First Resort

The dog days of summer are almost upon us and that kiddie pool in the back yard is looking a little small already. 

We suggest packing your swimsuit and flip flops and making the short drive to Harrison Hot Springs Resort & Spa, where parents can enjoy refreshing cold beverages poolside while kids splash to their hearts’ content.

Less than two hours from downtown Vancouver, there’s no need to wait for a 50th wedding anniversary to go to Harrison Hot Springs (although that was the occasion of our last visit, and we highly recommend it for a multi-generational gathering). We loved souvlaki from the hotel’s poolside barbecue, convenient bike rentals perfect for exploring the quaint town and so many watersports in the resort’s own marina. And did we mention the hot springs? Five different hot-spring-fed mineral pools, each kept at a different temperature for wading, playing and soaking the days away.

Who’s going to walk the dog? No need to stress: there are lots of pet-friendly options at the resort—plus, if you’re quick to the draw, there is a series of cosy, free-standing cabins for rent. You can even pretend you are at summer camp with nature walks and scavenger hunts for the kids, only to return to the resort’s comforts of satellite TV, ballroom dancing and, yes, a wine list.

That family trek to Butan is sounding a little less appealing now isn’t it? —Sarah Bancroft

Sponsored by Harrison Hot Springs Resort & Spa