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Maquinna Marine Provincial Park

Maquinna Provincial Park is a dazzling park on the northwest of Tofino. This majestic land comprises a remarkable wilderness area with spectacular scenery, a pristine environment and a gorgeous boardwalk. Maquinna Provincial Park offers an excellent chance for wilderness camping, coastal hiking, sea kayaking, swimming, and wildlife viewing.
A pleasant walk through the amazing old-growth rainforest leads you to the beautiful natural Tofino Hot Springs Cove. The natural hot spring pools are known as a unique feature and attract numerous visitors from all around the world. The average temperature of the pools is about 50 degrees Celsius (122°F). The hot springs flow through waterfalls into rocky pools and pour to the lower pools, and become cooler. Soaking in Hot Springs Cove with a view of the Pacific Ocean can be a brilliant experience for any visitor.
Maquinna Marine Park also features an extensive coastal area with a variety of coastal ecosystems, including cobble and sand beaches, off-shore cliffs, boulder, sheltered bays, sea caves, kelp beds, and mudflats. Maquinna Provincial Park gives an opportunity to see blue jay, bald eagles and seabirds while they are roaming around, and some other animals include gray whales, sea lions, sea otters, humpback, seal, coastal wolves, and cows.


Maquinna Marine Provincial Park Location

Maquinna Provincial Park, with about 2,667 hectares (6590 acres) area, is located in the northwestern part of the Clayoquot Sound region, West Coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. There are two washrooms on the island, One of them is at the beginning of the trail, and the other is next to the hot springs. There are also two change rooms next to the springs.
The park and Hot Springs Cove are only accessible by air or water. There are lots of companies in Tofino, Hotsprings Village, and Ahousaht that offer tours and/or transportation to this destination. Boats can anchor in Hotsprings Cove and on the west side of Openit Peninsula, adjacent to the park entrance where a dock is located.


How to Get to Maquinna Marine Provincial Park by Car

If you plan to drive, choose Tofino for your destination and from there, getting to Maquinna Marine Provincial Park is possible through waterways by a Cruiser Boat.

From Nanaimo:
Take Third St to BC-19 N. After about 3.3 km (2 miles), head west on Fitzwilliam St toward Wesley St. Follow BC-19 N to Memorial Rd/BC-4 W in Nanaimo G. Take exit 60 from BC-19 N. After about 42.8 km (26.5 miles), follow BC-4 W to Campbell St in Tofino. After 161 km (100 miles), you will reach Tofino.

From Victoria:
For reaching Tofino from Victoria, you have to spend 111 km (128.6 miles) to Nanaimo, which is about one hour and a half. After reaching Nanaimo city, the rest of the travel is as was said above.


The Hike to Get to Maquinna Marine Provincial Park

About 1.5 km (0.9 miles) hiking through the woods to the south of the park leads you to the hot springs (which takes around 30-40 minutes).


History of Maquinna Marine Provincial Park

Refuge Cove was a remote place on the West Coast of Vancouver Island until the 1930s. Those who wanted to have a stop till the bad weather pass used to stop in Refuge Cove, which was the best place to relax. In 1933, Ivan Clarke, the supply boat operator, saw a great business opportunity in this place. He expanded his operation quickly. By 1950, over sixty people lived in Refuge Cove. The name changed to Hot Springs Cove, and it became a popular destination for tourists. Ivan Clarke wanted to expand the hot springs into a health resort, but he changed his mind and donated part of his lands to the people of British Columbia. In 1955, 31 acres (12.5 hectares) of land next to the hot springs became Maquinna Provincial Park.


Things to do around the Maquinna Marine Provincial Park Area

Maquinna Provincial Park is well known for Hot Springs Cove where attracts lots of visitors from all around the world. The park features a stunning forest and offers a pleasant walk that ends with the hot pools. The park also offers excellent water activities, including sea kayaking, swimming, and fishing. The spectacular environment and wildlife diversity are other attractions of this area.

The Best Parks Near Maquinna Marine Provincial Park

Maquinna Marine Provincial Park

Maquinna Marine Provincial Park

With a stunning coastline, Maquinna Marine Provincial Park is a remarkable wilderness area. It has spectacular scenery, a pristine environment and a gorgeous boardwalk. Taking a walk through its old-growth rainforest leads you to Tofino Hot Springs Cove. Wilderness camping, coastal hiking, sea kayaking, swimming, and wildlife viewing are among what you can expect at the park.

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve - Long Beach Unit

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve - Long Beach Unit

Long Beach is part of the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. Its pristine coastal forest features trails suitable for hiking and biking. The park is one of the earliest and most popular surfing locations in British Columbia. Also, storm watching, bird watching and whale watching take lots of attention. Camping at the park makes it possible to get the most out of your visit.

