, a huge glacier-fed lake, 2 major golf courses, farm markets, spas, and small-town events — all with incredible mountain views.

The drive alone is absolutely gorgeous with the emerald green farmlands + the stunning backdrop of Mt. Cheam & more.

A Little History

Harrison Hot Springs:

For thousands of years the Stó:lō people, including the Kwantlen and Chehalis First Nations, called the springs Tsekw’elxel — “boiling water” — and used them for healing.

Discover Indigenous culture, wildlife and breathtaking Fraser River adventures with Sts’ailes guides.

Experience the spectacular natural beauty of the Harrison River Valley through the eyes of the Sts’ailes First Nation. Guided by knowledgeable Sts’ailes cultural interpreters, these immersive tours offer visitors a unique opportunity to explore the traditional territory while learning about Indigenous history, culture, stories and the important relationship between the people and the land.

Choose from unforgettable adventures by jet boat, kayak or on foot, discovering ancient traditions, native plants, local wildlife and the rich heritage of the Fraser Valley. During eagle season, special wildlife tours and visits to the Eagle Viewing Tower provide exceptional opportunities to witness one of British Columbia’s greatest natural spectacles. Tours operate seasonally.

For more information, visit: Sts’ailes Tourism

Marilyn Monroe, Bob Hope & John Wayne all stayed here!

During the 1850s Fraser Canyon Gold Rush settlers discovered the springs too. The iconic Harrison Hot Springs Resort opened in 1926, quickly becoming a celebrity hotspot: Marilyn Monroe, Bob Hope & John Wayne all stayed there. Today, mineral water still flows from 3 underground springs at 40°C to 65°C / 104°F to 149°F.

Agassiz:

Named after Swiss naturalist Louis Agassiz, this farming community grew along the railway & Fraser River in the late 1800s. It’s known for fertile farmland, sandstone quarries + being the gateway to Harrison & the mountains.

Things to Do & See

In Harrison Hot Springs:
Soak in the healing Mineral Pools!
Day passes are available at Harrison Hot Springs Resort. These famous mineral-rich hot pools + cold plunges will be enjoyed with unbelievable lake views.

Harrison Lake Beach + Sasquatch Village:

One of BC’s best freshwater beaches. Swim, paddleboard, or walk the promenade. Don’t miss the giant Sasquatch statues & downtown murals.

The Ranger Station Art Gallery operates out of the original Forestry Ranger Station (built in 1951). The only public art gallery in the immediate area, it hosts monthly exhibitions featuring pottery, glassware, paintings & prints by local artists & the artists-in-residence.

Harrison Visitor Information has tons of great ideas for a day trip to a full on vacation in the area + has a Sasquatch Museum inside. This is where folklore, history & investigation meet regarding these elusive creatures.

Watersports on Harrison Lake
Kayaking + paddle boarding: there’s rentals right at the beach. Mornings are calm & perfect. The inflatable waterpark in front of the Resort is a blast for all ages.

Jet Ski + Boat Rentals: Explore the lake by the hour. Lake Cruises: Try a scenic & sunset dinner cruise in the Summer.

Fishing: Harrison River is known for salmon, trout, and the mighty prehistoric sturgeon. Guided tours are available.

Wildlife & Nature Tours

From eagle tours in the winter, to bear tours in the Fall. The lake & river are a true wildlife corridor year-round.

Additional Attractions

Kilby Historic Site:
A restored 1906 general store & farmhouse on the Fraser River that is a really cool way to learn some local history. Tour the buildings, pan for gold, feed friendly farm animals & learn about early 20th century life. There is a homestyle cafe & gift shop.

There’s the Agassiz Harrison Museum in Pioneer Park, located in one of Canada’s oldest wood built Canadian Pacific Railway stations, established in 1893. Discover the history of Agassiz, British Columbia through archival photographs, historical newspapers, letters, and museum collections.

