Embark on a journey to Hot Springs Cove, and soak in geothermal hot springs for a harmonious blend of natural wonders and cultural richness.
Yes, you read that right, Vancouver Island has hot springs, and Hot Springs Cove is the best place to go if you are hankering for a soothing dip.
Hot Springs Cove, nestled on the west coast of Vancouver Island, BC, is a captivating destination for several reasons:
- Natural Wonder: Immerse yourself in the rejuvenating embrace of natural hot springs amidst pristine wilderness. The experience is soothing and offers a unique connection with nature.
- Scenic Journey: Accessible by boat or seaplane, the journey to Hot Springs Cove is an adventure in itself. Marvel at the coastal beauty and abundant wildlife during your trip.
- Cultural Experience: Located within the traditional territory of the Hesquiaht First Nation, the area provides a cultural immersion. Respectful exploration allows you to appreciate the historical significance of this site.
Where is Hot Springs Cove located?
Located in Maquinna Marine Provincial Park, Hot Springs Cove is approximately 30 km northwest of Tofino and accessible only by water or air.
How do you get to Hot Springs Cove?
As mentioned above, Maquinna Marine Provincial Park is only accessible by sea or sky. Several tour companies out of Tofino will take you to and from Hot Springs Cove via boat (in a little over an hour) and/or float-plane (in approximately 20 minutes).
What to Expect on a Tour to Hot Springs Cove?
The great thing about the Hot Spring tours is that you get everything you would typically see on a whale watching or bear tour, but with the bonus of the hot springs. It is not uncommon to see whales, otters, harbour seals, sea lions, or bears en route to and from Maquinna Marine Provincial Park.
Be forewarned; this tour is popular. Once all the tour boats arrive at the dock, the pools can get quite crowded.
The fastest way to get to Hot Springs Cove is by seaplane. And if you take the morning flight, you will beat the boats there and may just be the first to arrive! It is also worth mentioning the seaplane offers a different vantage point, and you see the most spectacular coastal scenery while flying.
When we went for our anniversary a few years back, we took a float plane over and a tour boat on the way back. Doing so, we got to experience both options, and we arrived earlier than those arriving on a boat tour.
Once You Arrive
No matter how you arrive at the park, you walk along a 2 km boardwalk to get to the hot springs. This 20 – 30 minute walk (one way) has many stairs, so it may not suit everyone.
The walk to the hot springs is part of the adventure and provides photo opportunities equal to those of the pools. The boardwalk offers a unique historic and artistic feel to the journey.
Please note that the hot springs are at the very end of the boardwalk. Although there are several points along the way where the ground is steaming, if you see a boardwalk in front of you, you have not yet reached your destination.
How Hot are the Hot Springs?
The spring water bubbles up deep in the earth and cascades down a small cliff into a series of naturally layered rock pools. These geothermal pools range from temperatures of at least 109ºC (228ºF) to approximately 50°C (122ºF). So yes, they are hot!
The incoming surf cools the lower pools when the tide is high, so these pools are more manageable.
How to Avoid the Crowds
As mentioned, the hot springs can get very busy, especially during the summer. To truly enjoy this location, follow in our footsteps and get there before the boats do with a float plane ride, or consider staying overnight. A private campground operated by the Hesquiaht First Nation is located just north of the government dock.
Camping at the private campground is a great way to avoid the crowds, for you will have the area to yourself after the tours have left for the day!
Maquinna Campground
Contact the Hesquiaht First Nation
Phone: (250) 670-1100
Insider Tips
- Most tour companies allow ample time (several hours) at the hot springs, so take advantage of your time by exploring the area around you. If you want a secluded place to enjoy a picnic lunch, follow the path left of Hot Springs Cove.
- Below the wooden change rooms to your left, you will see a small trail leading to some great coves with fantastic views. We climbed along the shoreline to the top of the rocks and found the perfect spot to have our lunch. It was just us, the crashing surf, a vast blue sky, and a few soaring birds.
- While entering the hot spring pools, you must maneuver around large and small rocks (which can be very sharp and slippery), so bring a pair of suitable sandals or water shoes.
Items to Bring
- camera
- bathing suits
- towels
- good walking shoes
- sandals or water shoes for the hot springs
- food and water
Special Notes
- Open-pit toilets are available at the trail's start and near the hot springs at its end.
- There are wooden change rooms available for use.
- Camping or open fires are prohibited in the park's hot springs area or in the southern part of Openit Peninsula. Use the private campground mentioned above.
- Dogs are not permitted on the boardwalk or in and around the pools.
- Alcoholic beverages are not permitted in the park.
- Glass containers are not permitted in and around the pools.
- Soap, shampoo and other cleaning materials are prohibited in or near the pools.
- There is no nudity allowed. Visitors must wear appropriate bathing apparel.
Hot Springs Cove Summary
Visiting Maquinna Provincial Park and Hot Springs Cove guarantees an unforgettable journey. Joining a tour of this magical place brings you into the heart of nature, where the allure of hot springs meets the serenity of a pristine rainforest.
Have you adventured to Hot Springs Cove? I would love to hear about it in the comments below.
Subscribe Today!
Like what you are reading? Subscribe to our newsletter to learn more about the best ways to explore Vancouver Island, and you'll also receive this free spring adventure guide.
Thanks for the information! I am looking to plan a trip with 3 other people up here in August. I noticed that you went with one company by float plain then returned by boat with another. From checking out the companies you listed, I noticed that a lot of companies actualyl offer a “sea-to-sky” tour where you can do just that. I am wondering if there are any advantages to booking with separate companies each way?
Great question! We decided to do that to beat the rush of the tours. The float plane got us there before any of the tours arrived, which allowed us to have the place to ourselves (other than one other couple). And then in order to stay longer (as well as cut down on a bit of the cost), we opted to go home with a tour company. I hope that helps!
Hot Springs Cove is one of my favourite places in the world. We camped on Maquinna for 3 days, so once the day tours emptied out again, we had the pools to ourselves. One of the rare things about these natural hot springs: they are filled up and emptied out with the changing tides. The sulfur Creek falls into the top pool and meanders into the lower tide pools, down into the ocean. The top pool is my favourite (I like burning hot water). Then it gets slightly colder in temp until you reach the ocean and are in the Pacific.
Although we lucked out with only having to share with a few other couples while we were there, I can only imagine how amazing it would be to have the pools to yourself. And yes, I love how the pools are ‘self-cleaning’. We’ve been to a few other Hot Springs around BC, and these are the only ones so far that haven’t left me feeling a squeamish.