I think at some point or another, many of us dream of owning a getaway place. Maybe the thought drifts into our mind at 2 pm on a Wednesday at work, or while driving home at 5 pm on a Friday – wishing the weekend consisted of a lake and a campfire instead of errands and, blech, responsibilities. For me, a home away from home, set in the woods, ‘away from it all’ means a place to just be, where my kids don’t have to keep up with all the pressures of growing up in a culture where they have to do it all. And frankly, neither do I. It means getting back to the simple and real things in life, where our family is the centre of it all.

But is that just an ideal that is unattainable in the gorgeous, but pricey, Canadian west coast?

What I found out totally surprised me.

Last weekend, my family and I had the pleasure of being hosted at Springs RV Resort in Harrison Hot Springs, located right on Hot Springs Rd. just a few minutes drive from beautiful Harrison Lake and village. I was really excited to take my family on this experience, as we have never stayed in an RV, and we really didn’t know what to expect!

We were greeted by this big, hairy guy (no jokes at my husband, please!) As you drive along Hot Springs Rd, keep an eye out for him and you won’t miss the driveway!

When we drove in, the next person we met was the super friendly caretaker, Janice, who later became our kids’ best friend. (They visited her several times a day for a ball that they used to play foosball in the outdoor clubhouse area). It was clear from first sight how well cared-for the grounds are; there is definite pride in the way the park is maintained.

As I said, I had no idea what to expect at an RV park. I was told there would be an outdoor kitchen. I assumed that was a Coleman stove hooked up to a little propane tank perched on a picnic table. It was not that. It was this:

After picking our jaws up from the ground, we headed in to the trailer itself.

For the sake of the owner’s privacy, I didn’t take pictures of the inside. But suffice it to say, the 5 of us were very comfortable: the hubs and I got the bedroom, the two older kids shared the pullout couch and we set up the baby’s cot just off the kitchen. The kitchen, I might add, that is on par with the one I have at home…except maybe a little shinier. I’m serious!

But I have to admit, though the fanciness was a plus, my FAVOURITE part was that the kids were SO happy and entertained! A safe, gated community, Springs RV Resort has loads to offer toddlers, children and teens – from a playground, a fully-operational vintage carousel, swimming pool, hot tub, and organized activities like Craft Hour every Saturday morning.

Parents! Do you know what it feels like to let your kids run out the door after breakfast in the morning and know they are safe and happy ‘somewhere out there’? It’s such an amazing feeling, for all of us. The kids loved their freedom and frankly, so did the hubs and I.

Don’t take my word for it – listen to what the kids have to say!

And it really is like that! Here are my happy kids:

We left the kids at the playground and took a stroll through the neat rows of RVs. I just loved looking at the different ways people extended their living spaces to the outdoors, with well-built decks housing comfy furniture, cooking equipment, full kitchens and happy, happy inhabitants! Being surrounded by such lush greenery was breathtaking – my eyes kept bouncing from the trees to the gardens to the decks. This sign on someone’s fence made me smile. I love lakeside culture. It truly is a lifestyle.


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During the summer, there is a community BBQ in this clubhouse area so the night we arrived, we got to enjoy the gourmet burgers!

And this sign indicates how much fun they have here as a group!

Of course, it’s Harrison Hot Springs, so what would a visit be without a stroll through the village (or pedal on the rent bikes), delicious eats and a dip in the lagoon? All of this is minutes away! I loved how we could spend hours amongst the other tourists, then return to Springs RV Resort and feel like we were at our own private getaway.

And then…at the end of the day…

So, if you are looking for a vacation home in our beautiful province, here are some things to consider:

And there is a special offer happening during the month of September that really is a great deal!

To learn more or book a tour, visit their website or call Mary at 778-242-4279. Tell her Taslim sent you! 
Custom Built Deck & Gazebo is as easy as 1.2.3……..

 

1. Purchase one of the select lots by Sept. 28th, 2014

2. Receive a custom built deck and gazebo – a $10,000 value – free!
3. Relax and enjoy owning a piece of vacation paradise!

Offer Expires 09/28/14

*Deck & Gazebo package includes: 20 x 15 foot pressure-treated deck and 10 x 15 foot rough fir and cedar shake open style gazebo with purchase of select lot.  Offer subject to change without notice. Offer valid for new purchases. No cash value. Not to be combined with any other promotions or offers.

SPECIAL OFFER!

Custom Built Deck & Gazebo is as easy as 1.2.3……..

1. Purchase one of the select lots by Sept. 28th, 2014
2. Receive a custom built deck and gazebo – a $10,000 value – free!
3. Relax and enjoy owning a piece of vacation paradise!

Offer Expires 09/28/14
*Deck & Gazebo package includes: 20 x 15 foot pressure-treated deck and 10 x 15 foot rough fir and cedar shake open style gazebo with purchase of select lot. Offer subject to change without notice. Offer valid for new purchases. No cash value. Not to be combined with any other promotions or offers.
SPECIAL OFFER!

Custom Built Deck & Gazebo is as easy as 1.2.3……..
1. Purchase one of the select lots by Sept. 28th, 2014

2. Receive a custom built deck and gazebo – a $10,000 value – free!
3. Relax and enjoy owning a piece of vacation paradise!

Offer Expires 09/28/14

*Deck & Gazebo package includes: 20 x 15 foot pressure-treated deck and 10 x 15 foot rough fir and cedar shake open style gazebo with purchase of select lot.  Offer subject to change without notice. Offer valid for new purchases. No cash value. Not to be combined with any other promotions or offers.