Harrison Hot Springs has always been one of our favourite local escapes. After months of looking at nothing other than the grey walls of our townhouse, we were ready for a change of scenery, and a little fun. With the green light given to explore our beautiful province of B.C. within our health district, we decided on a much-needed girls getaway with my mom. Here is where we dined, stayed and played while visiting Harrison Hot Springs.

Rowena’s Inn on the River

Rowena’s Inn on the River is located just outside Harrison Hot Springs in a little town called Harrison Mills. I love how it is close enough to all the action but secluded enough to feel far removed from the crowds. This was my third time visiting, but a first for my mom daughters. In the past, my husband and I stayed at one of Rowena’s dreamy rustic cabins. For this trip, we booked one of their new two-bedroom luxury cabins, which are ideal for small groups.

Our lodgings featured a full kitchen, cozy beds, a full bathroom with a tub, and a living room containing a pull-out couch and mounted flat-screen TV. The room was clean, modern, and more than enough space for the four of us.

 For dinner, we went to The Clubhouse Restaurant located onsite. On the way, we just had to stop to take some photos in front of the iconic English-style manor on the property. Did you know it has been converted into a boutique hotel? Its rooms were originally the bedrooms of the Pretty Family who owned the property, Today, each room has been named after one of the children.

With all its whimsy and charm, the resort makes you feel like you’ve been whisked away to a fairy tale. No wonder it is so popular for weddings.

The patio of The Clubhouse Restaurant was bustling with golfers who had just finished a round at the Sandpiper Golf Course. Tables were spaced far enough apart to feel comfortable, and the view made it feel like we had traveled much farther than just an hour and fifteen minutes.

Molly and Zoe were set on their own adult meals, but thankfully our waitress suggested they share as the portions are pretty generous. She wasn’t kidding. 

With full bellies and sticky faces, it was time to clean up, put on our PJ’s and settle in for a Netflix movie. It would be the first time my girls have seen Dirty Dancing. I’m sure the memory of watching it in such a beautiful setting with their mom and Nana is one they’ll always treasure.

Visit rowenasinnontheriver.com for more info

Yadoma Forest Therapy

The next morning we headed for the forest to meet up with Kim from Yadoma Forest Therapy. She would lead us in an unforgettable therapeutic Forest Bathing experience.

For those unsure of what Forest Bathing, also called Shinrin Yoku is, I’ll assure you it doesn’t require bathing suits. While in Sooke, Jason and I first tried couples’ Forest Bathing and both of us came out of it feeling so relaxed. This time around, Kim, who is also a Kindergarten teacher, led us on a family-friendly adventure that challenged us to experience the forest with all of our senses and childlike wonder.

We played a variety of fun games, made an offering to the forest, and capped it all off with tea ceremony.

If you’re on the hunt for an affordable and child-friendly activity that gets you out of town and away from holiday-goers, I highly recommend booking one of these guided forest therapy walks. The cost for our two-hour Forest Fun session was just $15 per person.

Visit yadoma.ca for more info.

Muddy Waters Cafe

There are nor shortages of dining options in Harrison Hot Springs. We worked up an appetite from our outdoor adventure, so it was time to eat. We headed to a popular casual dining destination for tourists and locals alike –the Muddy Waters Cafe.  Located across from the beach in Harrison Hot Springs, the family-run business that serves up tasty farm-to-table fare.

ALSO READ: A COZY WINTER ESCAPE TO HARRISON HOT SPRINGS RESORT

It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a quick coffee and a fresh-baked treat or lazy afternoon lunch and drinks while taking in the sights and sounds of the Harrison beachfront. It is one of our favourite Harrison Hot Springs restaurants.

Harrison Hot Springs Watersports Waterpark

As the mercury began to rise, it was time to cool off in the lake. We booked a two-hour slot at the enormous inflatable Harrison Watersports Waterpark. Here, you’ll find everything from swings, teeter-totters, monkey bars, and hamster balls. I’ve always wanted to do it, but never really had the nerve until that particular sweltering afternoon.

In addition to the floatable water park and wetsuit rental, our package included a 30-minute bumper boat rental, which is great fun for all ages. You can lazily float around and soak up the rays and scenery, or get immersed in a water fight. 

We packed plenty of fun during our short visit. Even so, there are still so many other amazing attractions, Harrison Hot Springs restaurants, and recreational activities to check out while in Harrison Hot Springs. Visit tourismharrison.com or stop by Tourism Harrison’s Visitor Information Centre on your way into town, just 3 blocks before the beach.

Disclaimer: All experiences in this post were gifted. All opinions are my own.