Harrison Hot Springs Resort

Schools in our part of Washington have something in February called mid-winter break. I think it's so everyone doesn't lose their minds in the constant rain and gray, and we all try to escape to some sun so we don't die of vitamin d deficiency. Last year we were in Disneyland during this time, but this year we were in no position to do something as grand. However, we were able to find a resort about three hours away in Canada called Harrison Hot Springs.

Now you might be thinking that Canada is in no way going to be warmer than Seattle, and you're right. However, this resort has naturally-fed hot spring pools that sounded fun to explore, not to mention nice and warm in the cold winter weather. They also have hotel family suites that have two separate rooms - one for the parents and one for the kids. I was sold, especially because the winter rates were decently priced. My parents booked a suite for themselves and my sister, and we booked one for our family for two nights.

We packed our suitcases - or in Kendrick's case, his "soupcase" - and we were off!

The drive took a few hours and we crossed the border to Canada in no time. We told the kids that they had to learn to speak Canadian, and when they asked how we told them they had to say "eh" at the end of every sentence. They didn't believe us, but when we made a quick stop at Costco, they quickly learned that we spoke the truth.

The first thing we noticed when we got out of the car, was that it was FREEZING. We immediately dug all of our warmer coats and clothes out of our bags and kept them close by. Despite the cold, it was clear and sunny: just what the doctor ordered.

The area was beautiful and we loved the view of the lake and mountains from our rooms.

The first night we took advantage of the resort's four o'clock tea and cookies that they serve each day.

We went out to dinner at a HORRIBLE restaurant that made the worst alfredo ever. My dad ordered a steak and received literally two bites of meat. We realized our mistake when we looked up the ratings after we ate, and noticed it barely received two stars. After our miserable dinner, we took our first trip to the hot springs.

Running around mostly naked in freezing weather before slipping into deliciously warm pools really shocks the system. It was almost unbearable, but then once you were settled in the warm water you never wanted to get back out. Especially because you knew what you faced if you did. Every time I made a transition from the cold to the warm, or visa versa, it immediately gave me contractions. Seriously, it was traumatic. But swimming in the pools surrounded by evergreen trees, steam, and seeing the beautiful stars overhead was an exhilarating experience. And it was fun to laugh together about the absolute wretchedness of getting in or out.

The next morning we enjoyed breakfast and hot chocolate in our rooms before we spent another day exploring the area.

It was even colder than when we first arrived, and it also started snowing. Undeterred, we checked out a few hiking options and found a trail that had some cool carvings to find as we walked.

You can't tell in the pictures, but was snowing on our hike and everything was covered in ice.

Brigham, Ammon, and Kendrick had more fun stomping on icy dirt and throwing sticks in the frozen-over water.

When we were done freezing our tooshies off, we headed back to the hotel for lunch and then Brigham took the older kids and my sister to swim while Kendrick and I rested and chilled in the rooms.

Kendrick and I went down to the pools to visit and take pictures.

The steam and falling snow, mixed with the greenery and mountains truly was awesome. I couldn't drag Brigham and the kids away from the pools. Kendrick and I explored more of the resort and we went up and down the many many stairs.

We found a much better pizza place to eat for dinner that night, and then left Kendrick with my dad as the rest of us returned to the hot springs for one last swim in the snow and stars. We all took warm showers that evening and relaxed watching the US women beat Canada for the Olympic gold in hockey.

The next morning we packed up and enjoyed a bit of sun out on the dock on the lake before we headed out.

Cold, icy, and beautiful.

We made one last stop in Canada to extend our fun at a castle family fun place. We miniature golfed, played arcade games, and blasted some laser beams.

Then it was time to cross the border back into the USA.

For just getting away for a few days, it was a relaxing, fun trip. I loved checking out a new area and the kids loved swimming for two days straight. Harrison Hot Springs is beautiful and I hear it's even prettier in the summer with lots more to explore and do. Maybe we'll have to go back, eh?