Nism̓aakqin Park

During winter high tides, the hot spring pools fill with cold sea water. Rough water and floating wood debris may cause injury. Check tide tables and check with your tour operator, air carrier or water taxi before visiting.

Tsunamis are dangerously large waves caused by earthquakes.

If you are on the beach and feel strong shaking from an earthquake, or if the water very suddenly recedes, move immediately to higher ground. Move more than 15 m, or 49 ft, above the tide line.

There is no way to know how high a tsunami is going to rise. The first wave to arrive at the coast is often smaller, and each wave may be separated by an hour or more. Waves may continue for up to 12 hours. You must stay on high ground until told otherwise. Do not go to the beach to watch.

Glass containers are not permitted in and around the pools.

Pets are not permitted at the hot springs beyond the start of the boardwalk. Dogs and other pets must be leashed. Pets are not allowed in most park buildings and beach areas. Please dispose of their waste responsibly.

Local dogs sometimes enter the park in search of food. Please do not feed or pet them as it encourages them to stay.

For more information, see the pet etiquette section of the responsible recreation page.

Camping and fires are prohibited in the mux̣ʷšiƛa hot springs area at the southern part of Openit Peninsula in the park. Use the private campground located to the north of the park.

In provincial parks, any person acting as a guide or offering guiding services, including vessel drop-offs, must hold a valid park-use permit. Please ensure the company you hire is legally operating in the park.

BC Parks and ʕaḥuusʔatḥ (Ahousaht) Nation, represented by the Maaqutusiis Hahoulthee Stewardship Society (MHSS), have developed a visitor use management strategy for the mux̣ʷšiƛa hot springs in Nism̓aakqin Park.