Categories: Travel

This BC boardwalk trail through old-growth forest leads to natural hot springs

Photo via Shutterstock

Looking for a lesser-known adventure before the season ends? There’s a beautiful boardwalk trail near Tofino that meanders through old-growth forest before arriving at Hot Springs Cove, British Columbia – a series of geothermal hot springs that date back thousands of years ago.

Located at Maquinna Marine Park (a 1.5-hour boat ride or 30-minute flight from Tofino), the natural hot springs are truly a sight to behold, with six naturally heated mineral pools awaiting those who embark on the journey there.

To get to the park, visitors can fly or take a boat across the scenic Clayoquot Sound, spotting foraging black bears, sea otters, and flukes of humpback whales along the way.

Tourism Tofino recommends wearing sandals with straps or water shoes on the 30-minute boardwalk trail, especially as weather conditions make the path more slippery.

The mineral pools themselves flow from one to the next, gradually becoming cooler as ocean water mixes.

The pools are fed by fresh spring water, which cascades down a beautiful waterfall.

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Day-use fees

Note that BC Parks charges a $3 per person for day-use access to Maquinna Park. In addition, MHSS (park operator) has established the Ahousaht Stewardship Fund as a way for visitors to financially support the work of the Ha’wiłh, Stewardship Guardians, Biologists and MHSS in carrying out the Ha’wiłh’s ancestral responsibilities.

While this fund is voluntary, visitors are encouraged to donate $15 per person per day for access to the park and hot springs (including the $3 BC parks fee)

So there you have it, hot spring lovers! It’s a great time to plan a trip to the Island if you haven’t already, and this spot is at the top of our lists.

Happy relaxing!