Maquinna Marine Protected Area

• Boardwalk can be wet and slippery. Please be advised that the wooden boardwalk to the hot springs can be wet and slippery. Park visitors should wear good footwear and be mindful of the conditions when travelling in the park.
• The two kilometre boardwalk to the hot springs may not be suitable for all people. The boardwalk includes numerous sections of stairs and has many steps that could be physically challenging for some visitors. Access to the pools is through a rock strewn area and may also pose challenges due to the uneven footing.
• Avoid times of high tides and high swells. During winter high tides, the pools fill with cold sea water. Rough water and floating wood debris may cause bodily harm to bathers. Plan your visits to the springs to avoid times of high tides and high swells. Check with the tour operator, air carrier or water taxi before you start your trip.
• Tsunamis are a series of unusually big waves caused by a large-scale disturbance of a body of water. If you are on the beach and feel strong shaking from an earthquake or if the water suddenly recedes, move immediately to higher ground (greater than 15 metres or 45 feet above the tide line). There is no way to be certain how high a tsunami is going to be. The first wave to arrive at the coast is often not the largest, and each wave may be separated by up to an hour or more. Waves may continue for up to twelve hours, so you must stay on high ground until advised otherwise. Do not go to the beach to watch.

Reporting damage

• Please report any damage, disturbance or irregularities in the park to: 
  Ahous Business Corporation 
  250-725-2169 
  info@mhssahousaht.ca

• There is a day-use fee of $3 per person per day.
• Camping and fires are prohibited in the hot springs area at the southern part of Openit Peninsula in the park. Use the private campground located to the north of the park.
• Dogs or pets are not permitted at the hot springs beyond the start of the boardwalk or in and around the pools.
• At times, local dogs may enter the park in their search for handouts. Please do not feed or pet the local dogs as it encourages them to stay.
• Park users should ensure their food is secure while they are at the hot springs. The change room and picnic shelter has numerous hooks available for visitors to hang their bags out of reach of dogs or wildlife.
• Alcoholic beverages are not permitted in the park.
• Glass containers are not permitted in and around the pools.
• Soap, shampoo and other cleaning materials are not permitted in or near the pools.
• Clothing in this public park is not optional. Visitors must wear appropriate bathing apparel such as bathing suits and shorts.

Guiding in Parks

• In provincial parks, any person acting as a guide or offering guiding services, including vessel drop-offs, must hold a valid Park Use Permit (Park, Conservancy and Recreation Area Regulation, Section 4). Please ensure the company you hire is legally operating in the park.

Notice to Vessel Operators

• Maquinna dock overnight fee is in effect. This applies to all vessels mooring overnight. “Vessel” means a boat, canoe, kayak or other craft used, or capable of being used, for navigation on water. Maquinna Marine Park day-use fee is not included in the purchase of a docking permit.
• Moorage: $2 per metre, per night (includes taxes). Rafting of vessels is not permitted.
• Fee Payment: Either a park attendant may collect the docking fee or payment can be made at the self-registration fee station located next to the on shore park entrance Information Shelter.
• Reserved Space: Reserving dock space is not permitted, red painted tie rails and signage restricts dock space for park ranger vessels, or loading zones for authorized vessels and float plane.
• Vessel Size: Docking at this facility is restricted to vessels under 12 m in length, larger vessels must anchor away from dock.