Harrison - The Land of the Sasquatch

Described as a bi-pedal mammal of exceptional size (sometimes reaching 14’) with great strength and reddish hair covering its entire body the Sasquatch is legendary in the Harrison River Valley with many regional sightings. The word Sasquatch is thought to be a mispronunciation of the Sts’ailes First Nations word ‘Sasq’ets’, meaning ‘hairy man’. For centuries, the Sasquatch has occupied a unique niche in the oral traditions of the First Nations communities of Harrison Lake and Harrison River. The Sts’ailes believe the Sasquatch is a spiritual being that can vanish into the spirit realm at will, which may explain why the elusive being is so difficult to track down.

The home of the Harrison Sasquatch and location of some sightings are the caves of Mystery Valley on the West Side of Harrison Lake. Local lore says the Sasquatch hold a reunion every four years, beginning on the night of the full moon in July. For four nights in succession as the Sasquatch meet, signal fires are kept burning. 1940 is the last year fires were seen burning however reported sightings in the area have been as recent as 2009.  For aspiring Sasquatch hunters here are some rules of the road should you run into one.

LOOKING TO SPOT SASQUATCH? TAKE A WALK ON THE SASQUATCH TRAIL!

Harrison Hot Springs is not only home to the Sasquatch but also to Sasquatch Days- a great weekend celebration held annually in June. Sasquatch Days brings the local Sts’ailes First Nations to Harrison for a weekend of war canoe races, salmon barbeque and Sasquatch story telling.

Harrison is also home to a number of reputable Sasquatch Investigators including legendary Mr. Sasquatch, John Green (1927 – 2016). Green was one of the first to investigate the 1967 site of the Patterson-Gimlin Bigfoot film shoot at Bluff Creek. Since then Green travelled all over the west coast collecting scientific evidence that supports the existence of the Sasquatch and became the proud owner of the largest known database of Sasquatch research. He also authored some of the most in depth and informative books on the subject.

Many people still debate whether the Legend of the Sasquatch is myth or reality. Some say they will only let you see them if they want to be seen. So, keep your eyes open! Who knows, you just might just stumble upon one of these mysterious creatures in the breathtaking mountains surrounding Harrison Hot Springs. Failing that, set out to enjoy the Sasquatch Trail and discover all the Sasquatch carvings and statues that Harrison Hot Springs has to offer. Grab your camera, as these Sasquatch are already photo-ready.

In 2017, the Harrison Sasquatch Museum opened up in the former offices at the Visitor Information Centre. Our Sasquatch Museum may be small, but it is packed with Sasquatch information. Learn more about sightings, foot castings, the importance of the Sasquatch to the Sts’ailes people, and more. Take your picture with our 8ft Sasquatch or pick up a souvenir. Entrance to the museum is free, and is open the regular hours of the Visitor Centre. 499 Hot Springs Road.

Sasquatch fuzzy map pin

VISIT THE SASQUATCH MUSEUM

Open 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Big foot feet stamp

VISIT OUR SASQUATCH STOPS

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