Are you looking to plan a retreat at Rowena’s Inn on the River?
Rowena’s Inn on the River is one of my favourite local gems and we’ve put together this complete guide to share everything that you’ll need to know about planning your adventure to the iconic, history-infused riverside retreat. Whether you’re seeking out a simple room at the Inn, or want to rent a big cabin and bring the family, Rowena’s Inn On The River has adventures and accommodations for every group size (and might I mention they are the perfect place for a family reunion!).
Disclaimer: While I share my own thoughts and stories about these experiences, should you click on the affiliate links, I may receive a small commission on that sale which helps fund Adventure Awaits.
How long has it been since you have really enjoyed the constant rushing noise of a river as it jumps over rocks? What about time spent deeply inhaling the rich aroma that only the forest firs can offer? Or the sounds of a blazing fire as heated sap crackles from within the burning logs? For many of us we often don’t take the time (or have the time) to sit back and relax so now is the time to start planning your Harrison Mills adventure. Hint: Be sure to pack your outdoor gear as this is a place that you need to immerse yourself in to truly experience (trust me, it’s worth bringing all your rain gear and heading outside, but I’ll dig into that more later!).
Note: We were traveling with a dog so this article will showcase how pet-friendly Rowena’s Inn on the River truly is. We stayed in pet-friendly accommodation and enjoyed touring the ground with my friend’s dog, Theo.
Where is Rowena’s Inn?
Rowena’s Inn on the River is located on a 160-acre waterfront estate that sits on the banks of the Chehalis and Harrison Rivers in the Harrison River Valley. Rowena’s Inn is part of the Sandpiper Resort that is also home to the Sandpiper Golf Course and The Clubhouse Restaurant.
Only a 90-minute drive from downtown Vancouver, you can quickly escape the hustle of the city and find yourself meandering through the forest next to a river, counting eagles, and enjoying the peaceful views out over the Harrison locality. As soon as you arrive they say, “Time stands still from the moment you catch your breath.” A powerful insight as to what happens once you start your vacation at Rowena’s Inn on the River.
Rowena’s Inn History
2024 marks the 100th anniversary of the Pretty family owning the 160-acre property. Originally purchased in January 1924 by Nelson Pretty and Rowena Elizabeth Peters, they lived in Vancouver and when they came out to visit their remote property they would take a train and then canoe to get to Rowena’s. Nelson started using the land as a dairy farm.
Nelson and Rowena gave birth to 4 children, Charles Watson, Rowena Charlotte, James Ivan, and Elizabeth (known as Betty Anne). Betty Anne was born at Rowena’s Inn. After their father passed in 1992 (at the age of 102) Betty Anne and her brother Ivan decided to transform the family home and property into an Inn, calling it Rowena’s Inn on the River, which opened in 1995. The small Inn started with just four rooms, each named after Betty Anne’s siblings.
Betty Anne and Ivan continued to develop the property adding a golf course and four riverside cabins. While you are visiting be sure to take time to spot some of the many antiques that are so special to the Inn. This includes a beautiful antique table that King George the 6th and the Queen once dinned at. In Betty Anne’s room a custom-carved bed from a world-famous opera singer that Betty Anne’s parents brought over from England.
Today the property continues to evolve, adding more amenities, modern cabins, and eco-adventures for you to explore. One thing that will never change though is the family feeling, the warm welcome, and the powerful serenity of the surroundings that make this place so special. “I hope that when you come you feel the same ambiance of a beautiful place, serenity, and the history of the Pretty family,” Betty Anne.
Rowena’s Inn On The River
Rowena’s Inn on the River is a Gatsby-esque manor that has been converted into a boutique Inn. With a commitment to maintaining the historical family stories of the Pretty family combined with the period-era decor and unique architecture, this riverside retreat is a true gem in the Fraser Valley.
If you are looking to stay in the iconic Inn there are five rooms to choose from:
Charlie’s Room
With a forest view, this room invites you to cuddle into the queen-sized bed.
Ivan’s Suite
A larger suite for explorers wanting more space, the first bedroom offers a king-size bed with river views and the second bedroom has a queen-size bed with forest and estate room. Guests will enjoy a three-piece washroom located within the suite.
