Is this trip suitable for children?

Yes, children aged 5 and older can enjoy this trip, provided they are comfortable on the boat and able to walk the 2 km boardwalk trail.

Are the hot springs open year-round?

Yes, the natural hot springs in Maquinna Provincial Park maintain warm temperatures throughout the year, but tours typically operate March through October.

What wildlife might we see during the boat ride?

Guests often spot bald eagles, sea lions, various seabirds, and sometimes whales as they travel through Clayoquot Sound.

Is the boardwalk trail wheelchair accessible?

No, the trail features natural terrain and is not currently wheelchair accessible.

Can expectant mothers join the tour?

It is not recommended due to the boat ride conditions and potential strain from walking the trail.

Are food and drinks provided?

No, participants should bring their own lunch and snacks as they spend several hours on the excursion.

Explore Hot Springs Cove: A Scenic Boat Adventure to Natural Thermal Pools Near Tofino

Located in the remote northern reaches of Clayoquot Sound, British Columbia, Hot Springs Cove offers a unique blend of marine wildlife, lush temperate rainforest, and soothing geothermal waters. This natural hot spring area is tucked within Maquinna Provincial Park, a protected expanse boasting dense old-growth forests and rugged coastal scenery. Just 32 kilometers from the vibrant town of Tofino, the Hot Springs Explorer trip delivers an immersive outdoor experience accessible by a scenic boat ride followed by a peaceful walk along a 2-kilometer boardwalk trail.

The journey begins at 51 Wharf Street in Tofino, where guests board a cabin vessel tailored for groups up to 12 people. As you cruise through Clayoquot Sound, keep your eyes peeled for orca whales breaching off the bow, bald eagles circling overhead, and playful sea lions bobbing in the waves. The boat passage offers a crisp window into the region’s rich marine ecosystem, setting the tone for a day deeply connected to nature.

Disembarking at the dock, adventurers stroll through moss-draped rainforest on the elevated wooden boardwalk that winds through fern-carpeted terrain and towering Western red cedars. The boardwalk ensures minimal environmental impact while providing safe and comfortable access year-round. As you arrive at the hot springs, expect to find a series of natural rock pools heated by geothermal activity averaging 50°C (110°F). These mineral-rich thermal waters offer a rejuvenating soak against the backdrop of the rugged coastline and dense forest.

Operating seasonally from March or April through October, this excursion suits travelers aged five and up seeking moderate physical activity paired with relaxation. Suitable footwear is essential for the forested trail, and visitors are encouraged to bring a packed lunch to enjoy alongside the pristine natural surroundings. The Hot Springs Explorer is not recommended for expectant mothers or guests with back issues due to the nature of the boat ride and trail.

What makes this adventure stand out is its seamless integration of multiple outdoor elements: marine wildlife viewing, rainforest hiking, and natural hot springs soaking. This combination within a single day-trip solidifies Hot Springs Cove as a must-visit destination on Vancouver Island’s rugged west coast. It highlights the ecological diversity and untouched wilderness that define the Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

For visitors based in Tofino, this adventure offers a refreshing contrast to the town’s surf culture, bringing a quiet, contemplative pace through spectacular scenery. Whether you’re a nature lover, outdoor enthusiast, or simply looking for a calming experience away from city life, Hot Springs Cove delivers an unforgettable Pacific Northwest journey.

About Remote Passages Marine Excursions

Remote Passages Marine Excursions is a Tofino-based marine tour operator offering wildlife and coastal adventures in Clayoquot Sound and surrounding waters.

The company operates guided Zodiac and cabin vessel whale watches, sea kayaking trips, coastal bear-watching excursions, and Hot Springs Cove transfers to Maquinna Provincial Park. Experienced local guides lead small-group Zodiac outings (24’ ZODIAC) for Coastal Bear Watch trips where guests observe black bears foraging along fjord shores, plus sightings of seals and bald eagles. The Whale Watch Plus Program is offered aboard both Zodiac and cabin vessels, drawing on more than 30 years of regional expertise to locate Grey and Humpback whales, sea otters, and diverse marine habitats. Sea Kayaking • Islands tours provide guided paddle experiences around Tofino’s outer-coast islands, with opportunities to view eagles, otters, and intertidal life while learning about the area's cultural and natural history. The Hot Springs Explorer includes a boat transfer and a scenic 2-kilometre boardwalk to Hot Springs Cove in Maquinna Provincial Park, about 32 kilometres from Tofino, allowing visitors to access geothermal pools year-round.

Safety equipment and knowledgeable direction are emphasized across trips; flotation suits mentioned for some Zodiac excursions improve comfort in cool water conditions. Remote Passages focuses on responsible wildlife viewing within Clayoquot Sound’s protected ecosystems and supports visitor education about marine and coastal environments. Reservations, seasonal schedules, and accessibility details are available through the company’s booking channels. Tours operate seasonally with multiple daily departures during peak months and private charters available on request for groups and photographers.