The natural hot spring pools of Hot Spring Cove are a very unique feature. Geothermal hot springs cascade down a waterfall into half a dozen rocky pools which flow from one level to the next becoming gradually cooler as the fresh spring water is cooled by ocean swells.
Visitors flock to Maquinna Marine Provincial Park in the remote area of Clayoquot Sound to soak in the natural hot mineral spring pools. The park, located northwest of Tofino on the west coast of Vancouver Island, also encompasses a significant wilderness area known for coastal hiking, wilderness camping, sea kayaking and wildlife viewing.
Open year-round, Hot Springs Cove is only accessible by air or sea (one-hour water taxi ride from Tofino), reached by an easy hike on a 2-km attractive wooden boardwalk trail from the dock, through the old-growth rainforest with huge ancient cedars, towering Douglas firs, and spruces. The air is thick and humid, and everything is lush, damp, green and growing.
The hot pools remain at an average temperature of approximately 50 degrees Celsius. At high tide, the surf surges up into the two lower pools creating a unique blend of hot and cool water. This tidal action also flushes the pools twice daily, so they are always noticeably clean and is clear with just a faint smell and taste of sulphur.
A selection of transport packages is offered out of Tofino, combining aerial sightseeing, camping, whale watching and kayaking with the magical experience of a mineral steam bath surrounded by old-growth rain forest.
Bathing suits are not always worn. 🙂
Maquinna Provincial Marine Park