Hot Springs Cove is a wonderful day trip from Tofino. Lots of whale watching companies offer whale watching/hot springs tours for very reasonable prices. The boat ride is out on the open ocean is quite fun and there is a fair bit to see, not least the whales that you hopefully encounter. The hot springs themselves are wonderful, and the 25 minute (1.2 kilometre) walk to them is unexpectedly beautiful and interesting.
Hot springs pour into the oceanSeveral natural pools to choose fromWaterfall shower pours from cliffsBoat taxi is wonderfully scenicBoardwalk has been carved by visitorsRemote location keeps crowds awayPools are flanked by steep cliffsOcean waves spill into lower pools
Transport makes it quite expensiveWilderness camping is prohibited 
The Big Tree Trail 
Hot Springs Cove 
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Intricate cedar boardwalks and bridges move you up and through massive trees and wind through the forest. Years of interesting carvings into the boardwalk planks adorn the route. Hundreds of names of visiting people, groups, and vessels, give the walkway a historic and artistic feel to it. Along the boardwalk there are a couple very nice viewpoints looking out to the ocean beyond the forest. Upon reaching the hot springs there are some nice, beautifully built, cedar changing rooms and yet another viewpoint. Finally a short path takes you to the hot springs. Flowing through fissures in the rock the amazing 50 degree water (122F) flows from a small waterfall and continues through five wonderfully natural pools that lead to the ocean. Ocean waves occasionally burst into the lower pools in a wonderful contrast of breathtaking cold and wonderful warm water.
There are a few different ways to get to Hot Springs Cove from Tofino. A few different companies offer whale watching/hot springs tours for very reasonable prices. The boat ride is out on the open ocean is quite fun and there is a fair bit to see, not least the whales that you hopefully encounter. Along the beautiful, open ocean coastline of Vancouver Island, the swells are huge and the scenery incredible. All sorts of marine wildlife can be seen on the 50 kilometre journey to the Hot Springs. There is even a locally famous eagle nest on a small island just minutes from Tofino. The huge resident stares menacingly down as you cruise past, and even so far above the boat, looks massive. The whale watching/hot springs tours take less than two hours each way to Hot Springs Cove, and they drop you off at the dock and pick up about three hours later. The hot springs themselves are wonderful, and the 25 minute walk to them is unexpectedly beautiful and interesting. Intricate cedar boardwalks and bridges move you up and through massive trees and wind through the forest. Years of interesting carvings into the boardwalk planks adorn the route. Hundreds of names of visiting people, groups, and vessels, give the walkway a historic and artistic feel to it. Along the boardwalk there are a couple very nice viewpoints looking out to the ocean beyond the forest.
Upon reaching the hot springs there are some nice, beautifully built, cedar changing rooms and yet another viewpoint. Finally a very short trail takes you to the hot springs. Flowing through fissures in the rock the amazing 50 degree water (122F) flows from a small waterfall and continues through five wonderfully natural pools that lead to the ocean. Ocean waves occasionally burst into the lower pools in a wonderful contrast of breathtaking cold and wonderful warm water. Keep in mind that there are no food and beverage facilities convenient to the hot springs. Bring lots of food and drink and of course nothing glass in the hot springs. Unlike many other BC hot springs, swimsuits are required here. There are several ways to access Hot Springs Cove. You can take a quick and pricey float plane, whale watching boat tour, or even the leisurely InnChanter Bed & Breakfast cruise.
