Sasquatch Days is an annual festival with war canoe races, First Nations cultural performances and a salmon BBQ in the resort town of Harrison Hot Springs.
The festival takes place on the Saturday and Sunday of June 17th and 18th in 2023.
To learn about the above and other events taking place in June this year see our article about Vancouver Father’s Day Activities. To learn about Sasquatch Days, continue reading.
This article contains the following information about Sasquatch Days:
Sasquatch Days Event Details | Canoe Races | Salmon Barbeque | Sasquatch Days Schedule | Tips and Advice | Other Information
Sasquatch Days Festival
Sasquatch Days was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19. The event returned in 2022 and was held on June 18th and 19th that year. In 2023 the Sasquatch Days Festival takes place on June 17th and 18th.
The free two-day family-friendly event takes place in mid-June most years and includes live entertainment, canoe races, medicine walks and Indigenous artisan vendors.
Hundreds of families and other spectators set up their lawn chairs and canopy awnings during the weekend along the waterfront at Harrison Lake and dozens of war canoes line the beach. Race commentary is broadcast through loudspeakers and about ten or so vendors sell souvenirs in the market.
Sasquatch Days Event Details
Jointly hosted by the local Sts’ailes First Nations and the Village of Harrison Hot Springs, Sasquatch Days runs on both days usually from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm on the Saturday and from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm on the Sunday. Itstarts with a small procession and official welcome on the Saturday.
Sasquatch Days takes place in the resort town of Harrison Hot Springs. It’s about a two-hour drive east of Vancouver.
The primary focus of the event is definitely the canoe races, but there are other activities too.
Sasquatch Days Canoe Races
War canoe races take place throughout the day, usually starting at around 10:00 am on both the Saturday and Sunday. The races start slowly, after the rules are announced and racers are introduced. By around 10:30 am or a bit after, the junior racers hit the water. They are followed by increasingly older and more experienced competitors as the day progresses.
Sasquatch Days Salmon Barbeque
There is a traditional salmon BBQ beginning at around 11:00 am each day. A lunch with one piece of fish, rice, potato salad and bannock cost $15 in 2019. Other food items for sale included Indian chilli tacos ($8), chilli with bannock ($5), bannock ($3) and fruit salad ($3). Pricing for 2023 is to be confirmed.
Funds raised from the barbecue and other food sales in 2019 benefited the Sts’ailes Youth Canoe Club.
Sasquatch Days Schedule
As of late February 2023 there is not yet an exact schedule for this year’s Sasquatch Days Festival. For an idea of what to expect, the following was the schedule of events from 2022:
Saturday (in 2022)
- 9:00 am – Procession from St. Alice Hall at the Harrison Lake Resort & Spa at 100 Esplanade Avenue to the Harrison Lake Plaza.
- 10:00 am – Start of the war canoe races.
- 11:00 am – BBQ salmon and bannock sales begin. The first free Medicine Walk Tour also takes place (but you need to sign up for it).
- 12:00 pm – Sasquatch Tours Dance Group performs at the Beach Stage.
- 1:00 pm – Medicine Walk Tour (free, but participants need to pre-register on the day).
Sunday (in 2022)
- 9:30 am – Elders prayer and welcome.
- 10:00 am – Start of the war canoe races.
- 11:00 am – BBQ salmon and bannock sales begin. The first free Medicine Walk Tour also takes place (but you need to sign up for it).
- 1:00 pm – Medicine Walk Tour (free, but participants need to pre-register on the day).
- 3:00 pm – Closing prayer ceremony.
Tips and Advice
Below are some tips and suggestions to help you make the most of your Sasquatch Days experience.
TIP #1: Arrive early (e.g., before 10 am) if you hope to find parking anywhere near the waterfront.
TIP #2: Sasquatch Days isn’t a huge event. It’s a nice addition though to an already amazing place. Watch the canoe races, take part in a medicine walk and enjoy some barbecued salmon, but also plan to enjoy the beach, go for a stroll and explore the area.
TIP #3: The canoe competitions begin with the junior races. It’s not until later in the morning, towards noon, that the adults compete.
TIP #4: If you have kids, don’t forget to take their swimsuits and sand toys.
TIP #5: Be sure to have a salmon for lunch. The fish is delicious, and funds raised benefit kids and their canoeing program.
Other Information
Sasquatch Days is a free cultural event that’s open to the public. For more information, see Sasquatch Days.
For other places and ways to experience First Nations culture, check out Lower Mainland First Nations.
To learn about the region and other things to do in the area, click Harrison Hot Springs or the Fraser Valley.
For other festivals throughout the year in Metro Vancouver, see the Festivals and Events Calendar.
Sasquatch Days often take place on or around Father’s Day weekend. For a list of other activities to do with dad and the family, click Metro Vancouver Father’s Day Activities.
