Ahousat Hot Springs
Ahousat Hot Springs on the south side of Flores Island is a natural warm spring, considered to be of therapeutic value, that bubbles up into a concrete tank. The spring water is clear and tasteless, with just a faint smell of sulphur, and has a maximum temperature of 25 degrees Celcius (77 degrees Fahrenheit).
A non-maintained historic route connects the warm springs to the broad sandy beaches at Whitesand Cove. This route once provided access to a lifesaving telegraph line and an old homestead.
Wilderness, backcountry or walk-in camping is allowed, but no facilities are provided. Reservations are not accepted at this Gibson Marine Provincial Park, and all campsites are on a first-come, first-served basis. The park and hotspring lies in the traditional territory of the Ahousat First Nations, and is only accessible by air or by boat from Tofino. Water taxis from Tofino and Ahousat offer service to the park.
Wolves have been known to frequent campsites – please ensure that all food and items smelling of food, as well as any loose items, are stored out of reach of wildlife. Food must not be offered or made available to wildlife – to do so is a violation of the Park Act.
Gibson Marine Park, immediately south of the Nuu-chah-nulth community of Ahousat, also provides access to the ‘Walk the Wild Side’ trail, a developed route with boardwalk sections that extends 10 km from Ahousat to the top of Mount Flores. Most of the route follows sandy beaches and trails cut across headlands to join with the next beach. The trail can be accessed from any of the beaches in Gibson Marine Park.
Visitors come from around the world to explore Clayoquot Sound, and Flores Island is one of the most popular destinations for kayakers, who can find ample opportunities for camping and wildlife viewing from the Island’s beautiful sandy shores.
Location
The Ahousat Hot Springs are located on the shores of Matilda Inlet in Gibson Marine Provincial Park. The park is located on Flores Island, off the west coast of Vancouver Island, with access provided from Tofino to the small First Nation village of Ahousat.
Nearby Regions & Towns
Services in or near Ahousat Hot Springs
https://www.tourismtofino.com/ahousat-hot-springs
https://www.britishcolumbia.com/parks-and-trails/bc-parks/ahousat-hot-springs/
https://www.westcoastnest.org/things-to-do/ahousat-hot-springs
Biographical Info
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