Hot Springs Cove/Tofino/Vancouver Island West Coast

Rob,

Since you will be boatless, there is a working coastal freighter/mailboat that goes from Port Alberni, out to the west side of the island, stopping at Bamfield, Euclulet, and dropping kayaks in the Broken Island group. See the Lady Rose Marine Services at:
https://www.ladyrosemarine.com/

and book an all day, interesting ride to the west coast. I don't think they get up as far as the Hot Springs, but you can go out one day, and return on another day, making the Hot Springs reachable.

For those on their own boat returning up the Alberni Canal, one of these boats could help knock down some of the windwaves, if you are going up the canal in the afternoon.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon

HH_Cal_09_07_Jul.thumb.jpg
 
I've been to the cove with Natural C-lection http://naturalc-lection.blogspot.ca/2015/08/july-30-to-august-2nd-clayoquot-sound-44.html and also by kayak while circumnavigating most of the island by kayak. In the summer, it is a matter of having time to choose days to travel if you are going outside. The road to tofino is not that bad. I have taken Natural C-lection up there several times now for fishing trips.

I might be up for joining a c-brat group if a trip happens, though I may be busy working on MV Swellhttp://mapleleafadventures.com/ships/the-swell/.
I'd recommend driving to Tofino rather than Port Alberni as it is a long haul out and around. To get to Hot Springs you have a choice of inside or outside Flores Island depending on conditions.
 
I usually launch at the ramp by the public harbour/wharf on 4th street. I have parked my trailer there as well, though it costs a bit. Parking anywhere around Tofino in the summer can be a challenge.
 
There are many options. Port Alberni is a long way from Clayquot Sound, but an option for someone with lots of time who wants to explore both areas.

My thought was to put the boat in the water at Grice Bay near Tofino. The launch is free and although you would normally have to pay for parking, it is free this year also because because all Canadian parks are free.

http://www.gotofino.com/tofinobeachestrails/all-beaches-trails/grice-bay-aerial-photos-tofino-bc

My goal would be to spend a couple of weeks in the area so the extra distance from Grice Bay will not be a problem to me.

Any suggestions about the best time to go?
 
Sandra, That is a nice web site and thanks for the link. That "Hot pool Experience" would sure feel good about now.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon

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That "Hot pool Experience" would sure feel good about now.
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Yes, it sure would be nice. We have had a cold and long winter, but at least we are getting a little sunshine right now.

I'm still wondering about the best month to go to the West Coast.
 
CGypsy,

I just looked at my old pictures to get the dates that I was there, but apparently I had moved the pictures on my computer and the dates aren't accurate. So I looked for my old log book (and can't find it). I'll have to go from memory (Oh, oh).

I was in Barkely Sound in late September and the weather was great. I stopped in at Haggard's Cove to visit with the fishing guides because I had been there many times. The fishing report was that it was their last week. School had started and bookings were down. The guides all thought it was crazy that the big Kings were in but nobody books. Weather was fantastic and the Big Leaf Maples were glorious.

In Turtle Bay, it was me and another boat from Seattle. The weather was good and predicted to stay that way, so I headed outside to Clayoquot. My boat did about 8 knots, so it took a couple hours to Tofino. Under those conditions, it would have been easy and faster in my CD 16. I spent a week and came back about the first of October. Other than a few boats at Hot Springs Cove, I saw one other boat (a logging company transport) back inside the Sound.

The view from offshore.

http://www.c-brats.com/modules.php?...ame=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php

The view from inside Clayoquot.

http://www.c-brats.com/modules.php?...ame=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php

Grice Bay looks perfect for me. I'll have to try Google Earth and see how much parking there is. I assume that the road isn't paved.

Mark
 
Those are nice pictures Mark. Thank you for the information.

Here is another link to an aerial view of Grice Bay http://tofinohiatus.com/tofinohikes/grice-bay.html

I'll have to try Google Earth and see how much parking there is. I assume that the road isn't paved.
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The pictures on Google Earth may not be up to date as the road and area were closed much of last year for improvements, however it sounds as if the parking lot may be smaller now due to some constructions projects that didn't get finished.

Grice Bay Road Re-opened (July 2016)

Parks Canada is pleased to advise that Grice Bay Road in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve has re-opened following the completion of several infrastructure improvement projects. During the closure, three culverts were replaced, slope stabilization and drainage work were implemented, and the road was resurfaced.

In addition to this work, rehabilitation of the boat ramp, parking lot, and day use area had been scheduled, however the initial stages of construction revealed underground contamination in the parking lot. Ensuring the safety of our visitors and the ecological integrity of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is a priority for Parks Canada. Therefore, prior to continuing with these projects, Parks Canada will conduct thorough investigations to determine the scope and nature of existing conditions and what steps may be needed to complete required remediation work.

While it is unfortunate that the work originally scheduled for the boat ramp, parking lot and day use area will not be completed this summer, Parks Canada recognizes the importance of first remediating the contamination at Grice Bay. Once this work is completed, the remaining infrastructure work can continue. In the meantime, the day use area remains open and safe for people to use and limited parking will be available, with a section of the parking lot remaining closed while we continue our investigation of the contaminated section.

Parks Canada sincerely appreciates the patience of local residents and visitors to the park reserve while Grice Bay Road was closed and looks forward to their continued support during the ongoing work at the day-use areas. http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/bc/pacificrim/visit/visit5.aspx#gricebayroad
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I have been fishing with Natural C-lection and by kayak many times in Clayoquot Sound and have also been to Hot Springs cove (with both kayak and C-dory!)
Happy to answer any questions. I would also join folks if I am around!
 
Mike_J said
Happy to answer any questions. I would also join folks if I am around!
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Mike, I really want to go but I would be much happier going with someone who has been there before.

At the moment, it looks like August will work best for me.
 
I'm thinking that I would like to go to the West Coast of Vancouver Island (near Tofino) between June 29 and July 11.

Is anyone else interested in launching at Grice Bay and exploring this area around that time?

These dates would give you just enough time to drive across Vancouver Island and launch again somewhere Comox and go the Powell River CBGT.
 
I am guiding in Haida Gwaii until at least July 2nd (not sure about whether I am doing July 3 to 10 as well), so I can't commit to doing that at the moment.
 
If I am on the water during that time, I am planning on being in the Broughtons, Port Harvey July 1 and ??? for the next few days. Might only be for a week this year.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon

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Stupid question of the week. Do these hot-springs smell like sulfur? I have never experienced one. I'd assume they do. Reason I ask is legit; I suffer from asthma and sulfur is a huge no, no. The one time my family tried to go to the active volcano on Hawai'i, I ruined the visit by nearly dying. I kid you not.
 
Just confirmed that I am guiding in Haida Gwaii July 3-10, so won't be able to make it...

Mike_J":1txclmmy said:
I am guiding in Haida Gwaii until at least July 2nd (not sure about whether I am doing July 3 to 10 as well), so I can't commit to doing that at the moment.
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I am considering the West Coast of Vancouver Island this month or next month but I would rather go with another boat. Is anyone planning to explore that area this year?
 
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