Kennedy Lake Provincial Park

Kennedy Lake Provincial Park

Find your peaceful and scenic area somewhere between Kennedy Lake, the largest lake on Vancouver Island, and the Pacific Ocean. From freshwater to salty water, from beach to beach, is all the natural beauty of Kennedy Lake Provincial Park, making your beach-based recreation. It is a day-use destination, with an impressive lake and a beautiful intertwined forest.

Gibson Marine Provincial Park

Gibson Marine Provincial Park

Nature heals, and her secret is patience. Gibson Marine Provincial Park on Flores Island attracts many people worldwide to kayak and gives them gifts; natural hot springs, sandy beaches, scenery, and wildlife. Hike in old-growth Sitka spruce forest, camping, soaking in the hot springs, kayaking, swimming, fishing, hunting, and wildlife viewing are the things you can do at the park.

Maquinna Marine Provincial Park Activities

Swimming

Soaking in Hot Springs Cove with a view of the Pacific Ocean is a brilliant experience that attracts lots of visitors. Be careful; there are no lifeguards on duty at the provincial park.

Wildlife Viewing

Maquinna Marine Park offers attractive views of Hot Springs. It features an extensive coastal area with a variety of coastal ecosystems, including cobble and sand beaches, off-shore cliffs, boulders, sheltered bays, sea caves, kelp beds, and mudflats.
Different kinds of animals can be seen in this park.

Kayaking

Kayaking throughout Maquinna Provincial Park is available. It is so wonderful to paddle along the outside waters of Vancouver Island.

Camping

At the north of the government dock, there is a private campground that the Hesquiat First Nation operates.

Fishing

A variety of fish species, including salmon, halibut, rockfish and lingcod, are in the waters of Clayoquot Sound. Remember that all fishers should have an appropriate licence in British Columbia.

Hiking

About 1.5 km (0.9 miles) hike through the woods to the hot springs (which takes around 30-40 minutes).

What you Can Expect to Do Near Maquinna Marine Provincial Park

Ucluelet Whale Watching

Ucluelet Whale Watching

Make your Whale watching experience memorable enough to remember it even with closed eyes. in Ucluelet, you will have ample opportunities to encounter these gigantic marine creatures, and you may be lucky to observe other wildlife too. Those whale watching enthusiasts have the chance to attend the annual Pacific Rim Whale Festival happening at the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, Ucluelet and Tofino on Vancouver Island's west coast.

Tofino Whale Watching

Tofino Whale Watching

Make your adventure worthwhile on Vancouver Island by visiting Tofino and not missing its whale-watching opportunities for the world. You may have the chance to gaze upon Orcas, the most widespread marine mammal on the earth. Clayoquot Sound, located near the Tofino, is a sandy shoreline with rich rainforest.

Clayoquot Sound Kayaking

Clayoquot Sound Kayaking

Welcoming kayakers from everywhere, Clayoquot Sound is a wild network of offshore islands, including alpine valleys, forests, rivers, lakes, and laidback beach towns. Rocky oceanfront coastlines with endangered and rare species living there have made this place a popular destination for paddlers who are not only satisfied by paddling and seek to experience other adventures.

Broken Group Islands Kayaking and Canoeing

Broken Group Islands Kayaking and Canoeing

Broken Group Islands is one of the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve's three main recreational components, which offers paddlers undeniable opportunities to spend time on the water. While you are camping in the wilderness, you may be given the pleasure of watching lagoons, sandbars, blowholes, arches and secluded anchorages.

Barkley Sound Kayaking

Barkley Sound Kayaking

Those who are planning to engage in the adventure of paddling in Barkley Sound would better schedule their visit for July-August and reserve their seats beforehand. During cold months do not forget to bring rain gear. Besides kayaking, other activities are available in Barkley's good area to be fed on by your souls.

Wya Point Camping

Wya Point Camping

Find the inside campers of yours while you are camping in Wya Point Campground. In the heart of an oceanside forest, Wya Point Campground offers opportunities for camping, and you are given a chance to choose which campsite you want to spend time at. Crystal water, sandy cove, and tide rocks that offer marine life sights and several beachfront cabins and yurts with ocean-view are available in Wya Point, making it an ideal place.

Cox Bay Kiteboarding

Cox Bay Kiteboarding

Great opportunities for kiteboarding are awaiting you in the realm of Cox Bay, no matter if you are an expert or a beginner. But beforehand, check the reports and wave directions. Besides, the magnificent beach of Cox bay offers an abundance of activities you may enjoy.

