Tofino Hot Springs (118F)

Category: Hot Springs-soakable

GPS GeoCoords: 49.34976, -126.25993 (verified by Ben M.)

Hot Springs Cove Moorage: 49.363, -126.264

No Nude Bathing Sign but tends to Clothing-optional after the daytrippers have gone for the day

These springs are on the West coast fault with the source temperatures a median 137F, high 203F. The high pools temperatures at the highest pool above the waterfall is around 118F and drops as the waters cascade into the lower pools.

aka Hot Springs Cove, Sharp Point Hot Springs & Ramsey Hot Springs, these springs are on provincial land within the Maquinna Provincial Park on the northern half of Claquot Sound. They are only accessible via air (20 min seaplane flight) or sea (1 hour) from the town of Tofino 27 miles to the south. Whale watching trips are often combined with trips to Hot Springs Cove. There is a public wharf in the cove. There is a lodge, B&B and campground at the wharf or you could stay on a floating B&B. The springs are open year-round.

From here it is a 30 min hike (1.6km/1mi) on boardwalk through old-growth forest to the site of the springs ($3 CAN Service Charge for trail usage).

The springs are located on a small rocky beach on the Openit Pennisula on the northern half of Clayquot Sound . . . overlooking the Pacific Ocean. There are five naturally-layed, shallow rock pools that gently cascade the hot spring waters down a narrow chasm towards the tide. The twice daily tides surge over the two lower pools providing a cleansing twice a day.

The second pool from the top sits under a cascading, hot waterfall and is a treat to the senses. There are rustic changing facilities available and nudity is common in the pools.

Tofino is at the terminus end of Highway 4 from Hwy 19 north of Nanaimo. Trip times to Tofino are 3 hrs from Nanaimo or 5 hrs from Victoria.

From Tofino to Hot Springs Cove, try:

Clayquot Connections
606 Campbell St.
Tofino, BC
(205) 726-8789

The skipper knows these waters and provides a kowledgable tour on the one hour boat ride. Typically, $75 CAN for trip.