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The best way to unwind in nature and warm up during the colder months is, by far, to explore B.C.’s many natural hot springs. If you’re looking for a truly unparalleled experience in remote wilderness, there’s an ancient cove on the southern tip of Vancouver Island that warrants a spot on your bucket list.
Sculpted into ancient rock by the ocean’s waves over thousands of years, the geothermal Mux̣šiƛa hot springs (also known as Hot Springs Cove) are a hidden oasis if there ever was one. To reach the hot springs, visitors must head along a boardwalk trail through old-growth forest, with interpretive signs lining their journey.
How to access the hot springs
Accessible via a two-kilometre nature trail on a cedar boardwalk, the hot springs cascade down a waterfall into six rocky pools, according to BC Parks. From there, the mineral waters flow from one pool to the next, gradually cooling as the ocean water mixes with the fresh spring waters.
Situated northwest of Flores Island, the provincial park is stewarded by the Ahousaht Hahuulthi, whose land it occupies. The hot springs are a 1.5-hour boat ride from Tofino, or a 30-minute flight.
The boardwalk trail takes approximately 30 minutes to complete each way.
How much does it cost to visit?
BC Parks charges $3 per person, per day, to access Nism̓aakqin Park. There’s also the Ahousaht Stewardship Fund, which supports trail maintenance and restoration efforts throughout the area, established by the Maaqutusiis Hahoulthee Stewardship Society (MHSS).
While this fee 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).
Ready to explore Hot Springs Cove? Grab your swimsuit and rain gear, as the boardwalk can sometimes get slippery.
Enjoy your blissful soak in the hot springs!
How to get there: Take a 30-minute flight or a 1.5-hour boat ride to Nism̓aakqin Marine Park and walk 2 kilometres on the boardwalk trail from the head of the dock to the hot springs.
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