Simply click on the hi-lighted name to be taken directly to the company web site for rates, dates and general information.

• 

  Wild Play in Maple Ridge

  Summer time is play time at the newly opened Wild Play Element Park in Maple Ridge.  Kids of all ages to those who still have some kid left in them will love the ‘monkido’ course – as in Monkey See, Monkey Do,  across Tarzan swings, zip lines, scramble nets, swinging logs and other elements between six and 60 feet above the ground!

• Minter Gardens is located only 90 minutes from Vancouver in Rosedale (Chilliwack area).  The gardens are gorgeous right now and if you visit the web site, there is a 50% admission coupon for the rest of July.  Stroll the gardens from 4p to 7p daily with this super discount.

• 

  Pathways Guides lead canoeists on Bowron Lakes

  Voted one of the Top Ten Canoe Trips in the world by Outside Magazine, head to Bowron Lakes for a getaway that is exceptional for the novice to expert canoeist. Your guides at Pathways ensure a trip of a lifetime!

• Tour beautiful Quadra Island on a rented scooter.  Pick up your rental and picnic lunch at April Point Resort & Spa then head over to Rebecca’s Spit for a relaxing day at the beach.

• Head out to Fort Langley for a day exploring the medley of shops – garden, clothing, ANTIQUES and cafes serving up delicious local treats.  The Fort hosts special events aimed at families throughout summer.

• 

  Celebrate BC Day at Sun Peaks Resort

  Surf’s up, all you surfer dudes who don’t have time to visit Tofino.  Head over to Jordan River in the Juan de Fuca Provincial Park located approximately 60 km driving northwest from Victoria.  Kayaking is superb in summer.

• Awe-inspiring mountain scenery to meadow flowers and gently flowing streams beckon at an Island Lake Lodge hiking holiday. Located in the Kootenay Rockies, outside of Fernie, there are trails for all fitness levels.

• Book a weekend away that celebrates family this coming BC Day at Sun Peaks Resort.  The cozy alpine village will be alive with free entertainment both days including corn husking, scarecrow making and water balloon competitions at the spectacular outdoor Farmer’s Market held in the village on Sunday.

• A great family outing that includes fresh air and fantastic bird watching is a trip to the George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary in Delta. Open from 9a to 4p daily, with no pets or bicycles allowed!

• Attending musicals at Theatre Under The Stars (TUTS as it’s known by locals),  in Stanley Park has been a Vancouver summertime tradition since 1940!  With BEST PRICED tickets starting at only $29, this year delivers something new with all seats being reserved. Call ahead, go online or simply show up and take a chance on getting in.

I’ve had the great fortune to get to know the always wonderful, Chef Eric Pateman of Edible BC quite well over the past few years.  His energy and passion for food and a healthy lifestyle are infectious!

If you haven’t been to his retail store on Granville Island, be sure to put it on the list of must visits when in Vancouver.  All the products sold are either grown and made in BC, or from points across Canada; with many being organically produced.  Eric and his team are thoroughly versed on the exciting culinary growth taking place here in particular, within British Columbia.  From small mom and pop operations to larger suppliers who are meeting the demands of a savvy consumer, this is a great spot to shop for your home or a gift. 

The recipe below is suitable for Celiacs and is absolutely yummy!  Plus Spot Prawns are readily available right now.  All of the ingredients listed are from Granville Island Market, however you should be able to locate them in your local community.

www.edible-britishcolumbia.com

BC SPOT PRAWN BISQUE (Serves  eight)

Pair with:  Sumac Ridge Stellar’s Jay Brut 2002

Ingredients

• Head and Bodies of 2 lbs of BC Spot Prawns (Seafood City)
• 1 Onion, Finely Chopped (Green Grocer)
• 2 Large Carrots, Roughly Chopped (Green Grocer)
• 4 Large Ripe Tomatoes, Roughly Chopped (Green Grocer)
• ¼ C Brandy (Liquor Store)
• 500 ml Whipping Cream (Milk Man)
• 2 Tbsp Lobster Oil (Edible BC)
• Dungeness Crab

Method

Place the prawn heads, onion, carrot, tomatoes and brandy in an 8L stock pot and cover with enough water to go approximately 4 inches above all the ingredients. The exact amount of water does not matter since you will be reducing this stock.

Bring the pot to a soft boil and decreasing the heat, simmer until the liquid is almost level with the ingredients.

Using a stick blender or traditional blender, puree the ingredients together and return to the pan and reduce again by half.

