If you’ve never done a Circle Farm Tour, you’re missing out on a fun and inexpensive way to learn more about the farmers and artisan producers who quietly create some of the Fraser Valley’s best edible products. The self-guided tours are an easy way to spend a lazy weekend afternoon, eating and drinking your way down a winding road to nowhere. Here are a few places on and off the tour to check out the next time you’re in Harrison-Agassiz. Only 90 minutes from Vancouver, it’s the perfect weekend feasting destination.
The Farm House Natural Cheeses
Owners George Boyes and Debra Amrein-Boyes have long been known for their excellent, award-winning cheeses, made from the milk produced by their own pasture-raised goats and cows. Debra is one of only 12 people in Western Canada and the U.S. who have been inducted into the prestigious French Cheese Guild. Try the goat brie and the Pyramide, along with some honey and crackers, and take a tour of the farm. If you’re lucky, you might be able to feed one of the baby goats.
FarmhouseCheeses.com
Canadian Hazelnut
Are you a fan of Nutella? Get ready to switch allegiances, because the chocolate-nut spread at Canadian Hazelnut is Just. That. Good. This family-owned, certified organic hazelnut farm also produces cold-pressed oils, protein powders, and all forms of roasted, fresh, candied, and chocolate-dipped nuts. Definitely try the beer nuts (as in, beer-infused), as well as the excellent honey-glazed. 6682 Lougheed Hwy. 604-796-2136.
Morgan’s Bistro
This small bistro right on the main strip of Harrison is home to a small, eclectic and casual menu that ranges from spicy herbed mushrooms and chorizo with sautéed onions to a fantastic chicken burger with bacon, caramelized onions, local cheese and house mayo. 160 Esplanade Ave, Harrison Hot Springs, 604-491-1696.
The Hungry Chef
All of the food is made from scratch, from the breads and buns to the pickles and burgers. The latter are definitely a focus on the menu – the deluxe mushroom goat cheese bacon burger is a thing of wonder and can easily be shared – but interesting starters like the deep-fried cheese balls and the orange-chili chicken are worth trying as well. TheHungryChef.ca
River’s Edge Restaurant
Situated on the Pretty Estate and serving both Rowena’s Inn on the River and the award-winning Sandpiper Golf Course, the menu here focuses on fresh, seasonal, local, and sustainable, thanks to chef Jonathan Gee. An apple-brie galette with a spicy rhubarb chutney is outstanding, as is the legendary prime rib (one of the best I’ve tried), with moist Yorkshire pudding and all the fixin’s. The homemade pies are seasonal (blueberry was fantastic). PrettyEstateResort.com/RiversEdgeRestaurant
The Copper Room
For more decades than I can count, The Copper Room has been the fine dining destination for the Harrison area. Located within Harrison Hot Springs Resort, it’s really more about the whole experience here, which includes live music and dancing. The music may be a bit on the dated side, but the food is fresh and seasonal, and the prix fixe menus offer good value for three courses. Spinach and arugula salad with beet curls and toasted sunflower seeds is well-balanced, while the vegetarian Wellington, with tofu, braised spinach, mushrooms and red pepper coulis, is rich and satisfying. Bring the kids; they get a dance floor all to themselves. HarrisonResort.com
Where to Stay
Harrison Hot Springs Resort
A great, family-friendly hotel, right across from the beach and offering direct access to the famed hot springs. HarrisonResort.com
Rowena’s Inn on the River
For a more adult and romantic getaway, this charming B&B (still run by the original Pretty family) is the perfect choice for some serene pampering. Try to snag one of the secluded cabins, with hot breakfasts delivered in a picnic basket to your door, and views over the river and estate. The hearty afternoon tea in the main building is worth a try as well. PrettyEstateResort.com
Travel Info
Anya Levykh has been writing about all things ingestible for more than 10 years. Hear her every Monday on CBC Radio One’s On the Coast and find her on Twitter @foodgirlfriday and Facebook.com/FoodGirlFriday. FoodGirlFriday.com
The Hungry Chef's deluxe mushroom bacon goat cheese burger.
Rowena's Inn on the River has stunning views of Harrison Lake.
Prime rib dinner at River's Edge Restaurant.
Canadian Hazelnut Farm.
