TOFINO HOT SPRINGS TOUR
Hot Springs Cove Tour from Tofino
Experience one of the most unforgettable adventures on the West Coast with a Hot Springs Cove tour from Tofino. Located in the remote wilderness of Hot Springs Cove, this journey is one of the most unique things to do on Vancouver Island.
Travel by boat through the spectacular waters of Clayoquot Sound, where you may encounter whales, sea otters, sea lions, and bald eagles along the way. Upon arrival in Maquinna Provincial Park, enjoy a scenic 2 km boardwalk through old-growth rainforest leading to the hot springs.
At the end of the trail, natural mineral waters cascade down a rocky shoreline into a series of geothermal pools overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Each pool offers a different temperature as the water gradually cools while flowing toward the sea, with ocean swells refreshing the pools to create a truly unique and relaxing soaking experience.
Access to Hot Springs Cove is limited, and our park permit allows just one departure per day with a maximum of 12 guests. To secure your place on this intimate, small-group tour, we recommend booking early.
Tofino Hot Springs Tour Details
Duration: 6 Hours
Season: Year-round
Boat: Heated Cabin Cruiser
Journey through the stunning waters of Clayoquot Sound to the natural geothermal pools of Hot Springs Cove.This unforgettable Tofino experience combines wildlife viewing, coastal scenery, and a relaxing soak in oceanfront hot springs.
Hot Springs Tour Rates
Adult: $239 CAD
Senior (65+) & Youth (13–18): $239 CAD
Children (2–12): $239 CAD
Private Tour (up to 12 guests): $2,700 CAD
Park Fees, MHSS Fees, Eco Fees & GST are additional.
What’s Included:
Scenic boat through Clayoquot Sound
Wildlife viewing opportunities (whales, sea otters, eagles & more)
2 hours to explore and soak in the hot springs
Rainforest boardwalk walk to and from the pools
Tour Experience:
Travel in comfort aboard our heated cabin cruiser, featuring both indoor seating and outdoor viewing decks—ideal for enjoying the journey in any weather. The hot springs are accessed via a 2 km boardwalk through Maquinna Park. Please note that the boardwalk can be wet and slippery, and includes multiple stair sections that may be physically demanding for some guests. We recommend wearing sturdy, non-slip footwear and taking care while walking. Access to the pools requires navigating a rocky shoreline with uneven footing, which may also present challenges. Water shoes are strongly recommended for added comfort and stability in the pools.
Check-In: Please arrive 30 minutes prior to departure.
What to Expect on the Hot Springs Cove Tour
Your Hot Springs Cove Tour from Tofino begins with a scenic boat journey through the breathtaking waters of Clayoquot Sound. The three-hour round-trip adventure travels along the rugged west coast of Vancouver Island, where guests often encounter incredible wildlife including grey whales, humpback whales, sea otters, Steller sea lions, harbour seals, and bald eagles.
After arriving at Hot Springs Cove, guests follow a beautiful 2 km boardwalk trail through old-growth rainforest. The walk takes approximately 30–35 minutes each way and leads to a series of natural geothermal pools cascading over smooth rock formations beside the Pacific Ocean.
Once at the geo-thermal pools, guests can relax and soak in the warm mineral waters while enjoying views of the surrounding rainforest and ocean. The experience combines wildlife viewing, coastal scenery, and one of the most unique natural hot springs on the west coast.
Tours depart from the harbour in Tofino and provide a memorable way to explore the remote wilderness of Vancouver Island.
Washrooms and a change room are located in the Park near the Tofino Hot Springs pools.
Travel in Comfort Aboard Our 30-ft Covered Cabin Cruiser
Your adventure to Hot Springs Cove takes place aboard our 30-foot Covered Cabin Cruiser — designed for comfort, safety, and exceptional coastal viewing.
Enjoy:
Comfortable indoor seating
Protection from West Coast weather
Large viewing windows for wildlife spotting
Full onboard safety equipment
A professional captain and knowledgeable naturalist guide
The covered design provides a smooth and stable ride while navigating the spectacular coastal waters surrounding Tofino and the pristine inlets of Clayoquot Sound.
