Tofino Hot Springs Tour
Hot Springs Cove Tour from Tofino
Experience one of the most unforgettable adventures on Vancouver Island with a Hot Springs Cove Tour from Tofino. Travel by boat through the spectacular waters of Clayoquot Sound to the natural geothermal pools at Hot Springs Cove, located within Maquinna Marine Provincial Park. Accessible only by boat or float plane, these remote oceanfront hot springs have been attracting visitors to the west coast of Vancouver Island for generations.
Operating since 1986, The Whale Centre offers a scenic and informative boat tour through this remarkable coastal wilderness, departing from the harbour in Tofino.
Tour Highlights:
Scenic boat ride along the wild Pacific coastline
Opportunities to spot whales, sea lions, sea otters, seals and seabirds
A 2 km rainforest boardwalk hike each way to the hot springs pools
Soaking in natural geothermal rock pools overlooking the ocean
Hot Springs Cove access is limited and our permit allows only one boat per day, so tours often sell out in advance.
Tofino Hot Springs Tour
Adult: $239
Senior (65+) & Youth (13–18): $239
Children (2–12): $239
Private Tour (up to 12 guests): $2,700
Please note: Park Fees, MHSS Fees, Eco Fees & GST are added to the tour price.
Tour Duration: 6 Hours
Boat: Heated Cabin Cruiser Boat
Tour Includes:
Scenic boat travel through Clayoquot Sound
Wildlife viewing opportunities along the way
2 hours to explore and soak at the hot springs
Rainforest boardwalk walk to and from the pools
Check-In: Please arrive 30 minutes before departure.
What You’ll Experience on the Tofino Hot Springs Tour
Scenic Boat Ride
Your tour begins with a scenic journey aboard a comfortable vessel through the protected waters of Clayoquot Sound. As you travel away from Tofino’s harbour, enjoy dramatic views of forested shorelines, islands, and wildlife.
Explore Untouched Coastal Wilderness
The route hugs lush temperate rainforests and quiet coves — a perfect introduction to the diverse ecosystems of Vancouver Island’s west coast. Along the way, your captain and naturalist guides share insights about local history, ecology, and First Nations connections to the land and sea.
Soak in Natural Hot Springs
Once you arrive at the hot springs in the provincial park — a secluded geothermal site tucked into the forest — enjoy time soaking in mineral-rich thermal pools. The experience is immersive and restorative, surrounded by moss-covered trees, trickling streams, and the soothing sounds of nature.
Warm up, relax, and let the stress melt away — perfect for adventurers, nature lovers, and anyone seeking rejuvenation in a spectacular setting.
Seasonal & Year-Round Availability
While best enjoyed in mild weather, the Tofino Hot Springs Tour operates with seasonal scheduling and can be arranged throughout much of the year — offering a unique experience whether in lush summer greens or misty coastal winter landscapes.
What Makes This Tofino Hot Springs Tour Unique?
Boat access only — no road access
Small group experience
Scenic wildlife viewing en route
Professional, local guides
Safe, comfortable vessels
A perfect blend of adventure and relaxation
Whether you’re visiting Tofino for a romantic getaway, family adventure, or bucket-list experience, this tour offers something truly special.
Travel in Comfort Aboard Our 30-ft Covered Cabin Cruiser
Your adventure 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.
Cancellation Policy
Need to cancel or reschedule – no problem! Just contact us at least 48 hours prior to your adventure’s departure to reschedule or to cancel (and receive a full refund), no questions asked.
MORE DETAILS:
For independent travel bookings of 9 passengers or less: 48 hours before scheduled departure, partial or whole cancellations made within 48 hours before departure will be charged 100% of the tour price. Tour amendments cannot be completed within a 48-hour window. There will be no refunds for cancellations within the cancellation period.
Private tours require 72 hours notice to cancel for a full refund.
Promotional or discounted bookings are non refundable.
BEST WAY TO CANCEL:
Call our office at 1-888-474-2288
Looking for more wildlife adventures? Explore our Whale Watching Tours and Bear Watching Tours departing from Tofino.
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![Breaching humpback whale on a whale tour in Tofino]()
WHALE WATCHING TOURS
March–November | 2.5 Hours | From $169 Adult | All Ages
Join our guided whale watching tour and explore the wild waters of Clayoquot Sound. Experience incredible encounters with whales and marine wildlife while our expert guides share insights about the ecosystem and its inhabitants.
Wildlife:
Humpback Whales • Grey Whales • Orcas • Sea Otters • Sea Lions -
![Black bear on bear watching tour in Tofino]()
BEAR WATCHING TOURS
April–October | 2.5–3 Hours | From $169 Adult | All Ages
Cruise the calm inlets of Clayoquot Sound and watch black bears forage along the shoreline for crabs and fish. Spot bald eagles, herons, and other coastal wildlife while enjoying scenic views with expert local guides.
Wildlife:
Black Bears • Bald Eagles • Herons • Shorebirds -
![Tufted puffins on a bird watching tour in Tofino]()
BIRD WATCHING TOUR
May–September | 2.5 Hours | From $169 Adult | Ages 8+
From Tofino cruise the open ocean to Cleland Island Bird Sanctuary with expert local guides. Observe seabirds in their natural habitat while enjoying stunning coastal views.
Wildlife:
Tufted Puffins • Surf Birds -
![A sea otter eating a crab on a tour in Tofino]()
SEA OTTER TOUR
Year-round | 2 Hours | From $139 Adult | All Ages
Cruise the calm inlets and coastal waters of Clayoquot Sound with expert local guides to spot playful sea otters in their natural habitat. Keep an eye out for sea lions, harbor seals, bald eagles, and other coastal wildlife along the way.
Wildlife:
Sea Otters • Sea Lions • Harbor Seals • Bald Eagles • Shorebirds -
![Black bear on a Tofino & Whale Combo Tour]()
BEAR & WHALE COMBO TOURS
March–November | 4 Hours | From $269 Adult | Ages 12+
Explore the scenic waters of Clayoquot Sound on our Bear & Whale Combo Tour, combining two incredible wildlife experiences in one unforgettable adventure. Cruise along the rugged coastline in search of whales offshore and watch for black bears foraging along the shoreline at low tide.
Wildlife:
Humpback Whale • Grey Whale • Sea Otter • Sea Lion
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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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.