Remove the pan from the heat and strain the liquid through a very fine strainer twice and return to a clean saucepan.

Add the cream and return the pan to a low heat and reduce the liquid by half again.

Taste the soup and season if required, but most likely all the sweetness from the tomatoes and carrots, and the saltiness of the prawns will create an almost perfect taste.  Just before serving, garnish with the lobster oil and Dungeness crab meat.

Sit down and enjoy with family and friends!

First Nations Children Celebrate Their Vibrant Culture

The real history of Harrison began many thousands of years ago with the first original inhabitants. Although there is no certain date, best archaeological estimates are that people lived here some 10,000 years past, shortly after the retreat of the last ice age.  And while little remains from this early period, we do know that the indigenous people were the predecessors of the Stò:lo people.  Today, this vibrant community located approximately 90 minutes from Vancouver, is a favourite getaway for families with kids of all ages.  There’s so much to see and do here, year-round, however the late spring and summer times are really outstanding.

Take the scenic drive out Highway 7 as the road winds through some of the prettiest county this side of the Rockies. A family favourite of household is a visit to Xá:ytem – the Longhouse Interpretive Centre. Here you will experience an amazing historical tour of the area’s First Nations culture. Enthralled by the stories and songs shared by the tour guides, the fascinating historical details of life over the past 150 years is warmheartedly woven together with the wisdom and knowledge of the thousands of years old oral culture of the Sto:lo and Coast Salish peoples. Integrating the treasured heritage of First Nations with that of the early settlers makes for a truly memorable visit with family, especially children.

Hit Harrison

‘Main Street’ Harrison is an eclectic mix of architecture, mostly from the 40s to 60s.  The mood is casual, with that small town energy – friendly retailers whose kids help out in summer, to elders striving to maintain the coziness of the village while integrating modern conveniences (wireless internet), with contemporary new structures. One thing is glaringly obvious – the streets and lakefront beaches are remarkably clean, as is the lack of obnoxious city sounds of loud music and vehicles. The lakefront is alive with water activities come the good weather so if you’ve only made it a day trip, don’t forget the bathing suits, towels and sun screen!

Quaint and comfy restaurants – most perfectly suited to family dining, dot the lakeshore. For a more intimate and upscale environment with well behaved children, enjoy the Copper Room located in the always fabulous Harrison Hot Springs Resort & Spa.  This is one special place to stay overnight too!

Nearby Neigbourhoods

As you travel either to or back from Harrison along the spectacular Highway 7 route, there is a special place located at the confluence of the Harrison and Fraser Rivers. The Kilby Historic Site is the last remaining site of the heart of the once-bustling community of Harrison Mills.  Period-costumed interpreters discuss transportation, geography, farming and the logging industry from the 1920s and 1930s with their guests. Visitors are enthusiastically encouraged to tour the General Store Museum, stop for a snack and pet the farm animals too – city kids will love this experience!  And if you go over the May 24^th long weekend, be sure to pack the kids’ favourite teddy bear for the Teddy Bear Picnic. Full details are on their site.

Getaway Details

www.tourismharrison.com, www.xaytem.ca,

www.kilby.ca, www.harrisonresort.com

Photos courtesy of Tourism Harrison and R. Bond, CtoC Productions

Scroll down the home page of  getawaybc.com here for the fun video of Harrison

David Hancock and Karen Bills of Hancock Wildlife Foundation View Eagles

And while you’re visiting the area, check out the scenery aboard a riverboat tour with Fraser River Safari.  For schedules and tour details visit www.fraserriversafari.com.

Sandpiper Golf Resort's Owner, Betty Anne Faulkner and eagle,Sonsie share a wink

The Greater Vancouver Zoo is working with the team at Xa:ytem Interpretive Centre  during the festival as well.  Drop by to see the live exhibit of the Great Horned Owl, Barn Owl and maybe, if you’re lucky, Meredith the Bald Eagle may be visiting.  Xa:ytem features local native art and gifts in their First Nations gift gallery too.  There are great gift ideas for Christmas.  For directions and hours of operation visit www.xaytem.ca.