Rain or shine, you’ll stay warm, dry, and comfortable while enjoying panoramic views of Vancouver Island’s rugged shoreline. Our cabin cruiser allows guests to experience the Tofino Hot Springs Tour in comfort — making it the perfect vessel for exploring the wild West Coast.
WHAT TO BRING ON THE TOFINO HOT SPRINGS COVE TOUR:
Dress warmly in layers for the open boat (long sleeves, pants, fleece or sweater)
Rain gear (if it is raining)
Good walking shoes
Winter hat (early Spring / late Fall)
Snacks/lunch (to enjoy at the springs)
Drinking water, 2 bottles - stay hydrated
Camera
Your favourite brand of anti-motion sickness tablets (candied ginger and chewing gum can help)
Sunglasses / sunscreen
Towel
Swimsuit
Bring Teva sandals or water shoes to wear in the hot springs (the rocks can be slippery)
A backpack to carry your items in
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
The Hot Springs boardwalk in Maquinna Park is 2 km and can be slippery and wet so wear good footwear and be mindful of the boardwalk conditions. The boardwalk includes numerous sections of stairs and has many steps that could be physically challenging for some visitors. Access to the pools is through a rock strewn area and may also pose challenges due to the uneven footing. We recommend water shoes for in the pools.
Hot Springs Cove is a remote Provincial Park. There is no fresh water, no services or stores. The pool water is hot (average 50 degrees Celsius) and it is important to monitor your time in the hot springs so that you do not become overwhelmed by the heat or become dehydrated.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
Make sure you read & understand our booking policies and waiver terms before processing your reservation.
Read our cancellation policy and note we have a 48 hour policy to cancel.
These trips may not be suitable for people who are pregnant or with serious back or neck problems - please let us know at time of booking of any such conditions.
Each passenger is required to sign a Release of Liability at check-in. Participants must be 19 years of age or require a parent or guardian to sign on their behalf.
An eco wildlife conservation fee of $3 will be added to each fare in support of maintaining the ecosystem in Clayoquot Sound.
The BC Parks access fee is $4 per guest.
The Ahousaht Hot Springs access fee is $15 per guest.
Multi-tour discounts, $15 off second and additional tours, contact us to book your tours so you receive the discount.
Dogs, glass, soap and alcohol are prohibited in the hot springs.
Visitors must wear appropriate bathing apparel.
All commercial companies are only allowed 1 boat a day with 12 passengers to access Maquinna Park. Hot Springs will not be as busy as it has been in previous years!
Whales are not guaranteed on this tour.
This tour is not suitable for infants.
Where do I park? Tofino has introduced Downtown Paid Parking to the downtown core. The DOT has a mix of unrestricted and Pay Parking areas. Parking rules and restrictions are indicated by signs at the various locations. RV parking is available on Gibson Street, 2 blocks away from our office.
Hot Springs Cove Tour Access Information
The two km boardwalk to the hot springs includes many sections of stairs and may not be suitable for all visitors. Some areas can be physically challenging.
The wooden boardwalk can be wet and slippery, so sturdy footwear is recommended. Access to the pools requires walking across uneven, rock-strewn areas. Please enter the springs with caution. Water shoes are recommended.
Alcoholic beverages are not permitted in the park.
There are no stores in Maquinna Provincial Park, so please bring your own snacks, lunch, and water for the day.
A visit to Hot Springs Cove is one of the most unforgettable experiences on the west coast of Vancouver Island. Our Hot Springs Cove Tour from Tofino combines wildlife viewing, coastal scenery, and a relaxing soak in natural geothermal pools.
Cancellation Policy
Plans changed? We’ve got you covered.
We understand that travel plans can shift. Contact us at least 48 hours before your departure to cancel or reschedule your tour for a full refund — no questions asked.
More Details:
Public Tours
• Full refund with 48+ hours’ notice
• No refunds within 48 hours of departure
• Changes not permitted within 48 hours
Private Tours
• Full refund with 72+ hours’ notice
• No refunds within 72 hours
Operator Cancellations
• Full refund if we cancel due to weather or sea conditions
To Cancel or Reschedule
Please call us at 1-888-474-2288
Tofino Hot Springs Tour FAQs
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The tour travels 27 nautical miles north of Tofino to Hot Springs Cove, which is only accessible by boat or floatplane.
