The traditional territories of the Sts’ailes, Seabird Island, Sq’ewá:lxw, Cheam, Douglas, Leq’a:mel, Samahquam, Sq’ewlets, Skatin and Stó:lō Coast Salish Peoples, as well as the Katzie, Kwantlen, Matsqui, Semiahmoo, Semá:th, and Mathxwí First Nations.
Not only do the sandy beaches of Harrison Lake, thirty-two kilometres north of Chilliwack, inspire some of the most dynamic outdoor adventure opportunities in the province, but they also provide a unique habitat for migratory birds and birders alike.
Getting Here
By Land
By Bike
- Biking Itineraries: Tourism Harrison
- Biking North: From Chilliwack
- Biking West: From Hope
By Public Transit
Summer Birding in Harrison River Valley
Summer on the Fraser features skies filled with warm-weather visitors. Several aerobatic swallow species (including tree, violet-green, cliff, and northern rough-winged) dart around over fields, lakes, and ponds – it’s quite a thrill to have one zoom past at close range! If you’re near water, you may see the coastally-specialized raptor, the osprey, scanning for fish. If you see one hovering, keep an eye on it, as it might be about to plunge into the water for a catch. In the trees, the gorgeous colours of cedar waxwings make for beautiful photos, and BC’s provincial bird, the curious and friendly Steller’s jay, can be found in the forest – especially around campgrounds. From deep in the trees, the majestic, cascading song of a Swainson’s thrush can be enjoyed, even if they rarely let themselves be seen.
Winter Birding in Harrison River Valley
The weather may get cooler, but the forests are still buzzing with many resident species throughout the winter in the Fraser Valley. The mild climate means kinglets, chickadees, woodpeckers, and Steller’s jays can be found, even as the weather turns. The striking orange of a varied thrush can brighten up any winter day. One bird to keep an eye out for is the gyrfalcon, an uncommon but thrilling sight that occasionally visits from the arctic.
Spring Birding in Harrison River Valley
Spring brings migration to the Fraser Valley, with an ever-changing list of guest appearances all season. Kinglets and chickadees dart from branch to branch, brown creepers scale the trees in the forest, and spotted towhees alert you to their presence with their abrasive call. The red crossbill, found in coniferous forests, is a fascinating bird with its unique, overlapping beak. At a river or stream’s edge, you might catch the impressive sight of a small, round American dipper swimming through the rushing water to catch its tiny meals.
Fall Birding in Harrison River Valley
Take a stroll through a forest in fall and follow your ears to one of our local woodpecker species drumming away on a tree. From the large, red-capped pileated woodpecker, to the hairy woodpecker and its smaller lookalike, the downy, their sounds echo through the trails. There’s even the northern flicker, a woodpecker often found foraging on the ground, which has delightful polka dots on its front. Other active park residents include kinglets and chickadees, ensuring that a walk through the trees is rarely without activity.
Harrison River Valley
Not only do the sandy beaches of Harrison Lake, thirty-two kilometres north of Chilliwack, inspire some of the most dynamic outdoor adventure opportunities in the province, but they also provide a unique habitat for migratory birds and birders alike.
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1100 Esplanade, Harrison Hot Springs, BC, CA, V0M 1K0
Walking, kayaking, and boat tours. Their Bald Eagle-Fish Viewing Tour in the fall takes you on the river to see the large groups of bald eagles feeding on salmon.
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2100 Esplanade Avenue, Harrison Hot Springs, BC, CA, V0M 1K0
Open for breakfast and lunch with fresh hearty snacks, baked goods, soups, sandwiches, and coffee.
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3328 Esplanade Avenue, Harrison Hot Springs, BC, CA, V0M 1K0
Farm-to-table breakfast just steps away from the Harrison Lagoon.
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4234 Esplanade, Harrison Hot Springs, BC, CA, V0M 1K0
Authentic Greek cuisine in the heart of Harrison. Sit on the patio to enjoy amazing views of Harrison Lake.
