Day 18

Tofino
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Awake really early due to the birds above the tents so decided to treat ourselves with breakfast in Tofino and a stroll around. Then it was time to gummysuit up and board the Zodiac for a days whale watching and a soak in the hotsprings.

On leaving the bay we slow up to view a pair of bald eagles and their new eaglet sitting proudly watching us go by. Then it was out into the ocean waters in search of some whales and other sea life that would show themselves to us. It wasn't long before we spotted some sea lions, harbour seals and a sea otter and then it was time for the whales to surface. We found ourselves in the middle of a small pod of Grey whales who were feeding near the coast and we later met with a Humpback. Unfortunately, we were a day too late to meet the Orcas ;-(

Spot the whale!

Main Street, Tofino
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We then continued onwards towards Hotspring Cove, located in Maquinna Provincial Park at the northern end of Clayoquot Sound, where we docked and had a bite to eat of our prepacked lunch. We then paid a small park fee ($2) and strolled through the forest on raised decking so that we couldn't damage the natural foliage. This in itself is a lovely walk, as over the years people have carved their names/boat names etc. into the wood. Look out for any familiar names!

After this short walk you arrive at the Hot springs. The boiling spring water bubbles up from deep in the earth and cascades down a small cliff into a series of natural layered rock pools, cooled by the incoming Pacific Ocean water, each pool is slightly cooler than the one above it. At high tide the surf surges up into the two lower pools creating a unique blend of hot and cool water.This tidal action also flushes the pools twice daily, so they are always noticeably clean. The spring water is very hot (47 degrees Celcius, 117 degrees Fahrenheit), and is clear with just a faint smell and taste of sulphur. However, the pools are quite small, fitting only a few people in each, so be prepared to wait your turn and then, don't dwell in them for too long, annoying the others who are waiting.

Open waters
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For the few that can stand the intense heat, a natural shower underneath the waterfalls is lovely and if you're up for it, take a quick plunge into the much colder Pacific waters. Personally, these waters were more refreshing than the springs!

Then it was time to get back into the Zodiac and return to Tofino, checking for more sealife as we went. We arrived back to camp c.8pm, took a stroll on the beach and chilled around the campfire before bed.