This BC marine park is home to natural warm springs connected by a historic route

Just because summer’s over doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy an island trip. Open year-round on Flores Island in British Columbia is Gibson Marine Park, a sheltered area in the Matilda Inlet that’s absolutely worth the visit.

Known across the globe as a kayaking haven, Flores Island is a popular destination for wildlife viewing, beachcombing at Whitesand Cove, and kayaking. Gibson Marine Park in particular boasts spectacular sandy beaches, connected by the famed Ahousaht Wildside Heritage Trail (AKA the “Walk the Wild Side Trail”), which extends 10 kilometres from Ahousaht to Cow Bay.

Those who are up for a bit of an adventure can also venture on a historic, unmaintained route leading to natural warm springs, which are considered to be of therapeutic value.

The warm springs are connected to the broad, sandy beaches at Whitesand Cove, contained in an open concrete tank.

According to BC Parks, the route there once provided access to a life-saving telegraph line and an old homestead.

Note that some sections of the trails may be muddy and slippery this time of year, according to BC Parks.

The Ahousaht Wildside Heritage Trail is best accessed from the village of Ahousaht via a water taxi from the 1st Street dock in Tofino.

So there you have it, BC! There’s no end date to this island adventure.

Gibson Marine Park

How to get there: Take a ferry to Nanaimo from Horseshoe Bay and drive three hours to Tofino, then take a 15-minute Water Taxi to Flores Island.

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