My 35th birthday was just around the corner, and I was itching to get out of town to escape the daily grind.

The fact that we had just brought home our beautiful puppy, Ms. Hazel, only a couple of weeks prior was going to make it tough to getaway, but certainly not im-paws-ible (see what I did there?).

Why not head to Harrison Hot Springs Resort & Spa for a pet-friendly getaway? Suggested a fellow dog lover, who has frequented this Fraser Valley gem multiple times in the past with her pooch.

According to the popular pet travel website, www.bringfido.com, the resort is given 5 out of 5 doggy treats for canine visitors and their owners.

And off the five of us went to Harrison Hot Springs, which only took an hour or so to get to from home.

We have had the pleasure of visiting Harrison Hot Springs on multiple occasions over the years, but I think it’s most beautiful in autumn.

All of the tourists have long-gone, leaving the lake so still and serene. Even on the rainiest of days, it is absolutely stunning. We were greeted by a beautiful bright rainbow as we pulled up to the resort.

Somewhere Over the Rainbow

During our last visit to Harrison Hot Springs Resort & Spa, we stayed in one of the lakeside hotel rooms, which was great for us, but not ideal for pets. This time around, we had the pleasure of experiencing a two-bedroom, two-bathroom cottage, complete with all the trappings of home – even a private green space in the back.

Our Pet-Friendly Accommodations

I figured it was going to be cozy and rustic, but not breathtakingly beautiful and modern as well. A very happy birthday to me indeed!

Situated as a stand-alone bungalow with our own private lawn, the cottage featured a spacious bedroom with a queen-sized bed and bathroom, a second bedroom with two twin beds and private bathroom, plus a separate living room with a gas fireplace and single size sofa bed.

After both our girls claimed their beds and had a bath in their own soaker tub, it was time for a quick good-old-fashioned board game and hot chocolate. Molly and Zoe are obsessed with the new Game of Life right now.

A cozy afternoon with my favourite peeps and new pup was exactly what this Valley Mom had envisioned for a blissful birthday, but really, the fun had only just begun…

After Molly won the game, again, it was time to go exploring at the lake, and expend as much of Hazel’s energy as possible so we could hit the hot pools after dinner.

A Slice of Fraser Valley Paradise

Harrison Lake is a popular family destination year-round, and its sandy southern shoreline is what gives the village its holiday resort atmosphere.

While kayaking and golf was out of the equation this time around with our kiddies and pup, we enjoyed strolling along the beachside promenade hand-in-hand, scoping out the picture-perfect scenery.

Take a Little Dip

It didn’t take much to tucker out our little Hazel from our walk. We brought her crate alone so she could be safe and sound while we spent some time relaxing in the hot pools at the resort.

Even with the rain dribbling and the dark clouds overhead, we felt like we were someplace far, far away at a tropical resort.

Originally used by the Salish Coast Indians for their medicinal properties and rejuvenating effects, the hot springs pools have been attracting visitors for years — including famous guests such as Clark Gable, John Wayne, Michael Bublé, Robin Williams, and Liam Neeson.

The outdoor, mineral-rich Harrison Hot Springs family pool places swimmers in a natural hot springs setting complete with running water, waterfalls, large granite rocks, and lush foliage. The family pool is large — approximately 4,000 square feet — and offers a gradual, sloped entrance for toddlers and wheelchair accessibility with ledge-style seating in various areas.

Oh-So-Cozy!

What’s better than a dip in the hot pools at Harrison Resort? I’d say that it’s getting into your cozy PJ’s, throwing on one of the spa robes and escaping to your king-sized bed to read a juicy new novel and cuddle with your pup. I was in introvert Heaven.

After the kiddies went to bed, Jason and I rented Bad Moms from the television in our bedroom, ate lots of junk food and snuggled under the covers.

While this wasn’t by any means as wild as my 25th birthday, it was absolutely, pawfectly, perfect in every way.

A huge thank you to Harrison Hot Springs Resort & Spa for hosting our whole family. We can’t wait to return again soon with our whole pack. We gave this getaway two puppy paws up!

 

For more information about lodging and activities, or to book your pet friendly stay at Harrison Resort, call  800-663-2266 or visit www.harrisonresort.com.

 

Disclaimer: While all opinions are my own, our stay at Harrison Hot Springs Resort & Spa was complimentary.