Canada 150: Exploring Harrison Hot Springs
Continuing with my blogging trend of exploring Canada, today I want to talk about another destination James and I recently visited that was new to us: Harrison Hot Springs in British Columbia. ICYMI, a few weeks ago James and I went for an incredible getaway to explore a few areas of BC where we'd never been. We hopped on a quick New Leaf flight to Abbotsford where we explored the city and after a few days in Abbotsford we drove to Harrison Hot Springs.
I can honestly say that Harrison Hot Springs was one of the most beautiful and relaxing places I've ever been. Harrison Hot Springs is a village at the southern end of Harrison Lake in the Fraser Valley of BC. The peaceful vibe of the area is incredibly relaxing and as soon as we arrived I felt instantly relaxed. Do you ever feel like that when you're somewhere so beautiful and serene? It's the best.
We stayed at the Harrison Beach Hotel and our lakefront room had the most incredible view. I wish we could have stayed for so much longer! With a kitchenette, huge patio and spacious suite James and I could have easily stayed there for an extended stay and we would have been happy to take in the beautiful area and peaceful energy for days! I love that everything was within walking distance at Harrison. Every restaurant, cafe and attraction we went to was only a few blocks away. Plus, there are so many paths to take around the lake and surrounding parks to go for a relaxing stroll. Just thinking about it now has me longing to go again! *sigh*
In addition to taking in the beautiful area and all of the natural beauty around us (and hellooo...the hot springs!) James and I had some incredible food during our stay.
When we arrived to Harrison Hot Springs we checked into our hotel and took in the views then after a bit of relaxing, got to exploring the village. After a walk and working up a bit of an appetite we stopped for dinner at Black Forest restaurant, a family owned and operated German restaurant that's been at that location since 1975! I LOVE german food so it was such a treat to have a tasty meal on the patio with the lake view. I cannot stress enough how incredibly relaxing it is to be directly in front of the lake everywhere you go! I mean come on, good food, a glass of wine and this gorgeous view....just perfection!
The next morning we started the day slow with coffee on our patio and then made our way to breakfast at the local cafe Muddy Waters. Our breakfast was so delicious and again, with the lake front view it's hard not to feel incredibly happy and relaxed when you're looking at mountains and the lake as you enjoy delicious food. Because Harrison Hot Springs is a smaller village, it has such a great friendly atmosphere everywhere you go!
After breakfast we walked around the village and through the park next to the lake and just relaxed. There were little goslings everywhere that we sat and watched and just slowed down and enjoyed our time together. I feel like our time at home is always so busy and jam packed that it was so nice to get a break to just enjoy being together without a ton of commitments. It was exactly what I needed!
Before we headed out to our next stop (more on that coming soon!) we stopped for lunch at Harrison Corner Cafe and had one of the best meals of our entire trip. Owners Patricia and Danny absolutely spoiled us with the most delicious lunch. In speaking with Patricia and Danny we learned that they made the move from Vancouver to Harrison Hot Springs to follow the dreams of owning their own restaurant. Our meal started with a cream of tomato soup with asparagus, bacon and truffle oil that James and I devoured in a matter of minutes. We had ordered quiche and a turkey sandwich but seeing as it's one of their specialties, Danny sent us out an order of fish and chips and every single bite was incredible. Just writing about it and looking at these photos has my mouth watering just thinking about it.
If you're going to be in BC at all I cannot recommend enough stopping by Harrison Hot Springs for a visit. Trust me, you will have the best time! James and I are already talking about how we'd like to go back in the summer to experience more of the beach and water activities. Have you ever been to Harrison Hot Springs? Let me know if you have any other local business recommendations!