Betty Anne’s Room
A beautiful custom king-size bed that overlooks the river on a shared balcony (shared with Pete’s room).
Pete’s Room
A king-size river view room awaits. Enjoy the view out over the riverbanks on your shared balcony (shared with Betty-Anne’s room).
Rose’s Room
A spacious room that includes a television, Nespresso Vetuo coffee machine, gas fireplace, and scenic river views. With floor-to-ceiling windows, you’ll be able to soak in the view all day and night from your king-size bed.
Book your stay at Rowena’s Inn on the River here!
Rowena’s Cabins at Sandpiper Resort
An extension of hospitality with your cozy cabin setting, you’ll find a variety of cabins to choose from including the Classic Rustin Cabins (also known as the original cabins on the property), Luxury Nature Series Cabins, and the new Woodland Cabins.
Classic Rustic Cabins
Nestled next to the river, these cabins are the original ones that were built in the 1990s when Rowena’s first became an Inn. These classic cabins offer private patios with views out over the golf course and river, king-sized beds, jacuzzi bathtubs for two, wood-burning fireplaces, and of course Nespresso Vertuo coffee (there’s nothing better than a hot coffee out on the morning patio soaking in the sights and sounds of the scenery).
Booking Tip: Nelson and Phyllis are closest to the Harrison River. Fenn and Carol Anne’s are pet-friendly!
Luxury Nature Series Cabins
A contemporary take on the Classic Rustic Cabins, the Luxury Nature Series Cabins at Rowena’s Inn on the River can accommodate larger groups, like those planning a birthday, stag/stagettes, family reunion, or golf and fishing trips.
They also have pet-friendly accommodations like the cabin we stayed in (Raven) which was very welcoming to my friend Nina’s dog, Theo (he loved it there). The cabins help connect the history to the landscape, and honour the wildlife and the salmon that are indigenous and sacred to the area.
I loved that our cabin had a large kitchenette (no stove or oven), which had we not been spoiled with delicious food from the Clubhouse Restaurant, we would have done some cooking in! It was great to have a fridge though for drinks and some comfort items, and we especially loved the surprise charcuterie board that we found upon arrival!
The luxury cabins offer a variety of sizes including 1 bed/1 bath, 2 bed/1 bath, 2 bed/2 bath, and 3 bed/2 bath.
Fun note: These cabins were designed and built locally by Artisan Log Homes, based in Mission, BC. I know the owners of this family-run company and it was very special to be able to stay in one of their log cabins. (And I someday dream of building my own log cabin with them).
Booking Tip: Every stay in the Luxury Nature Series cabins includes complimentary WiFi, parking, spring and sparkling water, coffee, tea, and dining credits at the Rivers Edge Clubhouse Restaurant.
Woodland Cabins
The newest addition to the Rowena’s Inn on the River property is the 6 Woodland Cabins. Named after the trees found in the forests on the property, you can stay in Alder, Birch, Cedar, Fir, Maple, and Oak.
The 1-bedroom cabins are all about deep soaks in the Ofuro cedar barrel tub all while soaking in the natural views. “The Japanese Ofuro deep-soak bathing practice is designed to create a harmonious state with nature, restoring mental and spiritual well-being, ” Rowena’s Inn. I was happy to learn that the tubs are made in Canada with vertical grain red cedar that is sustainability-sourced and chemical-free.
The rooms also offer a modern living space, a gas fireplace, large kitchenette (with stove, oven & microwave), the coveted Nespresso Vertuo coffee machine, smart TV, and media streaming.
Book your stay at Rowena’s Inn on the River here!
Walking Trails At Sandpiper Resort
There is no shortage of incredible walking trails for you to explore during your stay. We took a walk on trails that meandered throughout the golf course, eventually leading us to the Pretty Estates Observatory, a raised gazebo right on the Harrison River.
Eagle Watching At Rowen’s Inn on the River – Embracing the Season Of The Wild
The Harrison Mills region has the honour of hosting the world’s largest concentrated winter gathering of eagles, making eagle watching an essential activity if you’re visiting from September to January, also known as “The Season Of the Wild.” While eagles are normally territorial birds who keep their distance from other eagles, during the salmon spawning season the raptors converge on the millions of spawning salmon and feast for days on fresh salmon.
