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Before the world of tourism learned anything about the unusual hot springs on Vancouver Island’s rocky west coast, the Nuu-Chah-Nulth First Nations, who had lived in the area since time immemorial, knew about them.” “Smoking water,” or mok-she-kla-chuk in Nuu-Chah-Nulth, is the traditional name for the hot springs, which have long been used for holy healing and other uses.
Hot Springs Cove, or, Refuge Cove, is an unincorporated community on Sydney Inlet on the west side of the Openit Peninsula on Vancouver Island’s Clayoquot Sound’s West Coast. Maquinna Marine Provincial Park protects Hot Springs Cove, which gets its name from its proximity to Ramsay Hot Springs. The Hot Springs Cove post office closed in 1974, but it had been in operation since 1947, when it was first known as Sydney Inlet before being renamed in 1948. Despite the post office’s closure, there is a year-round population in the area.
Maquinna Provincial Park is 27 nautical miles northwest of Tofino and can be reached by a 20-minute seaplane flight, a 1.5-hour boat ride, or by combining all modes of transportation (Most people take a cruise there and then fly back to Tofino.)) in what is known locally as a “Sea to Sky” journey. Expect breathtaking views of the coastline and the chance of spotting wildlife along the way, whatever route you select.
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You’ll walk down a dock to the entrance to the boardwalk leading to the hot springs until you arrive at Hot Springs Cove. If you take the trail to the left, you’ll soon arrive at the campground, or you can walk the 1.5Km boardwalk trail through the old-growth forest before you reach the springs – allow about 30 minutes and be sure to look at the names carved into the wood. Choose from seven natural geothermal rock pools that gradually cool as you get closer to the ocean, and relax and take in the scenery.
The water comes out of the ground at 51ºC and creates a stream that flows towards the sea, creating pools. The water is clear it has a dissolved mineral content of chloride and sodium it also has a slight taste and smell of sulphur. The creek runs about a hundred feet past a few small pools. When the waterfalls close to the ocean floor where you soak in bowls and cracks created in the rocks
This is not a day trip to be rushed, and we suggest taking your time and budgeting six hours. sk your Tofino outfitter for a list of what to prepare, including a lunch, towel, and water, and enjoy this unique spot on BC’s coast.
Featured photo by @ilindsliving
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