For years visitors have been coming to Harrison Hot Springs, a little town less than two hours away from Vancouver. Some come for the personalized treatment of the friendly staff at the Harrison Hot Springs Hotel, while others come to experience the wilderness in the many campgrounds. Everyone enjoys the springs and the solitude.

The Harrison Hot Springs Hotel is constantly upgrading its property including constructing new wings. The appealing village of Harrison, traditionally affected by the actions of the hotel, has completed a few projects of its own, such as adding to the mini-shopping mall and building several condominium complexes for permanent visitors.

Because of these lofty aspirations, the town's coveted serenity seems tenuous, nevertheless, most of the residents welcome the changes.

The changes should have little effect on the resident eagles across the water. Not too far from the picturesque village, along the northwest bank of the Harrison River just below Harrison Lake is a section of Highway 7 known internationally as the "Home of the Bald Eagle." (Harrison River is the second largest home for bald eagles in North America.) although most of the birds come to feast on salmon during winter's spawning season, many adult birds have taken up permanent residence and chances of spotting one are good any time of the year.

Other natural attractions in the area are fishing, hiking, canoeing and boating. Also of interest are the Festival of the Arts (held during the summer months), the Sand Sculpture Competition in September and the Agassiz Fall Fair and Corn Festival in September.

There is a public mineral pool for visitors not staying at the hotel, six private campgrounds with full hookups and a provincial park.

For more information write to Harrison Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 255, Harrison Hot Springs, BC. V0M 1K0