These Lodges Are The Best Base For Nature Relaxation
Outside the floor-to-ceiling window, the storm rages on. The lake collects scattered red and yellow leaves, blown by the howling wind that bends trees and rattles raindrops against the glass. I relax in a different basin of frothy water, allowing the Epsom salts to calm my body. I flip the page of my book as I melt in the bathtub overlooking Harrison Lake in our private cabin, warm and safe from the inclement weather outside.
My partner Tavis and I escaped to the Harrison River Valley for a much-needed vacation. Over the past three months, we’ve endured multiple family emergencies and suffered serious medical issues. We needed to relax and get into nature, and—only a short, two-hour drive from our home base in Vancouver—Harrison was the ideal spot for an intimate, cozy, shoulder-season getaway.
Sandpiper Resort
Harrison Mills, BC
As the location of the largest winter bald eagle gathering in the world, Sandpiper is much more than a golf course. The easy, 1.6-kilometre trail to the wildlife watching gazebo winds through cedar and fir old-growth forest, passing over a stream filled with small, rock-formed rapids—and countless salmon fighting their way against the current. I was filled with respect and awe watching these determined fish flap their tails and throw their bodies up the water. Impressive.
Tavis and I spent a night in the Oak Cabin, a modern, one-bedroom oasis with a gas fireplace, kitchenette and standalone tub. The skylight in the bedroom allows you to spot eagles soaring above from the comfort of your bed. The Japanese Ofuro deep-soaking tub on the deck offers views of the Harrison River. The handmade red cedar tub is slightly larger than a bathtub, and wide and deep enough to fit two bathers. Enjoy the Zen-like, spiritual thermotherapy and listen as the breeze whispers through the trees. Inside, the fireplace warms the cabin until it’s perfectly toasty.
Fraser River Lodge
Agassiz, BC
Bison graze lazily in the grassy field near the rushing Fraser River. Across the water, Mount Cheam beckons adventurers to hike and explore. But we’re here to relax—starting with an exquisite Chef’s Table four-course dinner in the stunning cedar log lodge. The outside of the building features numerous totem poles with signage describing the meaning and related stories. This August, the local Cheam First Nation purchased the lodge.
We stay in a Bison Suite, the newest accommodation. Our room includes a rock fireplace, rain shower and views of the Cascade Mountain range. There is a private hot tub on the balcony overlooking the bison enclosure for up-close-and-personal viewing opportunities. At one point, the bison are only a few metres away from us. In the morning, we’re treated to the ultimate room service: a Chef’s Table breakfast in bed.
The Lodge on Harrison Lake
Harrison Hot Springs
Soaking in the bubble-filled bathtub, I softly close my eyes and let my paperback novel flutter to the floor. My muscles are warm and relaxed from an earlier sweat session in the wood-barrel sauna and a sudden, spontaneous cold plunge into the frigid waves of Harrison Lake.
For the last night of our getaway, we’re staying in a stunning, modern, waterfront cabin. I don’t think I’ve ever slept this close to a lake before—the pebbly shoreline is intermittently washed by the heartbeat of freshwater right outside our window. With a private beach, outdoor firepit and dock, this calm, luxurious place exudes a romantic feel that makes it easy to see why it’s a coveted wedding venue.
But for us, it’s the last stop on our snug and serene nature-based getaway. We’ve indulged in a few days of wellness, a respite in our otherwise hectic, chaotic lives. If it were up to me, I’d stay here forever—but it’s time to return to the real world.
Or, perhaps, we’re leaving the real world behind.
When You Go:
Find delicious drinks, breakfast, lunch options and pastries at Muddy Waters Café. Enjoy calamari, souvlaki and cocktails at Milos Greek Tavern.
Book a rejuvenating forest bathing session with Kim at Ya Doma Nature to reconnect with nature and yourself. On this guided walk, we drifted into a deep state of mindfulness, noticing the sights, sounds and smells of life around us anew. Kim led us through “invitations,” fostering a welcoming atmosphere to destress, relax and feel grounded and at peace by slowing down. Our experience outdoors ended with a tea ceremony. Themes of gratitude and appreciation arose, and we both said, “I need to do this more,” while apologizing to Mother Nature for not always treating her as we should.
Thank you to Tourism Harrison for hosting the author and photographer. Her opinions are her own.
