Hot Springs Cove
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Located in Maquinna Provincial Park in the remote northern end of Clayoquot Sound, is a splendid hot spring still enjoyable in its natural state. The boiling spring water cascades down a small cliff into a series of layered rock pools, cooled by the incoming ocean surf. Open year-round and accessible only by sea or air, guided tours from Tofino explore Hot Springs Cove, a popular destination with kayakers after paddling past Flores and Vargas Islands.
Here it is, what many consider to be the best and most gorgeous of any hot springs anywhere. Three, rock-lined pools are tiered down the slope with the last one spilling into the ocean just below. At one end, a waterfall splashes down into the pool area, offering a cooling retreat after a soak. Sitting in one of the pools, you could easily imagine that you are at the very edge of the world as you gaze out toward the Pacific Ocean from your surroundings of water and mountains.

Directions: Hot Springs Cove, on the west coast of Vancouver Island near Tofino, also may be one of the most remote and inaccessible. Not that it can't be reached, it just takes awhile. Aside from flying in on a plane or cruising in on a pleasure boat, there is basically one way to reach the area. Follow Canadian Highway 1 north from Victoria through Duncan and Nanaimo; then go north on B.C. Highway 19 to Parkerville. In Parkerville, go west on B.C. Highway 4 to Tofino. Tofino is 150 miles from Victoria.

There one finds rugged beaches, dark fjords and wild forests. Several local outfits can take you to the springs by boat or fly you in by float plane, a distance of about twenty-five miles. From the boat or plane dock, it is about a 1/2-mile, easy hike into the hot springs. Be sure to make some arrangements for your return, whether it's the same day or the following day (camping overnight is recommended). Kenmore Air Harbor offers direct service from Seattle's Lake Union to Tofino on a charter basis. You can fly from Lake Union to Tofino in about 2 1/2 hours. For details call Kenmore Air Harbor at (206) 486-8400.

Once there you'll realize all the effort was worth it. Soaking in the rock lined pools with a mountain looming overhead, it's easy to understand why it has been described as "magical." Chances are you'll have the whole place to yourself, particularly early in the morning. Off season, especially during the fall months, is ideal. Bathing suits are rarely worn. One word of warning: At high tide the lower pool disappears into the ocean.

lsa on the rocks.
base of the cove

boardwalk to cove

The hot springs are a favourite destination for travelers, sea kayaks and whale watchers. The area offers excellent fishing, boating, hiking and diving. The cove itself is about 2 miles long, averaging about one third of a mile in width. It is quite protected from the open Pacific storms and is relatively shallow, offering good anchorage. The Cove got it's name after the natural hot springs which are located at the south end of a narrow peninsula on the east side of the Cove. The springs' slightly sulphurous waters average about 105 degrees Fahrenheit, and are perched right at the water's edge overlooking the open ocean, within the boundaries of Maquinna Provincial Marine Park. A well maintained one and a half mile long cedar trail winds through an old growth forest from the Government Public Wharf.

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