HARRISON HOT SPRINGS SUMMER FUN BEGINS:

For many, the summer season officially starts this week. Why not plan an easy getaway – weekend or mid-week, to Harrison Hot Springs? With activities for all ages and all interests, and suitable for singles, couples and families, this local gem is located an easy 90-min drive from Vancouver. Here are the top 5 activities to try in Harrison this summer:

1. The Agassiz-Harrison Mills Circle Farm Tour invites visitors to try healthy and local food. Must-stops include: Farm House Natural Cheeses whose clothbound cheddar recently won the title of Best Aged Cheddar at the 2014 Canadian Cheese Awards; Canadian Hazelnuts, because their addictive chocolate hazelnut butter and coffee-flavored candied hazelnuts will make anyone a convert; andKilby Historic Site for a taste of vintage with their 1906 general store museum, post office and Manchester House Hotel. On August 2, 2014, the Slow Food Cycle takes local and healthy eating to a new level with a 25-km cycling tour of the above farms and many others. Fear not, shuttle service is provided for all purchases. For more information, visit Agassiz Slow Food Cycle Tour.

2. During the Sasquatch Days from June 7-8, 2014, visitors can experience the combination of local folkore and urban myth. This intercultural celebration features canoe races, traditional salmon barbeque, medicine walks, cultural boat tours and more. Learn about the Sts’ailes people cultural identity and spiritual beliefs and hear about sighting hotspots from local Harrison Hot Springs Sasquatch investigators.

3. On July 12-20, 2014, the Harrison Festival of the Arts returns for its 36th year presenting local community performers such as the Langley Ukulele Ensemble and Abbostford’s The Sabir Sisters as well as eclectic world-music talent such as contemporary calypso band Kobo Town, acoustic blues performer Eric Bibb, and pipers Ross Ainslie and Jarlath Henderson. Musical performances take place at Harrison Memorial Hall and on a beach stage. A beach art market and an indoor art exhibit provide ample opportunities to while the afternoon away. Children’s Day on Wednesday, July 16, promises a fun day for little visitors.

4. Get wet. Bumper boats, banana tubing and a huge floating inflatable waterpark will keep kids and teens busy this summer. Harrison Watersports has everything for active kids and for those young-at-heart. The waterpark is open 7 days a week through September 1, 2014.

5. Hike a scenic route to get your heart pumping. The Harrison Grind climbs up Agassiz mountain through a bit of everything: gravel road, old logging road, and a serious climb up the mountain through forest and rock to a clearing dubbed the “helicopter pad” with great view of Harrison Lake. Or tryHicks Lake Loop in Sasquatch Provincial Park for a family-friendly hike with lake views and a wide path. For more hiking options, visit Tourism Harrison’s Hiking Guide.

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