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The tour lasts about 6 hours total. Typical breakdown:
1.5-hour boat ride each way (opportunities for wildlife viewing)
30-minute boardwalk hike each way (2 km)
About 2 hours soaking in the hot springs
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Yes!
Washrooms are located near the dock and at the springs.
There are change rooms before entering the pools.
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Check in for the tour at least 30 minutes before departure time.
Tour departs on time
Enjoy a 1.5 hour boat ride from Tofino to Hot Springs Cove
Walk the 2 km boardwalk to the pools (takes about 30 minutes)
You have 2 hours to enjoy the geo-thermal pools and eat your picnic lunch
Walk the 2 km boardwalk from the pools to the dock (takes about 30 minutes)
Enjoy a 1.5 hour boat ride back to Tofino
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The boardwalk trail to the hot springs is approximately 2 km each way and includes about 700 steps. Most guests complete the hike in 30–35 minutes at a relaxed pace. Please note that the trail may be challenging for guests with limited mobility due to the stairs and uneven sections.
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We suggest good walking shoes, warm clothing, swimsuit, towel, back pack to carry your items in, water, snacks and lunch. Pro tip: bring water sandals or Tevas to wear in the hot springs pools.
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The boat journey from Tofino travels through one of the richest marine ecosystems on the west coast. Wildlife sightings can include grey whales, humpback whales, sea otters, Steller sea lions, harbour seals, bald eagles, and seabirds. Every tour is unique and wildlife sightings vary throughout the year.
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Yes. The pools at Hot Springs Cove are completely natural geothermal hot springs. The warm mineral water flows through rock formations, creating several soaking pools beside the ocean.
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We recommend bringing:
Swimsuit
Towel
Water shoes or sandals (Tevas work well)
Warm layers or a waterproof jacket, good walking shoes
A backpack to carry your items in
Drinking water
Snacks & lunch
A camera for wildlife sightings
Pair It With Other Wildlife Tours
Whale Watching Tours — See orcas, humpbacks, and gray whales
Bear & Whale Combo Tour — For the ultimate wildlife experience, combine both bear and whale watching on our 4-hour tour
Bird Watching Tours — Explore the coastal wildlife and marine birds of Clayoquot Sound
Booking & Online Discounts
How to Book:
Booking your hot springs tour is easy — simply reserve your spot online or call us at 1‑888‑474‑2288. Online booking ensures you get the best available dates and times for your preferred vessel.
Exclusive Online Discount:
Book a second tour online with us (e.g., whale watching or another wildlife tour) and receive a special discount — the more you explore, the more you save! When you book online the system will prompt you to book a second tour with that discount before you check-out.
Looking for more wildlife adventures? Explore our Whale Watching Tours, Hot Springs Tour and Bird Watching Tours
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![Tofino Hot Springs Tour Boat]()
HOT SPRINGS COVE TOUR
Year-round | 6 Hours | From $239 Adult | Ages 3+ | Boardwalk Hike
Experience:
Scenic Boat Ride • Hike • Soak • Wildlife Sightings -
![Breaching humpback whale on a whale tour in Tofino]()
WHALE WATCHING TOURS
March–November | 2.5 Hours | From $169 Adult | All Ages
Wildlife:
Humpback Whales • Grey Whales • Sea Otters -
![A sea otter eating a crab on a tour in Tofino]()
SEA OTTER TOUR
Year-round | 2 Hours | From $139 Adult | All Ages
Wildlife:
Sea Otters • Sea Lions • Harbor Seals • Bald Eagles • Shorebirds -
![Tufted puffins on a bird watching tour in Tofino]()
BIRD WATCHING TOUR
May–September | 2.5 Hours | From $169 Adult | Ages 8+
Wildlife:
Tufted Puffins • Surf Birds -
![Black bear on a Tofino & Whale Combo Tour]()
BEAR & WHALE COMBO TOURS
March–November | 4 Hours | From $269 Adult | Ages 12+
Wildlife:
Black Bears • Whales • Sea Otters • Seals -
![Black bear on bear watching tour in Tofino]()
BEAR WATCHING TOURS
April–October | 2.5–3 Hours | From $169 Adult | All Ages
Wildlife:
Black Bears • Bald Eagles • Herons • Shorebirds
