Turn of the Century at the Echoes

Captain Dick Warde known as the "Harrison Hermit" pioneered "The Echoes" on the Harrison River in 1892. He provided tours of Harrison Lake and River for more than two decades. He was an endearing character with an eccentric demeanour and had wonderful story telling abilities. He entertained many tourists over the years and his activities greatly enhanced the history of the Harrison Hot Springs region.
In addition to his capacity as a tour boat operator, he sold butter, milk, poultry, and vegetables from this very property to the Harrison Hotel Resort and Spa, then known as the "St. Alice Hotel" in Harrison Hot Springs. "The Echoes" on the Harrison River Retreat still reveals signs of this early settler.
We invite you to learn more about the history of the area and Dick Warde through, "People of the Harrison", by Daphne Sleigh. His legacy is a warm reminder that Captain Warde is still listening to "The Echoes" and watching over his land today.

Walk around The Echoes and look for relics from the past when Captain Warde first pioneered The Echoes Harrison River Retreat at the turn of the Century. Antique tractors, boating supplies, and black smith tools decorate the property, allowing a rare glimpse into the past, not seen at modern day hotels.

Recent Happenings

Clint and Susan purchased the 40-acre parcel of riverside land in 1998. No one had lived at The Echoes since Captain Warde in the mid 1900's. The land was neglected and completely overgrown. Clint and Susan felt like pioneers themselves as they began to clear the land, by hand, because there is no road access or conventional forms of electricity or water easily available on the property.
Through discipline, love, and many helping hands, Clint and Susan managed to build their log home and three bed and breakfast cabins for future guests. Along the way they also built a 100-foot dock and pier accessible by floatplane and cleared and maintained walking paths and gardens. The most recent addition is a common area for visitors to join together over a beautiful meal.
Now The Echoes is 100 per cent self-sustaining and Clint and Susan pride themselves on maintaining an eco-friendly environment. What was once a forgotten forest, has become a unique independent retreat, which Clint and Susan wish to share with others, while continuing to respect the natural surroundings.

Harrison Hot Springs and the Gold Rush

Harrison Hot Springs and the Harrison River were named after Benjamin Harrison a Quaker Director and Deputy Governor of the Hudson's Bay Company until 1886. Using a sternwheeler or canoe, the Harrison River provided the only access from New Westminster to the magical hot springs. In 1858 the gold rush began and the Harrison Lake and River system was the only passage used until the Fraser Canyon Hwy opened in 1866.