A landlocked, all-weather refuge off Sydney Inlet where a forest boardwalk leads to BC's only oceanside natural hot springs in Maquinna (Nismaakqin) Marine Provincial Park.
Tucked behind the Openit Peninsula at the northern entrance to Clayoquot Sound, Hot Springs Cove is one of the most coveted stops on the wild west coast of Vancouver Island. The cove cuts deep and narrow into the shore, offering snug, nearly enclosed anchorage and a small BC Parks public dock at its head.
The draw is the hot springs themselves: a roughly 2 km cedar boardwalk winds through old-growth rainforest from the dock to a series of natural geothermal pools that cascade down the rocks and mix with the incoming Pacific surf. Vessels under about 40 ft can tie to the public dock for a small per-metre moorage fee, with a park day-use fee paid ashore; larger boats anchor off.
It is a working settlement and a stop for fishboats, kayak outfitters, and floatplanes from Tofino, so the dock can be busy in season. Arriving by your own keel and walking the boardwalk before the day-tour crowds is the classic reward.
Approach notes, hazards to watch for, and what's available once you're tied up.
Most cruisers reach the cove from the south through Clayoquot Sound or from the north around the exposed Hesquiat Peninsula and Estevan Point, an open-coast passage that can carry significant ocean swell, fog, and the fishing fleet. Ducking into the lee of the Hesquiat Peninsula past Chief Matlahaw Point helps shed the worst swell before turning in.
The entrance itself off Sydney Inlet is open and free of mid-channel dangers; keep to the channel, watch the shoreline rocks, and proceed to the head of the cove where it shoals gradually. Anchorage near the public dock is in about 24 ft; the dock is restricted to vessels under 12 m, so larger boats must anchor clear.
Wind protection summary and tide planning at a glance. Full per-direction and 7-day detail with Plus.
Live readings from the nearest OpenWeather station and WorldTides; refreshed every few minutes.
Source: OpenWeather One Call API + WorldTides.
A curated photo + map walkthrough showing approach, mooring options, and points of interest.
A guided walkthrough of Hot Springs Cove with approach photos, depth notes, and points of interest — written by members who have been here recently.
Real first-hand reports and questions answered by members who have actually been here.
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Cruising-distance picks near this anchorage.
