Ahousat Hot Springs is placed in the Pacific Rim region of Vancouver Island. It is a tourist destination with therapeutic uses for adventure seekers and nature lovers. Clear and tasteless water, room temperature, and relaxing circumstances put the hot spring water into one of the most splendid sites for a relaxed weekend hangout.
Generally speaking, a geothermal spa's prim character is the hot waterfall streaming a craggy view into rocky pools. As natural treatment options for diverse prevailing ailments, rehabilitation powers have reputed hot springs to have several therapeutic benefits. In terms of medicine, having dissolved solids more than cold waters, warm and incredibly hot springs contain beneficial sulphurous water with excellent mineral contents.
Despite the benefits of soaking in hot springs, there are some precautions to think about before planning to enjoy them. Pregnancy, aged, suffering from chest and heart pains, high blood pressure, diabetes, or using prescription drugs, it's necessary to consult with a physician before using the spas.
Ahousat Hot Springs is located on the breathtakingly beautiful Flores Island, away from the west coast of Vancouver Island in Gibson Marine Provincial Park. To approach the springs, boats and charter planes are provided from Tofino to the small First Nation village of Ahousat.
Gracie Lynn Water Taxi
offers services for visitors on the island. Besides, a non-preserved historic route attaches the hot springs to the broad sandy beaches at White sand Cove, bringing access to a lifesaving telegraph line and an old residence.
Getting to Ahousat Hot Springs from Victoria and Nanaimo is not directly possible by car. First, you have to drive toward Tofino and then get to Gibson Marine Provincial Park by taking boats or charter planes. From there, you can walk to the hot spring.
From Victoria:
Getting to Tofino from Victoria is via Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N and BC-4 W. It takes about 4 hours and 17 minutes for 317 km (196.9 miles).
Take Government St to Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N for 1.2 km (0.7 miles). Follow Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N and BC-19 N to Memorial Rd/BC-4 W in Nanaimo G. Take exit 60 from BC-19 N. After 155 km (96.3 miles), follow BC-4 W to Campbell St in Tofino. Drive 161 km (100 miles) to reach Tofino.
From Nanaimo:
The fastest route from Nanaimo to Tofino is via BC-4 W, which takes about 3 hours. The distance is 207 km (128.6 miles).
Take Third St to BC-19 N for 3.3 km (2 miles). Follow BC-19 N to Memorial Rd/BC-4 W in Nanaimo G. Take exit 60 from BC-19 N. After 42.8 km (26.5 miles), follow BC-4 W to Campbell St in Tofino. Drive 161 km (100 miles) to reach Tofino.
No designated hiking trail reaches the Ahousat Hot Springs. But the Wildside Trail is 15.8 km (9.8 miles), which is near Marktosis 15 and features the coastal line of the Gibson Marine Provincial Park. From there, you can hike toward Ahousat Hot Springs. This out and back trail has 280 m (918.6 miles) of elevation gain.
Ahousaht First Nation has been living in the area throughout the time. The meaning of Ahousaht is people (aht) of Ahous, a small bay on Vargas Island's west side. These people are inhabitants of the west coast of Vancouver Island. This populous nation is a member of the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council.
A 10-year treaty with the BC government has been signed to run Maquinna Marine Provincial Park. The agreement allows the Ahousat First Nation people to be in charge of the park's daily affairs.
Desert, backcountry, or walk-in camping is permitted while no types of equipment are presented. Reservations are not admitted at Gibson Marine Provincial Park, and campsites are first-come-first-served based.
Hiking through the wilderness and "Walk the Wildside Trail" while watching wildlife species will make a memorable adventure. There are some opportunities for canoeing or kayaking in Gibson Marine Provincial Park. Hunting is possible in some parts of the area with valid licences and tags. In Clayoquot Sound, fishing is permitted; but it's better to check the regulations. You may have a chance to catch fish such as salmon, halibut, rockfish, and lingcod. You can have an ocean swimming experience in the park but be careful; there are no lifeguards on duty. During your adventure, for more safety, it's better to keep your pets on a leash.