Last summer, I had the privilege of spending a weekend at Sandpiper Resort in Harrison Mills, British Columbia. Nestled amidst the coastal mountains and surrounded by old-growth forests, the resort, set alongside the tranquil waters of the Harrison River, features a historic 1920s manor and luxury cabins. With stunning views of the mountains and water, the property is home to an award-winning 18-hole waterfront golf course and home to the world’s largest winter bald eagle gathering.
Located just two hours from downtown Vancouver, Canada, the resort feels a world apart – like a luxurious summer camp for adults, where Gatsby-esque glamour meets rustic Canadiana. Wandering the fairytale-like walking trails, morning coffee in hand, I couldn’t help but think this would be the perfect setting to say “I do.” Unsurprisingly, Sandpiper Resort is a sought-after wedding venue in Western Canada.
Rustic charm meets vintage glamor
The beating heart of Sandpiper Resort is Rowena’s Inn on the River – a beautifully restored English-style manor from the 1920s with manicured gardens and stunning views of the river and mountains. The quaint manor brings to mind vintage glamor with its 1920s-inspired design and cozy, inviting atmosphere – perfect for couples who want an elegant indoor celebration.
The Sandpiper has various outdoor venue options that evoke fairytale charm. Couples can exchange vows beneath the resort’s iconic walnut tree, its sprawling branches framing the majestic mountain and water views, or say “I do” under a rustic arbor tucked within an old-growth forest for a more intimate vibe.
Sandpiper Resort also offers a wedding tent option with panoramic river views for the best of both worlds.
Luxury cabins with outdoor soaking tubs
Imagine celebrating your nuptials and then slipping to your luxurious cabin in the woods, steps away from every modern convenience imaginable. In addition to gorgeous scenery, what makes Sandpiper Resort unique is its stunning collection of 15 private cabins, just a short jaunt from Rowena’s Inn on the River. I stayed in one of the Woodland Series cabins, which feature a chic Scandinavian design, a gas fireplace, and an outdoor Ofuro deep soaking cedar tub with tree and river views. I loved my tiny home for the weekend; it was close to my friends but with plenty of privacy.
The resort has cabins with 1-3 bedrooms, offering options for larger groups.
Year-round golf for you and your wedding party
Guests can bond with their wedding party or wind down after the big day with a few rounds of golf steps away from their cabin. Nestled between the centuries-old forest and the shore of the Harrison River, Sandpiper Resort features a 72-par golf course designed by Canadian architect Russ Olsen, spanning 6500 yards from the back tees. Thanks to the mild, temperate weather on the West Coast of Canada, the golf course at Sandpiper Resort is open 365 days a year.
After a day spent enjoying Sandpiper’s gently sloping course, relax at Rowena’s Inn while savoring gourmet comfort food and an excellent selection of Canadian wines.
Connection to nature and Indigenous culture
Located in the Harrison River Valley – the ancestral and shared territories of the Leq’á:mel, Samahquam, Skatin (SkookumChuck), Sts’ailes, Sq’ewá:lxw (Skawahlook), Sq’éwqel (Seabird Island), Sq’ewlets, Xa’xtsa (Douglas), and Xwchí:yò:m (Cheam) First Nations – Sandpiper Resort is by lush nature at every turn. The area is known for its kayaking, forested hiking trails, sandy beaches, and healing natural hot springs, a 20-minute drive from the resort.
Whether planning a wedding or a romantic getaway or wanting to experience some of the best Western Canada offers, the Sandpiper Resort has a perfect blend of jaw-dropping natural beauty and rustic luxury. From exchanging vows beneath ancient trees to unwinding in a private cedar tub under the stars, every moment here lives up to the Province’s mantra, “Super, Natural, British Columbia.”
