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Distance: 4 km
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Elevation Gain: 1000 stairs
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Camping: Yes
How to Get Here
Hot Springs Cove is located along a remote area of Vancouver Island’s west coast, in Maquinna Provincial Park, about 50km northwest of Tofino. Access to the park is by taking a 1.5 hour water taxi trip or a 20-minute floatplane flight from Tofino. From the dock, the geothermal hot springs are located at the end of a 2km walk along well-maintained boardwalks and wooden stairs.
The Trail
The area is located on a major geological fault, an unstable area of the earth’s crust. The ocean water is pulled into the earth to a depth of 5km, heated to more than 100 degrees celsius before pressure pushes the water back up the earth’s surface. e heated water is released through fractured rock at a temperature around 50 degrees celsius. While the temperature of the water pouring from the rock is quite hot, when it becomes mixed with the cold ocean water, the temperature becomes very enjoyable.
Once you are at the dock, walk to the shore and past the sign, following the wooden boardwalks into the forest. The route is relatively easy and should only take about 30-40 minutes.
Once at the hot springs, there is an area to change before heading down onto the rocks. The rocks are quite sharp and best to have footwear like sandals or shoes you don’t mind getting wet.
Make sure to leave enough time for the hike back to the dock for the ride back to Tofino.
Find out more at Tofinohiking.com
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