Harrison Lake is the largest lake in southwestern BC. The glacier-fed lake is about 60-kilometres long and 9km across at its widest point covering approximately 250 square kilometres.
Weather and water conditions play a big role in your safety on the water. Before heading out on the lake, make sure you get the latest forecast. You should also be aware that Harrison Lake is known for its unpredictable weather conditions and like many other Canadian lakes, water temperatures can be very cold particularly in the spring. The effects of cold water immersion are not to be ignored and wearing a PFD is absolutely essential.
For recreational boating or to participate in the many water sports, make sure you understand boating safety, practices and behaviours before you embark on these activities. For more information on water safety and drowning prevention visit lifesaving.bc.ca.
To make the most of your time in the Harrison Lake area, here are some activities to enjoy:
WINDSURFING
Harrison Lake is a mecca for windsurfers, thanks to a predictable thermal wind that blows every summer. harrisonwindsports.com
BOATING
As the longest lake in southwestern BC, there’s plenty to explore by boat, including coves and beaches, beautiful waterfalls, two islands and the connected Harrison River. With a public boat launch, complete with restroom and sani-station, several marinas and a large public dock, boating here is a breeze.
BOAT TOUR
Sit back and let others do the navigating. Shoreline Tours operates the Laroan — a 56 ft. boat providing scenic tours on the lake and Harrison River. Harrison Eco Tours operates jet boat tours as well as guided kayak tours on the Harrison River.
SWIMMING
Jump in for a refreshing dip in our glacier-fed lake or the warmer Harrison lagoon and Hicks Lake in Sasquatch Provincial Park.
PADDLING
For a relatively safe adventure, canoe the Miami River through the Village or head to Hicks Lake. The Harrison River is an incredible outdoor wilderness trip that takes you past stunning scenery. While Harrison Lake can also be paddled, it can be extremely treacherous with high winds and large waves, and should only be attempted by experienced paddlers.
SKI, PADDLE, HIKE MANNING PARK
Manning Park Resort is a four-season family resort offering year-round camping and accommodation, hiking, canoeing, skiing/boarding, 64km of Nordic trails, snowshoeing and an outdoor ice rink. It’s located at a charmed intersection between the temperate coastal area and the dry desert Interior, and only 75 minutes from Harrison.
ROCK CLIMBING
The basic premise behind rock climbing is simple. You climb from the bottom to the top! The execution is more complicated and it’s best to work with experts.
TANDEM PARAGLIDING
Cure your weekday boredom with Fly BC. Paraglide off Mt. Woodside while enjoying some of the best scenery in BC. Tandems, solo training and guaranteed fun!
AUTO RACING
Feeling a need for speed? The action-packed oval track at Agassiz Speedway features racing from April through September.
SKI SASQUATCH
Nestled high in the mountains above Harrison Hot Springs, Sasquatch Mountain Resort offers alpine skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and tubing. Only 45 minutes from Harrison.
RIVER RAFTING
The Fraser River and its tributaries offer continuous rapids and incredible mountain vistas, as you plunge through the heart of the Cascade Mountains. Rafting adventures include the Chilliwack River, Hell’s Gate, The Coquihalla Rambo Run and the Thompson River in Lytton. Learn more at Chilliwackriverrafting.com, fraserraft.com, and reorafting.com
Learn more at Tourism Harrison or the Agassiz-Harrison Observer.