Weaver Creek Spawning Channel + Harrison Mills
In late October thru December be ready to watch thousands of salmon spawn, then from November to January, it’s one of the best eagle viewing spots in Canada.

Chehalis River & Falls
It only takes 30 minutes of hiking into the mountains to find swimming spots + a cool suspension bridge. A great Summer daytrip!

Circle Farm Tour
This is a self-guided route connecting local farms, that is fun to cycle or drive. Visit Sparkes Farmgate, Wells Farm Market, Cedar Cider, Creekside Cheese & Creamery, the award winning Farmhouse Natural Cheese, Harrison Lavender Farm & more.

Agassiz Fall Fair & Corn Festival: This 122 year old event takes place in the middle of September. There’s a parade, midway, agricultural exhibits, food vendors (you haven’t lived without having their famous chicken & corn BBQ!) & fun games for the family. Grab a map at the Agassiz Visitor Centre.

Golf in Harrison & Agassiz
Sandpiper Golf Course in Harrison Hot Springs serves up 18 holes right on Harrison Lake. Wide fairways, big greens, and the 18th hole finishes on the water. The eagles flying overhead & the unbelievable landscape makes this a stunning course. There’s also the Rivers Edge Clubhouse restaurant & cabins + room rentals on site.

Harrison Hot Springs Resort Golf Course is actually in Agassiz, but is on the way to Harrison Hot Springs. It’s a charming but challenging 9 hole PGA rated course.

There is also a spa at Harrison Hot Springs Resort that uses natural mineral water in hydrotherapy tubs, Vichy showers & treatments. Their signature treatments: Mineral Mud Wrap, Hot Stone Massage, Couples’ Mineral Bath. The “Thermal Circuit” of steam, sauna, hot pool, and cold plunge is a must. Day passes are available.

There are several Wellness Clinics,
RMT, massage, acupuncture, and reflexology studios in town. It’s quiet & great for a sports massage after golf.

Annual Events
Harrison Festival of the Arts – in July there are 4 days of world music, art markets, and workshops along the stunning lakefront with the backdrop of the mountains. This is one of BC’s longest-running arts festivals.

Bands on the Beach – every Friday in July + August, you can enjoy free sunset concerts on Harrison Lake beach. Bring a blanket & grab takeout from the village.

Winter Festival of Lights – from November thru January the village lights up with festive displays, ice skating, and a Christmas market.

Explore More Fraser Valley Day Trips
Continue your adventure with Fort Langley, Crescent Beach, Canadian Museum of Flight, Mission Raceway Park, Westminster Abbey, Cultus Lake, Bridal Veil Falls and more, all within an easy drive of Vancouver and the Fraser Valley.

Top Restaurants and Eateries in Harrison Hot Springs

Continue Exploring the Eastern Fraser Valley

Best Fraser Valley Destinations to Visit

More Day Trips:

Bridal Veil Falls Provincial Park – Bridal Veil Falls is about 120kms east of Vancouver. The drive takes roughly 1.5 hours, depending on traffic.
Chilliwack Corn Maze (seasonal) – Corn Maze Open July 29th – October 31st. Fresh-roasted Chilliwack corn. Friendly corn eating and shucking competitions.
Great Blue Heron Nature Reserve – Known for one of the largest breeding colonies of the Great Blue Herons in BC
Othello Tunnels – Built in 1914 by the Canadian Railway. The Chief Engineer, an avid Shakespeare fan, named the five tunnels and nearby stations after characters in Shakespearean plays.
Bridal Falls Waterpark (summer) – The most accessible waterslides in B.C., with no stairs for you to worry about! And free parking!
Abbotsford Tulip Festival (spring) – You’ll find plenty of photo opportunities here, with giant wooden shoes, colourful benches, huge swings
Hell’s Gate Airtram (Boston Bar) – Experience the awe-inspiring Fraser Canyon and the immensely powerful Fraser River in the Hell’s Gate Airtram.

Nearby Attractions

Planning Your Trip?

Before you go, don’t forget to book the essentials:

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