Wickaninnish Beach Storm Watching

Wickaninnish Beach Storm Watching

Big swells and harsh waves have made this quiet, beautiful beach a hot spot for storm watchers and surfers. So., let your journey lead you to Wickaninnish Beach, where you can meet your expectations of adventure and fun. It's a big beach for wandering on with a nice and long curving view. Wickaninnish Beach is a kid-friendly beach with high chances of observing diverse sea life. Then, do not miss it for the world.

Wild Pacific Trail Storm Watching

Wild Pacific Trail Storm Watching

While hiking Wild Pacific, you are given a chance to enjoy a fantastic storm watching. With hurricane-force winds, both trails of Wild Pacific offer an excellent opportunity to watch storms. Not to mention that overlooking views are provided throughout the hike, which doubles the joy of walking on this long stunning trail.

Kwisitis Visitor Centre Storm Watching

Kwisitis Visitor Centre Storm Watching

Have you ever experienced storm watching on a perched deck overlooking an eye-catching view of the Pacific Ocean? If not, Kwisitis Visitor Centre is awaiting you. As a beautiful exhibition for the natural and cultural patrimony of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, this excellent Centre offers unforgettable storm watching right on the Pacific shores, which guarantees your fun and adventure.

Long Beach Storm Watching

Long Beach Storm Watching

As one of the main recreational spots in the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, Long Beach features strong waves pounding the beach. This quality has made this beautiful scenic beach a hot spot for surfing and storm-watching enthusiasts. It is a beautiful and pristine beach on which having a lounge time or walking feels rejoiced. You can lose yourselves in the sand of Long Beach and find them once again.

Cox Bay Beach Storm Watching

Cox Bay Beach Storm Watching

After a long relaxing time on Cox Bay Beach, away from all the stress from urban life, if your souls are looking for excitement, the storm-watching opportunity provided for you may be able to satisfy that need. This clean and peaceful beach offers you a pristine view of the sunset and the chance to watch the surfers skimming the water. It is a good idea to walk and feel the sand upon your feet.

Chesterman Beach Storm Watching

Chesterman Beach Storm Watching

Fulfil your desires for storm watching in Chesterman Beach, near which you can find another tremendous hot storm watching spot, right on the north, Wickaninnish Inn. Chesterman Beach, known for its biggest swells, is a hot spot to enjoy storm watching. Visit the beach in winter and feel the drops of the rain upon your chicks. Also, while you are lying on the beach, you can enjoy observing paddlers and surfers doing their thing on the water.

Wickaninnish Beach Surfing

Wickaninnish Beach Surfing

Lead an adventurous life and get on the road to experience new adventures. Wickaninnish Beach welcomes surfers from all around the world, and this beautiful sandy beach is a great place to forget about all the bills and responsibilities. If you are looking for more reasons that justify Wickaninnish Beach's superiority for surfers, you may consider the lack of rocks with barnacles.

Long Beach Surfing

Long Beach Surfing

Every day in the round year, whenever you are on Vancouver Island and you crave surfing, Long beach welcomes you to its sandy realm. As one of the most popular recreational destinations on the island, Long Beach is one of the destinations for the hurricanes of the Caribbean, bringing some of the biggest and mightiest waves. This quality has made the beach a perfect place for surfers.

Maquinna Marine Provincial Park Outline

Specifications

Climate

Timing

Trails

1. The numbers are not accurate and measured approximately.
1- The numbers are estimated on average.


What you Can Expect to See Near Maquinna Marine Provincial Park

Ucluelet

Ucluelet

Ucluelet is a district municipality in Pacific Rim. After Victoria, the Pacific Rim area is the second most visited tourism centre on Vancouver Island. Ucluelet has a distinctive portion in this field with salt-water fishing, surfing, standup paddleboarding, whale and bear watching, kayaking, canoeing, camping, hiking, biking, swimming, storm watching, and beachcombing.

Wickaninnish Beach

Wickaninnish Beach

Wickaninnish Beach is a large stunning beach with sand dunes and access to the rainforest. Kilometres of sands make it possible to walk on the beach for a long time. Sit on the driftwoods or cliffs to rest and enjoy the view. It would be great staying there making a fire and watching the sun touch the ocean. This beach could be your excellent choice for swimming, storm watching, and surfing.

Tofino

Tofino

Tofino with its incredible sunset is a district on the west coast of Vancouver Island. It is busy in summer due to the various water sports. In winter many people come to Tofino to visit West Coast for storm watching and whale watching. The majority of the tourists are surfers, hikers, bird watchers, campers, whale watchers, anglers, and nature lovers.

