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.

River Rock Casino Resort

River Rock Casino Resort

4 out of 5
8811 River Road, Richmond, BC
The price is ฿5,533 per night from 2 Sept to 3 Sept
฿5,533
฿7,027 total
2 Sept - 3 Sept
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (9,565 reviews)
"I stayed at River Rock with my family, and we all enjoyed the pool after a long flight. My grandson was in ecstasy with the rock slide and he stayed in the pool for several hours. The rooms were spacious and clean, and the views of the river beautiful. My grandson wants to come back next year."

Reviewed on 25 Aug 2025

River Rock Casino Resort
Radisson Blu Vancouver Airport Hotel & Marina

Radisson Blu Vancouver Airport Hotel & Marina

4 out of 5
3500 Cessna Dr, Richmond, BC
The price is ฿6,527 per night from 7 Sept to 8 Sept
฿6,527
฿7,646 total
7 Sept - 8 Sept
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! (2,699 reviews)
"Staff always friendly - bell hop, front desk, cleaning crew."

Reviewed on 25 Aug 2025

Radisson Blu Vancouver Airport Hotel & Marina
Fairmont Empress

Fairmont Empress

4.5 out of 5
721 Government St, Victoria, BC
The price is ฿9,369 per night from 2 Sept to 3 Sept
฿9,369
฿10,976 total
2 Sept - 3 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa hotel in Victoria. Enjoy a full-service spa, 2 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,239 reviews)
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Reviewed on 25 Aug 2025

Fairmont Empress
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.
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! (1,490 reviews)
"I wish that the bar was open"

Reviewed on 23 Aug 2025

Divya Sutra Plaza and Conference Centre, Vernon, BC
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! (4,734 reviews)
Lovely Stay
"I had a lovely stay at the Pinnacle for a solo self love reset trip away. Room was comfortable and I koved the kitchenette and jacuzzi in my room! Staff was very friendly and accommodating. The location was fantastic too! I cant wait to go back!"

Reviewed on 24 Aug 2025

Pinnacle Hotel Whistler Village
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! (3,014 reviews)
"Great location!"

Reviewed on 26 Aug 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.

Cities near Hot Springs Cove