Hot Springs Cove Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo provided by Destination BC/Dave Heath
Photo provided by Destination BC/Stay & Wander
Photo provided by Destination BC/Stay & Wander
Photo provided by Destination BC/Andrew Strain
Photo provided by Destination BC/Kari Medig

Geothermally heated waters bubble up through the rocks before tumbling into the sea at one of Vancouver Island’s most remarkable natural attractions.

Nature becomes a luxurious spa at Hot Springs Cove, a secluded corner of Vancouver Island’s coastline where thermal waters cascade into the ocean. This wilderness waterfall is not only a geothermic marvel, but also a scenic natural escape. Dip into the heated pools and gaze out at the open ocean views.

The water here flows through a fissure deep underground, where it is heated to temperatures as high as 228 F (109 C) before being forced back to the surface. Once back in the open it gets cooler in natural pools of about 122 F (50 C). Watch the steam rising off the river, giving an immediate impression of the water’s warmth.

Stroll along a boardwalk through the woodland to find a swimming spot. The walk, which takes about 30 minutes, leads through a grove of green cedar trees and runs alongside the river as it cools.

Soak in one of the still pools and sit beneath the torrent of the waterfall for a powerful natural shower. The consistent warm water temperatures ensure comfortable visits at any time of year.

Although the springs are popular, local authorities have resisted the temptation to turn the cove into a tourist hotspot and the area remains largely undeveloped. Relax and enjoy the uninterrupted scenery along the other side of the cove. Watch for the whales that frequent the waters around Clayoquot Sound.

Beat the crowds to the springs by staying nearby. Accommodations are available near the cove, which allows visitors regular access to the geological phenomenon.

Hot Springs Cove is not an easy destination to find. Join a tour group from Tofino, which is about 30 miles (50 kilometers) southeast of the springs. Guides will then take you by boat or seaplane to this exclusive spot on the rugged coastline of Vancouver Island. Combine your trip to the springs with whale watching or a longer exploration of the island’s beautiful shores.

Radisson Blu Vancouver Airport Hotel & Marina
Radisson Blu Vancouver Airport Hotel & Marina
4 out of 5
3500 Cessna Dr, Richmond, BC
The price is ₹16,299 per night from 4 Aug to 5 Aug
₹16,299
₹19,096 total
4 Aug - 5 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star luxury hotel in Richmond. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,241 reviews)
"Only real complaint is that only one of three elevators was working which made for long waits and uncomfortable elevator rides. Otherwise would have been 5 stars. Staff was lovely and hotel was clean."

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2025

Radisson Blu Vancouver Airport Hotel & Marina
River Rock Casino Resort
River Rock Casino Resort
4 out of 5
8811 River Road, Richmond, BC
Stay at this 4-star luxury resort in Richmond. Enjoy a full-service spa, 5 restaurants and a marina. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (9,330 reviews)
"My boyfriend and I had a great time at the river rock, however, we were disappointed in the service with the staff. We asked if we could get housekeeping to our room as we were occupying our room in the hours that they were on our floor. When we asked we were told that they would not be able to do ..."

Reviewed on 12 Jul 2025

River Rock Casino Resort
Harrison Hot Springs Resort and Spa
Harrison Hot Springs Resort and Spa
3 out of 5
100 Esplanade Avenue, Harrison Hot Springs, BC
The price is ₹12,197 per night from 22 Jul to 23 Jul
₹12,197
₹15,966 total
22 Jul - 23 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star spa hotel in Harrison Hot Springs. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 3 outdoor pools and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
7.8/10 Good! (3,850 reviews)
Classic hotel, but some stuff still to learn
"The pools and breakfast were amazing, as always. Super comfy bed, too. My 3yo had a great time! But check-in was understaffed and we had trouble getting timely valet service at first- which was kind of a big deal given that it was just me and a very tired toddler."

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2025

Harrison Hot Springs Resort and Spa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Pinnacle Hotel Whistler Village
Pinnacle Hotel Whistler Village
3.5 out of 5
4319 Main St, Whistler, BC
Stay at this aparthotel in Whistler. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (4,609 reviews)
"The location was great, it was close to the village. The room was great, it was clean and bed was comfortable. The pool and hot tub were enjoyable. The service wasn't great, I didn't find guest services to be warm or friendly. I had an issue with the oven, i had to follow up several times before ..."

Reviewed on 11 Jul 2025

Pinnacle Hotel Whistler Village
Divya Sutra Plaza and Conference Centre, Vernon, BC
Divya Sutra Plaza and Conference Centre, Vernon, BC
4 out of 5
4801 27 St, Vernon, BC
Stay at this 4-star ski aparthotel in Vernon. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,239 reviews)
"Is a very nice hotel and reasonable price"

Reviewed on 11 Jul 2025

Divya Sutra Plaza and Conference Centre, Vernon, BC
The Parkside Hotel & Spa
The Parkside Hotel & Spa
3.5 out of 5
810 Humboldt Street, Victoria, BC
Stay at this 3.5-star spa aparthotel in Victoria. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,952 reviews)
"Very very nice place and good location. Free borrow bikes was a nice touch."

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2025

The Parkside Hotel & Spa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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