Maquinna Marine Provincial Park

Maquinna Marine Provincial Park

With a stunning coastline, Maquinna Marine Provincial Park is a remarkable wilderness area. It has spectacular scenery, a pristine environment and a gorgeous boardwalk. Taking a walk through its old-growth rainforest leads you to Tofino Hot Springs Cove. Wilderness camping, coastal hiking, sea kayaking, swimming, and wildlife viewing are among what you can expect at the park.

Low Tide Sea Cave

Low Tide Sea Cave

When the water retreat, Chesterman Beach magic will show up. Be there to watch the underwater tunnels that turn to damp passageways. This hidden jewel is the Low Tide Sea Cave. While you are walking there, it almost feels like a sandy carpet on the floor. The passage to the cave is encompassed by rock walls moss-covered with trees on top. The scenery is worthy enough to be captured.

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve - Long Beach Unit

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve - Long Beach Unit

Long Beach is part of the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. Its pristine coastal forest features trails suitable for hiking and biking. The park is one of the earliest and most popular surfing locations in British Columbia. Also, storm watching, bird watching and whale watching take lots of attention. Camping at the park makes it possible to get the most out of your visit.

Kennedy Lake Provincial Park

Kennedy Lake Provincial Park

Find your peaceful and scenic area somewhere between Kennedy Lake, the largest lake on Vancouver Island, and the Pacific Ocean. From freshwater to salty water, from beach to beach, is all the natural beauty of Kennedy Lake Provincial Park, making your beach-based recreation. It is a day-use destination, with an impressive lake and a beautiful intertwined forest.

Tofino Botanical Gardens

Tofino Botanical Gardens

If you are interested in nature and culture, Tofino Botanical Gardens is a chance to learn. Strolling along waterside trails and watching beautiful plants is a great opportunity. Besides walking through stone paths and boardwalks, the herb and flower gardens give you a unique sense of freshness. Attending educational programs about the area's ecosystem is another choice you have.

Virgin Falls

Virgin Falls

In the wilderness area of Alberni-Clayoquot C, where you may have a plan for camping, there is Virgin Falls, a gift from nature to adventure lovers. An abundant fantastic forest surrounds this magnificent 53 m (173.8 ft) waterfall. The pool under the waterfall has crystal clear water with mesmerizing blue shades, perfect for swimming and photography.

Gibson Marine Provincial Park

Gibson Marine Provincial Park

Nature heals, and her secret is patience. Gibson Marine Provincial Park on Flores Island attracts many people worldwide to kayak and gives them gifts; natural hot springs, sandy beaches, scenery, and wildlife. Hike in old-growth Sitka spruce forest, camping, soaking in the hot springs, kayaking, swimming, fishing, hunting, and wildlife viewing are the things you can do at the park.

Ahousat Hot Springs

Ahousat Hot Springs

Ahousat Hot Springs is a tourist destination with therapeutic uses for adventure seekers and nature lovers. Clear and tasteless water, room temperature, and excellent atmosphere put the hot springs into one of the most splendid sites for a relaxing experience. Soaking in hot springs despite several therapeutic benefits they have should be done by considering health conditions.

Cox Bay Beach

Cox Bay Beach

The beach is an excellent spot for challenging your talents out in the ocean and find happiness in salty waters. Cox Bay Beach is a great place for surfers also where you can do other water-based activities you desire. If you prefer walking beach to beach, start from Cox Bay Beach toward Chesterman Beach, one of the most visited beaches on Vancouver Island.

Long Beach

Long Beach

Find yourself in Long Beach and live by the currents. It is the longest one on Vancouver Island, which gives you hours of walking on the sands of the Pacific Rim region. It feels like a never-ending beach, where green and blue meet. As its park and the ocean are generous for activities, you will not regret spending more time on Long Beach.

Kennedy Lake

Kennedy Lake

Are you looking for a freshwater lake near Ucluelet? Then try out Kennedy Lake! As the largest lake on Vancouver Island, it is a reward from the Pacific Rim region. If you need a day hike and enjoy the beautiful wilderness, it's NOT too late! In the heart of Kennedy Lake Provincial Park, Kennedy Lake offers kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and swimming chances.

Chesterman Beach

Chesterman Beach

Imagine how nature treats your eyes and ears by the magic of glorious stretches of sands, amazing sunset, aquatic creatures, birds flying above your head, and the sound of ocean waves. The relaxing moments of the landscape or the joy of walking on the beach, hiking the trails, or doing water activities would satisfy any visitor at any age. Chesterman Beach makes your stay in Tofino outstanding with all the attention it gains.

Planning for Maquinna Marine Provincial Park

Suitability

Camping & Resort

Services

Tips

Packing


1. The numbers are not accurate and measured approximately.


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