Hot Springs Cove Tour from Tofino: Boat Ride & Natural Pools

Soak in six natural hot spring pools after a coastal boat ride and boardwalk walk through old-growth forest.

A six-hour guided tour from Tofino combines a 30 nautical mile boat ride with wildlife viewing, a 1.5 km walk on a cedar boardwalk through ancient forest, and two hours in natural geothermal pools fed by cascading waterfalls. Groups stay under 12 guests. A local guide leads the full day, and the tour includes Ahousaht stewardship fees, tea and coffee at the adventure centre, and restroom access on board.

Step-by-step itinerary

Boat ride, walk, and hot springs soak

• Boat ride with wildlife viewing
• Walk 1.5 km on cedar boardwalk
• Relax in natural geothermal pools
• Return walk to dock
• Boat ride back to Tofino

The experience

The boat ride out covers 30 nautical miles and takes 1 to 1.5 hours each way, with coastal wildlife sightings along the route. Once you reach Nism̓aakqin Park (formerly Maquinna Marine Park), you walk 30 to 45 minutes on a well-maintained cedar boardwalk through old-growth forest to reach the hot springs. The park holds cultural and spiritual significance to the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations, and the geothermal pools (called mux̣ʷšiƛa, meaning "steaming from rock") cascade down a waterfall into six rocky pools that cool progressively as fresh spring water mixes with ocean swells.

You have two hours to soak in the pools and take in the wilderness setting before the return walk to the dock and boat ride back to Tofino. The guide is a local English speaker who knows the area and its history. Tea and coffee are available at the adventure centre before departure, and there is a restroom on board.

What’s included

• Local knowledgeable guide leading the full day.
• wildlife viewing opportunities during the boat ride.
• Ahousaht stewardship and land access fees to Nism̓aakqin Park.
• tea and coffee at the adventure centre.
• restroom access on board.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 10:00

Book up to8h before

AgesAdult (19 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Youth (13 to 18 years) · Child (1 to 12 years)

GroupUp to 12 · max 6 per booking

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48h

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by The Marine Adventure Centre

Is this one for you?This is a shared guided tour with a fixed schedule and a set group size of up to 12, which keeps the experience intimate while spreading the cost of the boat and guide across multiple travelers. Choose it if you want a local guide to explain the forest, the pools and the cultural significance of the place, and if you're comfortable with a full day that includes 1 to 1.5 hours of boat travel each way.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 18 years); Child (1 to 12 years).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the boat ride like from Tofino to Hot Springs Cove?

The boat covers 30 nautical miles each way and takes 1 to 1.5 hours in each direction. You'll see coastal wildlife along the route, and the boat has a restroom on board and tea and coffee available.

How difficult is the walk to the hot springs?

The walk is 1.5 km on a well-maintained cedar boardwalk through old-growth forest, taking 30 to 45 minutes. It is described as easy and does not require technical hiking skills.

How long can I spend in the natural pools?

You have two hours to soak in the six natural geothermal pools once you reach them. The pools cascade down a waterfall and cool progressively as you move between levels.

What does the tour include?

The tour includes a local English-speaking guide for the full day, wildlife viewing opportunities, Ahousaht stewardship and land access fees, tea and coffee at the adventure centre, and restroom access on board. Lunch is not included.

How many people go on this tour?

Groups are kept to a maximum of 12 guests, creating an intimate experience rather than a large group setting.