Fun fact: Did you know that the Harrison River is Canada’s only certified salmon stronghold that contains all five salmon species?
While you will undoubtedly see eagles from your room the best place to see them is on the walking trails and the eagle-watching pavilion.
Keep an eye out, at one point I counted 50 eagles in front of me, which was quite the sight to see. They grab fish and then fly to the tree tops to devour their meal. Evidence of this is obvious on the forest trail floors where the bones of the fish fall once the eagles are done feasting. While I didn’t experience it I could only imagine the scare of having a fish head fall at your feet!
Another interesting sight we saw was a fish body hanging in a tree, the skeleton was all that was left but got tangled in the tree leaving quite the sight for those walking by!
Where to Eat at Rowena’s Inn: The Clubhouse Restaurant
Breakfasts are included with your stay at Rowena’s Inn on the River but we opted to visit for dinner as well, as their menu had lots of great local food to choose from and it was nice to be able to walk to and from our cabin to the cozy restaurant.
Rowena’s Inn on the River Menu
We were blown away by the immense choices on the menu including Seafood Chowder, Grilled Pork Chop Marsala, pan-roasted Vancouver Island Salmon, Chuck Burger, Prawn Linguini, and more. The food was delicious and the Chef did a wonderful job incorporating BC’s West Coast ingredients into the dishes. The restaurant has a nice casual atmosphere, the perfect spot to dine after exploring outside all afternoon.
Book your stay at Rowena’s Inn on the River here!
What To Do At Rowena’s Inn
While you may want to spend the whole day cozied up in your cabin (no one would blame you!) there is lots of outdoor adventures awaiting you in the Harrison River Valley. Here are some to get you inspired:
- Harrison Eco Tours – One of my favourite kayaking tours was with Harrison Eco Tours (in the Spring / Summer). But during the winter they also offer a great variety of wildlife tours and jet boat tours, guided kayaking, and guided hiking.
- Shoreline Tours – River boat tours out on the Harrison River.
- Harrison Watersports – From sea doo rentals to water-based obstacle courses, these are fun summer activities to explore.
- Eagle Viewing – If you want to learn more about these beautiful animals and see them in their element a tour would be a great fit.
- BC Bird Trail – Beyond the bold bald eagles there are a lot of other birds to be discovered on the BC Bird Trail (check out their app for an immersive experience).
- Agriculture – If you want to learn more about the farmers and artisans that make up the Harrison Valley community, check out the agricultural scene. You can watch bison roaming the fields, artisan cheese being made, and hand-crafted pottery creations!
- Mountain Adventures – If you’re like me and enjoy some time in the snow, check out Sasquatch Mountain Resort where you and the family can go skiing, snowboarding, tubing, and snowshoeing. If you’re visiting in the summer you can go hiking, ATVing, and mountain biking.
- Historical Tours – History buffs will like visiting the Kilby Historic Site, which is the only standing building from the once thriving community of Harrison Mills. Step back in time to a 1906 General Store, and view intriguing artifacts in the heritage Post Office and Manchester House Hotel.
- BC Sport Fishing – If you want to visit boat access-only fishing with a guide who can show you all the best stops, check out a guided experience with BC Sport Fishing. You’ll be able to fish for salmon, trout, sturgeon, and steelhead.
Rowena’s Inn on the River FAQs
Is Rowena’s Inn on the River Pet Friendly?
Yes! There are a lot of different accommodation options, each of which has pet-friendly places for your pet to stay. I was traveling with a friend who had a service dog and he gave it a doggy-approved seal of approval! Theo loved all the walking trails and being able to cozy up next to the fireplace after our adventure-filled days.
Pet Owners Note: During the Season of the Wild you may find fish remnants in the forest where the eagles have dropped them from the tree tops, which are especially appetizing to dogs. So if you don’t want your dogs to eat them be sure to keep an extra eye out when walking on the trails (Theo loved them!).
Here are Some Great Articles to Inspire Quebec Travels
Is this a sponsored post? Yes, however our words reflect our experience and we’re excited to share Rowena’s Inn Cabins with you!
