Harrison Bay (British Columbia) facts for kids

Harrison Bay is a wide, lake-like part of the Harrison River in British Columbia, Canada. It's located near the towns of Chehalis and Harrison Mills. This area is known for its natural beauty and history.

What is Harrison Bay?

Harrison Bay is a shallow body of water that connects the Harrison River to the larger Fraser River at Harrison Mills. It's not a true lake, but rather a wide section of the river that looks like a bay.

A Shallow Waterway

Because Harrison Bay is quite shallow, it played an important role in the past. Before the Fraser Canyon Gold Rush began in 1858, there was a shallow spot, or "riffle," at Harrison Mills. This made it hard for large boats to pass. To help steamboats travel more easily to Harrison Lake and Port Douglas, this area was dredged. Dredging means digging out the bottom of the waterway to make it deeper.

History and Use

For many years, Harrison Bay was used for sorting logs. Logs would be floated down the river and then organized in the bay before being moved to sawmills. Today, the bay is mostly used for fun activities.

Fun Activities at the Bay

People enjoy many recreational activities at Harrison Bay. The Sq'éwlets First Nation, also known as the Scowlitz Indian Band, runs a popular beach and campground. This spot is located at the western end of the bay, on Squawkum Creek Indian Reserve No. 3. It's a great place for families and friends to enjoy the outdoors.

Harrison Hill and Its History

Near Harrison Bay, between the bay and the Fraser River, is a place called Harrison Hill. In the Halkomelem language spoken by the local First Nations people, this hill is known as Qithyll. Harrison Hill is a very old and important site. It is an ancient burial ground. The Sq'éwlets First Nation is working with archaeologists from Simon Fraser University to study and protect this special historical area.

Nearby Parks and Reserves

Several other important places are located close to Harrison Bay. These include Kilby Provincial Park, which is a popular spot for visitors. Also nearby are Williams Indian Reserve No. 2 and Scowlitz Indian Reserve No. 1. These areas are part of the traditional lands of the local First Nations communities.