A Fantastic Experience at the All Natural Hot Springs Cove Near Tofino, B.C.

Day 7, Thursday

This boat trip was an hour and half long each way, taking us from Tofino to Hot Springs Cove, B.C. and  was an enjoyable ride.

Maquinna, commonly known as Hot Springs Cove, is a remote community with about 40 residents.

Being an educator all my life, I was interested in the children's education and specifically asked our guide about it.

There are five students with one teacher teaching in a school in this community. The school was built at the cost of one million Canadian dollars for them on this island.

Hot Springs Cove,  B.C. a small community with about forty residents

After the boat ride to the cove, we had to walk for another 1.9 km before reaching the hot spring. The trail was paved with wooden planks so the walk was smooth.





















One interesting thing we noticed on this walk was the engravings on many of the steps. Many of the engravings looked pretty elaborate and professional.














Some were engraved with names to remember certain loved ones passed away, while some were by a class or groups with friends.

Our favourite one was the marriage proposal engraved for a lady.We could imagine the look on the face of that lady for whom this message was intended.

The scenery on this paved wooden path was surreal. We were surrounded by hundred year old trees in this provincial marine park.

Walking the trail at the Provincial Marine Park at Hot Springs Cove, B.C.

Words could not describe what we saw and pictures did not capture the awesome beauty of this forest full of mature trees, plants and animal lives.

We were told that the hike was about 30 minutes, but the trail seemed never ending and it just kept going. Fortunately, the trail was beautiful, relaxing and we did not mind walking. 

Hot spring water was flowing out from the cracks of the rocks

Finally we reached the hot springs. There was a washroom, a co-ed change area with a long solid wood bench and  some hooks to hang our bags.








There were no stores,  lockers nor refreshments stand. There was nothing we could buy, a real rugged Canadian outdoor experience.

Looking out to the Pacific Ocean at Hot Springs Cove, British Columbia, Canada

I was glad that we came prepared with everything we needed and enjoyed a picnic lunch on the rocks.

Caution: Rock surfaces were wet & slippery when going down to the natural pools at Hot Springs Cove.

We changed into our bathing suits, gingerly walked down the rocks to where the hot water was.

There were two small areas where visitors could sit, immerse themselves and soak in the fresh hot water coming from the springs. However, we needed to be mindful and careful navigating our way down among the rocks as the rock surfaces were wet, and slippery.  

Enjoying the hot spring water a lot!

Once when we found our spot in the natural small pool, it was fantastic!  The water was very warm!  We could smell the sulfur and felt relaxed soaking in the natural pool.

We were there for a little while, enjoying the water, talking to fellow visitors. There were people from the States, Netherlands, and Spain. Everyone was relaxed, helping each other getting in and out of the soaking areas, and taking pictures etc.

This was truly international cooperation in action among the soakers at the Hot Springs Cove.

Hot Springs Cove, - a rugged outdoor experience in B.C.

We did not want to leave the hot springs and wanted to stay there to enjoy the hot water .

But our boat, the last one of the day, was leaving at 5:30pm from the dock.

It was an amazing wonderful outdoor  experience, the highlight of our west coast vacation! We totally loved it!

R.T.

Hot Springs Cove
British Columbia
Canada