Extend your eagle viewing adventure with an overnight stay at Sandpiper Golf Resort and Rowena’s Inn.  This exquisite heritage Manor is the former summer home of the Pretty Family. Filled with favourite family antiques and heirlooms, including a photo wall revealing the faces of the family behind the home, the ambiance is cultured and luxurious.  Enjoy a lavish hot and cold breakfast in the solarium located off the main dining lounge, or stay in one of the four west coast chic cabins – each complete with king-sized bed, soaker jacuzzi tub and river rock fireplace – a perfect retreat to relax with a glass of wine while admiring the view out over the river.  Whether you choose to stay at the Inn or in a cabin, the eagles will soar past gracing you with their majesty.  Visit www.sandpiperresort.ca for package details.

The Orphaned Wildlife Rehabilitation Society – OWL – is a dynamic organization comprised of people who care deeply about the safety of birds of prey.  The web site offers information on educational programs and special events, as well as contact information should you site a bird in need.  Please visit www.owlcanada.ca.

All Photos Courtesy of R. Bond, CtoC Productions

Interior cabin at Sandpiper Golf Resort and Rowena's Inn

capture great photos of the resident bald eagles, seals, fi sh, deer and even bears.

There are three main boat launch areas on the lake and river: in the Village of Harrison at the east end of Esplanade, in Sasquatch Provincial Park day use area, and at Kilby beach in Harrison Mills.

In addition to boat rentals and launch facilities, moorage and fuel are also available on the lake. Be sure to get a rundown on safety information at your spot of rental or launch before

heading out.;

Harrison Hot Springs is located in the Fraser Valley on the shores of Harrison Lake and is only a 90 minute drive east from Vancouver or less than three hours north of Seattle. When in the Valley you can travel on Highway 1 or the Scenic 7 Highway to reach us. Those wanting to reach our destination quickest may choose Highway 1 and for those wishing to tour at a slower pace, the gentle winding route of Highway 7 may be the best choice.

Harrison Hot Springs is also accessible by boat from Vancouver via the Fraser and Harrison Rivers. This is a spectacular way to explore and visit our area. Moorage is available but you are encouraged to contact the marinas on the lake prior to arriving.

Two international airports service the region; Abbotsford

International and Vancouver International, and provide a range of rental car services. Floatplanes are also welcome and docking facilities are available upon your arrival.;

Unforgettable tours also await you.

You can explore Harrison Lake’s majestic rock formations and cascading waterfalls, or go on a Harrison River journey and encounter the vast wildlife and 9,000-year old history of the region. On land, get back to basicswith a country farm tour which features delightful delicacies including organically grown herbs, artisan cheeses, specialty chocolates, hazelnuts and coffee roasted in a circa 1919 fl ame roaster. Whatever your choice, you will find plenty to keep you entertained in

the Harrison Hot Springs region.;

heron, salmon and seals are all common sights. Also, a visit would not be complete without experiencing the soothing hot water of the public mineral hot pool. The indoor pool is centrally located and open 7 days a week.

The natural beauty of Harrison is brought to life with numerous events and celebrations. In fact, any season you visit, you will be able to take pleasure in a vibrant array of festivals and community events.

Inspire your senses with everything from music concerts to arts festivals, from garden shows to auto racing events, from heritage celebrations to dragon boat racing. Come out and enjoy the festivities!

The Harrison Hot Springs region is easily accessible and caters to visitors from all over the world. We are a 90 minute drive east of Vancouver or 40 minutes east of Abbotsford, both of which are served by international airports. If you are travelling from the United States we are a 3 hour drive north of Seattle and only 40 minutes from the Sumas border crossing.

Escape the hectic pace of urban life and make Harrison Hot Springs your holiday base for all your explorations.

Not sure where to start? Stop into the Visitor Information Centre, located three blocks from the beach on your way into town. The friendly and knowledgeable staff will provide you with all the information you need to make your holiday fun and memorable.

Harrison Hot Springs. Find nature… just up the road.;

West of Harrison, the Chilliwack River Valley with its great hiking and the Blue Heron Nature Reserve are worth a visit. For the more adventurous, several companies offer thrilling white water rafting excursions in the area. During the winter months, a trip to Hemlock Valley Resort for skiing, boarding, snowshoeing and tubing makes for a great family excursion.;

Peruse a vast collection of one-of-a-kind shops offering

fi ne goods and personalized service. From high fashion to

hand-made souvenirs, Harrison’s mix of shops has something

just right for you. It’s all within walking distance, nestled within, a scenic atmosphere of character buildings, natural beauty and timeless treasures. You’ll find everything from mouth-watering smoked salmon to sweet treats, from traditional native art to modern paintings and from the latest fashions and accessories to collectable antiques. It’s all a part

of Harrison’s distinctive charm.;