Hot Springs Cove Maquinna Marine Provincial Park
Remote geothermal hot springs accessible by boat or seaplane, nestled in an ancient rainforest on Vancouver Island.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds at the springs
Hot Springs Cove Maquinna Marine Provincial Park
Best Time
Beat the crowds at the springs
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Remote geothermal hot springs accessible by boat or seaplane, nestled in an ancient rainforest on Vancouver Island.
"A truly special place filled with unique character and charm, worth the journey."
Book Tours in Advance
Tours to Hot Springs Cove fill up fast! Book your boat or seaplane trip from Tofino early.
Wear Water Shoes
The rocks around the hot springs are sharp and slippery. Water shoes are a must!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Geothermal Hot Springs
Hot Springs Cove
Naturally heated rock pools nestled in a rainforest setting. Soak in the warm waters after a scenic hike.
Rainforest Boardwalk Trail
Maquinna Marine Provincial Park
A serene 30-minute walk through ancient old-growth forest leading to the hot springs.
Wildlife Viewing
Clayoquot Sound
Keep an eye out for whales, sea otters, seals, and diverse birdlife during your boat or seaplane journey.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Accessing Hot Springs Cove
What to Bring & Expect
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Tours in Advance
Tours to Hot Springs Cove fill up fast! Book your boat or seaplane trip from Tofino early. 
Wear Water Shoes
The rocks around the hot springs are sharp and slippery. Water shoes are a must!
Pack Your Own Food
No food or fresh water available. Bring a picnic and plenty of water for your visit.
Arrive Early
The hot springs have limited capacity. Getting there early helps avoid long waits.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Tours in Advance
Tours to Hot Springs Cove fill up fast! Book your boat or seaplane trip from Tofino early.
Wear Water Shoes
The rocks around the hot springs are sharp and slippery. Water shoes are a must!
Pack Your Own Food
No food or fresh water available. Bring a picnic and plenty of water for your visit.
Arrive Early
The hot springs have limited capacity. Getting there early helps avoid long waits.
Leave No Trace
Pack out all your garbage. There are no bins in the park.
Waterproof Phone Case
Protect your phone if you plan to take photos near the water.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning natural beauty of Hot Springs Cove, from the scenic boat rides with abundant wildlife sightings to the serene rainforest walk. The geothermal springs are a unique draw, offering a relaxing soak in a picturesque setting. However, the limited capacity of the springs and the high water temperatures can be a drawback for some, and the need to bring all supplies is a key consideration.
"After a 1h20m boat ride from Tofino, we docked at the entrance to Maquinna Marine Provincial Park. There are some modest washroom/bathroom facilities and sitting areas at the top of the boat ramp before you enter the forested trail. The walk to the geothermal Hot Springs Cove takes about 30 minutes. As of June, 2023, the board walk looked brand new. The walk is a pleasant, quiet stroll beneath towering conifers. It's serenely quiet except for the occasional bird and the thumping of your shoes on the wooden planks. Three changing rooms allow you to change clothing in privacy. TIP: Arrive early because the hot springs have limited capacity. In any event, the HOT water (50°C/122°F) means you won't be soaking more than 10 minutes. Any longer, and you risk overheating, dizziness, dehydration from excessive sweating, and severe health consequences. About six (6) hours later, the boat returned us safely to Tofino. While enjoyable, I would count this as a one-time bucket-list activity."
Glenn Leong
"Super relaxing and interesting place to visit. Stunning coastline and forest views along the way to hot spring cove. We took a tour and it took us about 1.5 hours one way by boat to the island. We spotted some great whales, sea otters, gulls, bald eagles, cormorants, California sea lions, seal, blue jay, coastal wolves, and cows. Once arrived, we walked through a trail to the hot springs which was about 1.5 km around 30-40min one way through the forest. It is an easy, well built trail with a few elevated stairs. We managed to get there in 25mins. There are a few (about 3? One the website it said 7, but we only found 3. ) small and narrowed natural geothermal rock pools. You will need to climb down a cliff filled with sharp and slippery rocks to get to the hot springs. It is way better than Harrison hot springs where you can see coastal scenery and enjoy natural rock pools. The only down side is there are way too many people in a narrowed hot spring pool.
What to bring?
- Highly recommend to bring water shoes or closed toe slippers with tractions as rocks are sharp and slippery in the hot spring cove.
- Bring your own lunch and enough water for a nice picnic on the coastal cliff. There are no restaurants or fresh water on the island.
