In the breathtaking Fraser Valley of Canada, Harrison Lake is a majestic jewel in the crown of southwestern British Columbia. Situated a scenic 75 miles (120 kilometers) to the east of Vancouver, this pristine body of water, embraced by the embrace of snow-dusted peaks and lush valleys, beckons travelers far and wide. Harrison Lake, a sanctuary of natural wonders, boasts Sasquatch Provincial Park’s allure, the charming Harrison Hot Springs ambiance, and many exhilarating outdoor activities. Carved by colossal ice age glaciers, Harrison Lake, also known as Lake Harrison, is a freshwater wonder that continues to be nourished by the glaciers of Canada’s Coast Range and the waters of the Lillooet River. Flowing south, the waters of Harrison Lake join the Harrison River at the lake’s southern tip, marking a transition into the realm of the Fraser River. Within its 37-mile (60-kilometer) expanse lie two prominent islands—a serenade of nature’s splendor. Echo Island rests at the lake’s southern edge, while Long Island, with its string of tranquil lakes spanning six miles (9.5 kilometers), serves as a tranquil oasis. Around Long Island and the heart of Harrison Lake, the depths plummet to 916 feet (279 meters), bestowing Lake Harrison with an average depth of 492 feet (150 meters). Untethered by dams, Harrison Lake powers the surrounding communities through a network of “run-of-river power stations.” Echoing ancient tales, the Coast Salish First Nations, including the Sto: lo and the Chehalis, once roamed the lands alongside the Harrison River and its namesake lake. Revering the healing properties of the lake’s thermal springs, these indigenous peoples named Lake Qualts or Lake Kwals, a testament to its “hot water.” The gold rush of the mid-19th century brought Harrison Lake, dubbed Lake Qualts, into the limelight as fortune seekers flocked to the Cariboo gold fields. Merging myth and reality, the neonatal Harrison Lake emerged as a beacon of prosperity and natural splendor. Brimming with wellness elixirs, courtesy of its mineral-rich thermal springs and idyllic mountain backdrop, Harrison Lake embraced a new era of resort development. The lake’s aquatic treasures are dispersed throughout its shores, drawing from the bubbling springs such as the ‘Potash’ spring, which is 48 degrees Celsius (120 degrees Fahrenheit), and the ‘Sulpher’ spring, which is 65 degrees Celsius (150 degrees Fahrenheit). While Twenty Mile Bay and Port Douglas offer glimpses of this liquid treasure, the crown jewel lies near Harrison Hot Springs, where piping hot springs feed into public and private pools, offering an inviting soak at a balmy temperature of 90 degrees Fahrenheit (37 degrees Celsius). Encompassing a vast expanse of 53,799 acres, Harrison Lake is an aquatic playground for boaters and outdoor enthusiasts. The lake accommodates many watercraft, from serene pedal boats to adrenaline-inducing jet skis, wind-whipped sailboats, and sleek power boats. Blanketed by meandering inlets and lush islands, Harrison Lake invites kayakers and canoeists to explore its shores, revealing hidden waterfalls, sandy alcoves, and rugged cliffs. Anglers, drawn by the lake’s deep depths, seek out stocked mountain whitefish, cutthroat trout, Dolly Varden, rainbow trout, and sporadic salmon, offering an angler’s paradise at the meeting point of the Lillooet River and Harrison Lake. Perched at 33 miles (10 meters) above sea level, Harrison Lake, although not a quintessential alpine lake of British Columbia, offers a picturesque tapestry of outdoor pursuits. Sasquatch Provincial Park, sprawling along Harrison Lake’s eastern fringe, unfolds a realm of natural wonders just a short drive from Harrison Hot Springs. Camping enthusiasts find solace in the park’s multiple campgrounds, while the Green Point Day Use Area grants access to Harrison Lake’s pristine shoreline. From tranquil canoe excursions to exhilarating hikes, from idyllic fishing spots to invigorating cycling routes, Sasquatch Provincial Park caters to the nature lover’s every whim. Venturing beyond the park’s confines leads to a landscape of soaring elevations and untamed beauty. Hemlock’s snow-cloaked peak, standing at 4,500 feet (1,372 meters) near Lake Harrison’s southern fringes, hosts a cluster of rustic lodgings offering panoramic vistas of the lake’s expanse. The region becomes a playground for winter enthusiasts, welcoming skiers, snowshoers, snowboarders, and cross-country adventurers as winter descends. When the balmy embrace of summer unfurls, mountain biking and hiking trails open up, inviting exploration of the rugged terrain. Embark on a scenic tour through the mountainous vistas, tracing the picturesque Circle Mountain Tour—a testament to Canada’s burgeoning agri-tourism scene. Winding past local artisans, bountiful farms, and vibrant community gatherings, the tour offers a glimpse into the region’s vibrant agricultural heritage. Marvel at the majesty of the Fraser River as it carves through the narrow confines of Hell’s Gate Gorge, a geological wonder etched by the passage of time. At the heart of it all lies the Village of Harrison Hot Springs, a bustling hub of activity that epitomizes the spirit of community and camaraderie. With a population of approximately 1,600, this charming enclave caters to diverse interests, whether winter escapades on the slopes or summer frolics on the water. Quaint boutiques, art galleries teeming with creativity, and a gastronomic feast of restaurants await visitors, ensuring Harrison Lake transcends mere destination status. Embrace the serenity of lakeside resorts, cozy mountain chalets, or rustic bed & breakfasts, and relish the timeless allure of Harrison Lake.