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5310 Hot Springs Road, Harrison Hot Springs, BC, CA, V0M 1K0
Stop in for a seasonally inspired breakfast and enjoy the cafe’s rustic atmosphere.
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6196 Esplanade Avenue, Harrison Hot Springs, BC, CA, V0M 1K0
Stock up here with food, snacks, and other essentials before heading out for a day of adventures.
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7499 Hot Springs Road, Harrison Hot Springs, BC, CA, V0M 1K0
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8160 Esplanade Avenue, Harrison Hot Springs, BC, CA, V0M 1K0
A modern hotel right across from the beach and close to the Harrison Hot Springs public pools.
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9190 Lillooet Road, Harrison Hot Springs, BC, CA, V0M 1K0
Cozy and pet friendly rooms right in the centre of Harrison, close to amazing food, shopping, and sightseeing destinations.
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10100 Esplanade Avenue, Harrison Hot Springs, BC, CA, V0M 1K0
Luxurious accommodations right on the beach with their own hot spring pools and fine dining options.
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1114282 Morris Valley Road, Harrison Mills, BC, CA, V0M 1L0
Stretching the entire Harrison river, this area is renowned for bald eagles feeding on the salmon in the fall and trumpeter swans in the winter. Follow the Eagle Viewing Trail at the Sandpiper Resort for the first of many spectacular views.
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12Harrison Hot Springs, BC, CA, V0M 1K0
A beautiful park with pocket lakes perfect for a variety of outdoor activities. Bald eagles, woodpeckers, warblers, and vireos are some of the more common birds seen in the area.
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13215 Kilby Road, Harrison Mills, BC, CA, V0M 1L0
Situated where the Harrison and Fraser rivers meet, this park is a common resting and feeding area for many migratory and resident birds.
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1453480 Elgey Road, BC, CA, V0X 1X1
A great spot to see a variety of birds. Easy walking trails go through forest and marsh habitats and a floating boardwalk leads to a viewing platform on the lake.
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1514282 Morris Valley Road, Harrison Mills, BC, CA, V0M 1L0
Located near the Sandpiper Golf Course, featuring west coast inspired dishes and beautiful waterfront views of the Harrison River.
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167048 Pioneer Avenue, Agassiz, BC, CA, V0M 1A0
Stock up on outdoor supplies, camping equipment, binoculars, and any other gear you may need for birding adventures.
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177011 Pioneer Avenue, Agassiz, BC, CA, V0M 1A0
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187984 McDonald Road South, Agassiz, BC, CA, V0M 1A2
This luxury wilderness resort sits on an 18-acre estate, directly on the shore of the mighty Fraser River. Only a short drive from Harrison Hot Springs, their rustic lodge has woodsy rooms with river or mountain views.
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1914282 Morris Valley Road, Harrison Mills, BC, CA, V0M 1L0
Once owned by the Pretty Family, this 1800s manor is now a boutique hotel, offering rooms within the historic hotel or charming cottages, all on a 160-acre estate overlooking the Harrison River.
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2015500 Morris Valley Road, Agassiz, BC, CA, V0M 1A1
Located in Sts’ailes, this historic and eco-friendly B&B generates their own hydro-electric power from a nearby waterfall. Learn about Sts’ailes values and history through creative workshops and guided tours.
Harrison Hot Springs is nestled on the southern tip of Harrison Lake, with easy access to everything you need to stay put – or water-based transport to access unique bird habitats inaccessible by land.
The more you fly through the outskirts of the Harrison River Valley, the more super, natural experiences you’ll find hidden amongst the many Fraser River access points.
The Fraser Valley Bird Trail follows the flow of the Fraser River through four distinct communities, with ample birding opportunities around each bend. As the longest river in the province, the Fraser River’s fertile habitats include dense forest, wetland, farmland, and more. Home to many resident birds, this area also welcomes more than 200 distinct species each year who use the Pacific Flyway during migration.
