As another glorious stretch of lazy summer days and lake
front picnics draws to an end so we find the last long weekend of the summer
holidays is upon
us. It seems fitting then to save the best for last. By way of
best I mean, the most expensive and luxurious part of our vacation. We have
done the camping, the free and cheap days out, picnics and just about anything
else possible to keep summer spending under control. So now it’s time for a bit
of a treat that both kids and adults will love. Generally we are an adventurous
family. Always keen to try new things, visit new places and savor unusual
experiences. But, for this treasured bank holiday weekend we are returning to a
tried and tested favorite – The Harrison Hot Springs Resort.
Our booking for 2 adults and 2 children staying for 4 nights came to just over $1,000. There are other, cheaper accommodation alternatives in the area including RV parks and camping, motels, B&B’s etc. When staying at any of these you can take advantage of the nice sandy beach along the lake shore, enjoy some of the great local restaurants and swim at the public hot springs pool. However, our experience of having been here a couple of times (and doing both the budget version and the splurge experience) leads us to conclude that the best way to really enjoy and experience what Harrison has to offer is to spend at least one night at the Harrison Hot Springs Resort & Spa. The reason for this is simple – the pools.
The hotel has 5 hot spring fed pools, 3
outdoor and 2 indoor, the use of which is complimentary to Resort guests. Our
children just love hopping in and out of the pools whose warm water keeps you glowing
come rain or shine. They also love wondering casually to and from our room in
their robes and not having to get dressed again before returning to the pool
for another dip. In addition to these pools there is the Healing Springs Spa –
a full service Spa offering everything from esthetics to massages and complete
body care treatments. There is additional cost for these services and advance
appointments are required.
The resort also has a marina from which you can enjoy a cruise on the lake, rent jet skis' or power boats, canoes or kayaks. There’s family fun in the bumper boats or you could head out fishing on the river. The hotel also boasts a 3375 nine hole, PGA rated golf course which is located minutes from the Resort.
Nightly live entertainment, dancing and dining
can be found in the Copper Room restaurant, reservations required and a minimum
dress code is in effect. Alternatively the Lakeside Café provides more relaxed
dining, and is open for breakfast and lunch daily as well as dinner on
Fridays, Saturdays and over holiday periods.
Just writing about it now is bringing happy, relaxing memories flooding back and I can’t wait to pack our dressing gowns to head off this weekend. A few days here will recharge the batteries just in time for a new school year to begin.
For more information about the Harrison Hot Springs Resort visit www.harrisonresort.com
For additional information about the town and other things to do and places to stay visit www.harrisonhotsprings.ca