Re: [Paddlewise] Hotsprings Cove

Thanks Kirby and Alex. I'll look into it.
 
The last time we spent two days getting to Hotsprings Cove. The first day we got a late start and ran into strong head winds so we stopped that night at a little buggy beach on Vargas Island. The following day we paddled via the outside of Flores to the cove. It's a great paddle, we counted seven grey whales in Cow Bay. However the outside is pretty exposed without anywhere to run if things blow up so be sure of your weather. In bad weather the inside route would be more prudent. 
 
The beach we stayed on wasn't identified as reserve land on the main chart but it was noted on the inset detail of the cove. Like I said before we didn't have any problems, most likely because we arrived late and left early the next day under the cover of fog. I'll be checking out the alternative spots this time round.
 
The best time to go to the springs themselves is early in the morning or at dusk when the zodiacs and floatplanes aren't bringing in the tourists from Tofino. 
 
We also spent two days coming back via the inside of Flores and the outside of Vargas, stopping for the night at Whitesands. The end result was a figure eight route around the two islands taking three nights and four days. I think it's quite possible to make Hotsprings in one day but it would be a grind. 
 

alex <al.m_at_3web.net> wrote:
> Hi all. I'm heading for Hotsprings Cove (West Coast Vancouver Island) next
week and was wondering where others have set up camp when there? Last time I
was there I camped on a beach opposite the government dock that turned out
to be indian reserve land - oops! - I didn't notice until we were packing
up, fortunately nothing came of it. I was hoping to hit the springs after
the flotilla of tourists have left for the day and since this most likely
will mean paddling back in the dark I was hoping that we could camp right in
the cove and not on Flores Island.
>
> Is camping permissible near the government dock? Any ideas? Doug, Kirby?

This is what I've been planning for last several years :-).... Yes, there is
a reserve on the peninsula where this hot srping is located. I've been told
they charge for camping there. But here is a good news: if I'm not mistaken,
there is a provincial park right across the bay, 1 or 2 miles away, and
camping is allowed there. So you could cross the bay, leave your boat at
the dock and go soak. I think you'll find park description here (go to Park
Finder): http://wlapwww.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/ . How long did it take to get
there (or did you make stops on the way from Tofino), and what were
conditions llike at the open crossing section?
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