- Bring some towels and swimsuits. There are two change rooms next to the springs. There are only two washrooms on the island. One is in the beginning of the trail. And another one is next to the hot spring.
- Bring a waterproof phone pouch if you want to take pictures in the hot springs.
- There are no lockers at the springs. There is only a long bench to put your things there. So don’t leave any expensive belongings unattended.
- Bring a garbage bag to pack out all the food waste with you. There are NO garbage bin / pick up in the park."
Linda
"We took a seaplane over this area and it is truly special from the air. Well worth the price of the flight and a super friendly pilot which told us alot about the area and surrounding islands. Gotta do it if your in Tofino. Get your camera ready because its special"
adam guthridge
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Hot Springs Cove is only accessible by boat or seaplane from Tofino. Several tour operators offer trips, with boat rides typically taking 1.5 hours each way and seaplanes offering a quicker, scenic alternative.
Boat tours usually take about 1.5 hours each way, offering opportunities for wildlife spotting. Seaplane trips are faster but can be more expensive.
No, Hot Springs Cove is located within Maquinna Marine Provincial Park and is not accessible by road. You must take a boat or seaplane.
Yes, numerous tour operators depart from Tofino and Ucluelet, offering boat and seaplane excursions to Hot Springs Cove.
Tours range from zodiacs to cabin boats, providing different levels of comfort and speed. Some tours focus on wildlife viewing along the way.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You need to book a tour with a boat or seaplane operator, which includes park access. There isn't a separate entry fee for the park itself beyond the tour cost.
The park is accessible during daylight hours, but tour operators have specific departure and return times. It's best to check with your chosen tour company.
The park itself does not have a separate entrance fee. The cost is covered by your boat or seaplane tour booking.
Independent access is not possible due to its remote location. You must book a guided tour via boat or seaplane.
The hot springs have a limited capacity. Arriving early or booking an early tour is recommended to avoid overcrowding.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
There's a 1.5 km (about 30-40 minute) walk on a well-maintained boardwalk trail through an ancient old-growth rainforest to reach the hot springs.
The water is very hot (around 50°C/122°F). It's recommended to soak for short periods (around 10 minutes) to avoid overheating and dehydration.
There are changing rooms and washrooms near the hot springs, and basic facilities at the boat dock. No food or fresh water is available.
Yes, children can visit, but parents should be cautious due to the hot water and slippery rocks. A 4-year-old might find it challenging.
You might spot whales, sea otters, seals, sea lions, bald eagles, and various seabirds during the boat or seaplane journey.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, there are no food services or restaurants at Hot Springs Cove. You must bring your own food and snacks.
Yes, bringing your own lunch for a picnic is highly recommended. There are coastal cliff areas suitable for picnicking.
Absolutely. Bring plenty of drinking water, as there is no fresh water source available in the park.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the lush rainforest, the natural hot springs, and the stunning coastal scenery during your boat trip.
It's advisable to use a waterproof phone pouch to protect your device from the water and slippery rocks.
Morning light can be beautiful in the rainforest, and the golden hour during sunset on the return trip can offer stunning views.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
🌿 Nature Enthusiasts & Wildlife Watchers
+1 The ancient rainforest trail provides an immersive experience in a unique ecosystem, with towering old-growth trees. The natural hot springs offer a unique way to relax amidst this stunning natural beauty. 🧘♀️ Relaxation Seekers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Journey to Hot Springs Cove
A seaplane offers a more rapid ascent and a breathtaking aerial perspective of the rugged coastline and the vast Pacific Ocean. While typically more expensive, the unique vantage point and the thrill of flying can be a memorable addition to your trip. Regardless of your chosen mode of transport, the scenic beauty of the journey sets the stage for the natural wonder that awaits.
Experiencing the Hot Springs
Practicalities at the springs include changing rooms and washrooms. However, it's crucial to remember that there are no food or fresh water services available. Visitors are strongly advised to bring their own provisions and, importantly, to pack out all trash to preserve the pristine environment. The limited capacity of the pools means that visiting during off-peak hours or booking an early tour is highly recommended to enhance the experience.
Wildlife Encounters
+1 Sea otters are frequently spotted, often seen playing in kelp beds or grooming themselves. Beyond marine mammals, keep an eye out for sea lions basking on rocky outcrops, seals swimming in the waters, and a variety of seabirds, including bald eagles soaring overhead. Some lucky visitors have even reported seeing coastal wolves along the shorelines.
Social
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