Hot Springs Explorer
What it actually looks like
What the children do
A six to six and a half hour day trip running 32 km north from Tofino to Hot Springs Cove in Maquinna Provincial Park, on either an open Zodiac or the covered cabin vessel. The boat makes wildlife stops at sea lion haul outs, bald eagle lookouts and a seabird nesting island, and often stops for whales. At the dock everyone walks a 2 km wooden boardwalk trail to the natural sulphur pools, which run at about 50C. The rate is $239 for everyone, with no separate child fare published. A $4 provincial park fee, a $15 Ahousat First Nations stewardship fee, a $16 fuel surcharge, a $3 research and education fee and 5% tax are added at payment. The trip needs a minimum of 6 people to launch and departure times are given by phone.
Ride a boat for a long stretch each way with stops to watch sea lions, eagles, seabirds and sometimes whales, then walk a two kilometre wooden boardwalk through rainforest carrying their own food and water, and soak in hot natural pools before walking the boardwalk back.
Good to know
The covered vessel has a washroom aboard and the boathouse has restrooms and a dress-in area, and car parking is free. You pack your own food and a litre of water per person. Bus parking and a lunch space are not stated, and the cancellation terms are stricter than the other tours, so it is worth a call.
Getting there
51 Wharf St, Tofino, BC V0R 2Z0