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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.
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