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The
Harrison, one of Canada's Famous Doors of
Hospitality
by
Jerry W. Bird
 Canada
is dotted with famous hotels, inns, lodges and
resorts, a few having existed since pioneer days,
while others are but faded memories. Some of my
favourite haunts remain as attractive and popular
as ever, keeping up with the times, yet retaining
their unique charm. We love to visit those castles
and resorts built during the hey day of Canada's
two great continental railways.
One
of our favourite business or leisure retreats in
the British Columbia Lower Mainland, the
world-famous Harrison Hot Springs Resort and Spa,
has been sold for about $35 million to Delaware
North Parks Services, a hospitality group based in
Buffalo, NY. The new manager, Donald
Ponniah, held senior management positions with
the group, including Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite
National Park, California. All assets of the
Harrison resort, which consists of the 323 room
hotel, conference center, golf course, marina and
spa, are included in the deal. The 140 acre
property provides rooms, plus cottages and 24,000
sq. ft. of meeting space. As we can vouch for from
experience, the main attraction is the resort's
natural mineral springs, with five swimming pools
and a new "Healing Springs" Spa.
 Harrison
Hot Springs Resort recalls a legend of CPR's
glory days, when high rollers, from movie stars to
royalty rode the Canadian Pacific Railway, staying
at hotels and resorts at or near the main line. I
am touched by that same spirit with each visit, and
its always a happy return. We launched Air Highways
Magazine at the Harrison, when the BC Aviation
Council asked me to speak at its 1996 Conference.
The area was once a stopover on the gold rush
trail.
A
subsidiary of Delaware North Companies Inc. the new
management group also owns major sports facilities,
including the Fleet Center arena, home of the NHL
Boston Bruins and Boston and the NBA Celtics.
Delaware
North Parks
Services
DAPS) is one of the fastest growing providers of
recreational visitor services in America, with an
impressive list of well-known clients.
Here's
a capsule description: Harrison Hot Springs Resort
is nestled on the shores of Harrison Lake in the
majestic Fraser Valley, bordered by the snowcapped
mountains of BC's Coast Range. The lake's wooded
shoreline has become a renowned Canadian getaway,
with 45 miles of glacial waters and 700 acres of
woodlands, wildlife and waterways. Here you can
soothe yourself in 8,000 square feet of indoor and
outdoor natural mineral hot spring pools. There's
also a special children's water park. Harrison Lake
and the nearby Harrison River are a water lover's
paradise. Do a little fishing. Play some tennis.
Watch bald eagles feast on spawning salmon. Golf is
a nearby favourite. Throughout the year, you can
also enjoy numerous events from the village
festival of the arts to our world-championship sand
sculpture competition.
Lakeside
Cafe Restaurant: Enjoy a casual meal with a
view. Miss Margaret's is a favourite for cappuccino
and biscotti. In the Copper Room you'll spend your
evening enjoying Friseur Valley cuisine, while
singing, swinging, and dancing to the exciting
music of live entertainment. Call For Reservations:
1-800-663-2266
Harrison River Resort: Watch for update on
Rowena's Inn and the Sandpiper Golf
Course.
Canada's
Hotels continues with "Hotels
along the Yukon"
Fotomation-
series of souvenir posters available at Canadian
Pacific Stores. Catalogue: http://www.cphotels.ca.
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