The Harrison River Valley is home to the world famous hot springs, but did you know there are other, cooler waters that beckon? Paddles can glide across the glassy surface of Harrison Lake, surrounded by majestic mountains and lush forests. Or explore the gentle flow of the Harrison River, teeming with diverse birds and wildlife. For a more adventurous experience, navigate the serene waters of Morris Lake, a hidden gem accessible via the river. The Valley is a peaceful escape for paddlers of all abilities. Located only a 1.5-hour drive from Vancouver, The Harrison River Valley is an easy-to-access destination where you can witness nature’s beauty up close and then soak in the hot springs afterwards.
Harrison Lake
Did you know Harrison Hot Springs is located at the southern tip of the largest lake in southwestern BC? The glacier-fed Harrison Lake is roughly sixty kilometres long and nine kilometres across at its widest point, with its surface covering approximately 250 square kilometres. Due to its size, it is known to have unpredictable winds that can create challenging conditions for inexperienced paddlers. Therefore, it is recommended that beginners stay close to shore. But for the more experienced paddler, Harrison Lake offers endless possibilities for paddling adventures with two islands to explore, Echo Island and Long Island, and multiple recreation sites along the lake’s shore. This makes the lake an excellent option for those looking for an overnight canoe or kayak trip. One suggested overnight route is to paddle roughly 25 kilometres along the eastern shore to Cogburn Recreation Site. The campground is complete with 25 sites and costs $18.00 for the night. Those looking to extend their trip could spend a middle day circumnavigating Long Island and staying their second night at either Bear Creek or Cascade Peninsula campgrounds. For more info on camping, visit: https://harrisoneastcamping.com/campgrounds/
Morris Lake
Morris Lake is a small lake between the Harrison River and Weaver Creek, perfect for a quiet paddling experience. The mountains surrounding the lake are covered with dense Douglas fir, hemlock and cedar forests, while the area around the lake and creek mouths is covered with willow trees. This little nature sanctuary also happens to be a secret fishing hole for Cutthroat Trout, reaching up to 3 lbs. The rock bluff on the northeast shore is an excellent place to start casting your line. The lake can be accessed by travelling north on the Morris Valley Road past the Weaver Creek Salmon Hatchery for approximately 12 km. This will bring you to the north tip of the lake, from which you can park and walk to the lake. More adventurous paddlers can go for an overnight adventure by launching in the lake at Harrison Hot Springs, paddling down the Harrison River, and up the short Morris Creek into the lake.
Harrison River
Hop on a guided kayak tour with Harrison Eco Tours and explore the shoreline of Harrison Lake before slowing into the gentle Harrison River. This is the perfect option for those who want to take in the scenery with the possibility of seeing wildlife like bald eagles. Along with wildlife, you’ll get to see a sunken sternwheeler from decades in the past, and petroglyphs painted thousands of years ago by the Indigenous people such as the Sts’Ailes (Chehalis), Sq’éwlets (Scowlitz), Seabird Island peoples, who continue to call the area home today. The tour will be complete with lunch before paddling to Kilby Provincial Park, where a shuttle will wait to take you back to Harrison Lake.
The Harrison River also happens to be the largest salmon-producing tributary of the Fraser River System, with all five species of salmon entering the river at different times of year. This makes it a perfect place to go kayak fishing in search of a multi-species day of salmon fishing. Furthermore, the river boasts an incredible trout fishery, with sea-run cutthroat trout entering the river starting in March. Make sure to purchase a fishing license and follow all provincial and federal regulations before casting your line!
Hicks Lake
Hicks Lake is a scenic little lake with mountain views and a provincial park complete with day-use areas and 71 campsites. This is the perfect spot for enjoying a calm paddle or taking the family for a weekend of camping and paddling. For the keener, it is recommended to wake up for a sunrise stand-up paddleboard mission to circumnavigate the 6km shoreline while enjoying the quiet lake and catching views of Cheam Peak glowing in the morning sun across the Fraser Valley.
The Harrison River Valley has lots to offer for paddlers looking for scenic paddling excursions that bring you closer to nature. After playing in the cold waters of the surrounding waterbodies, the hot springs will be there to warm you up! For more info on planning a trip to the Harrison River Valley, such as accommodation and places to eat, visit https://tourismharrison.com/
