Explore Harrison River Valley for the Holidays

Harrison River Valley

Every year, Harrison River Valley welcomes back 35,000 bald eagles for the winter.   This year they are celebrating this gathering of the Eagles, Salmon and Sturgeon with “Season of the Wild”.  Guests can take in these magnificent sites with a nature walk, boat tours with Harrison Eco Tours or Shoreline Tours, guest speakers and a variety of salmon dishes at local restaurants. In fact Tourism Harrison has several pre-planned itineraries listed on their website to make your visit easy. From family friendly to those interested in birding or food, there is something for everyone!

“Just up the road” an easy 1.5 hours from Vancouver the area makes you feel like you are miles and miles away from the hustle and bustle of city life.  Prime viewing of the Eagles is from Sandpiper Resort due to its proximity to the Harrison river.

Sandpiper Resort and Rowena’s Inn on the river is a secluded 160-acre waterfront estate with a 1920’s manor with cozy rooms, RV sites and cottages. Situated on a golf course right on the Harrison river.  Enjoy dining at the Inn or at the clubhouse.  I had the opportunity to stay in one of the cabins at Sandpiper with my family.  Upon arrival the staff were very friendly and welcoming.  We needed house keeping to come by and they were there within 10 min. It was a wonderful experience waking up in the morning, drinking my tea,  looking out at the golf course greenway and seeing the eagles flying in the adjacent trees and the juvinle eagles landing on the green. The cabins are super spacious and well stocked.  The toiletries and extras that are left in the cabin smelt amazing.  The kitchen was fully stocked with just about anything you would need.   We went for a family stroll down the eagle path that takes you from the cabin area down to the river. There is a lookout gazebo at the river where you can sit and enjoy the scenery.  It was pretty cold and windy that day otherwise we would have stayed longer.  The clubhouse resteraunt has really nice atmosphere. It was decked out for the holidays with a 9ft tree and a roaring fire.  The dinner menu has lots of great choices from surf and turf , burgers and  chicken fingers and fries for the kids who are pickier eaters.  Breakfast had all the usual breakfast choices but kicked up a notch for flavour.  The french toast and eggs benedict were amazing.  I loved the hollandaise sauce and the rosemary smash potatoes. My mouth is watering just thinking about it!

Pathfinder campground also just opened up early 2022 and has RV sites and cozy updated cabins and a new  outdoor pool. We spend a few nights here this past summer and had a great time.

Starting November 19th until January 8, 2023,  you can also take in Lights by the Lake.  Where Harrison Villiage’s waterfront  is transformed into a magical world of Christmas lights with custom light displays

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Here are a list of several other winter events happening in the Harrison River Valley (Source: www.tourismharrison.com)

  • Sasquatch Mountain Resort – skiing, boarding, tubing or snowshoeing whatever your pleasure, Sasquatch Mountain Resort is located 30 minutes from Harrison is a fantastic family outing.
  • Lights by the Lake– Ski Sasquatch during the day, and explore the Sasquatch lights by night. Enjoy the warm cozy Holiday feeling with Lights by the Lake. This free 8-week event features a Christmas light display along the front of the lagoon in Harrison Hot Springs. More Info.
  • Winter Night Lights– Be dazzled as you explore the Winter Night Lights in Pioneer Park, in Agassiz, BC. Enjoy the beautifully lit trees, and capture that “Hallmark Moment” in the gazebo. While taking in the lights, do a little shopping in the downtown core!
  • Starlight Staking Rink-After you’ve explored Lights by the Lake, bring your skates and take a lap on the Starlight Skating Rink.
  • Eagle Viewing– Bald Eagles come to Harrison Mills in the 1000’s. This is the perfect fall and winter activity. Explore the Harrison River with Harrison Eco Tours for the best view of our magnificent Bald Eagles.
  • Circle Farm Tour – great in any season, this self guided tour has expanded from Harrison and Agassiz into the whole Fraser Valley. Our Farm Tour includes cheese farms, lavender fields, and farm-to-table eateries.

If you are looking for a way to get away but not have to go too far, I highly recommend exploring all the Harrison River Valley has to offer!

 

Tina Evans

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