BC hot springs warming up after quake left water cold

HOT SPRINGS COVE, B.C. — Natural hot springs on the west coast of Vancouver Island are rebounding after an earthquake left the waters cold.

Officials with the Hesquiaht (HESH'-kwit) First Nation noticed hot spring pools in nearby Maquinna Marine Provincial Park were cool on Thursday, a day after the area was rattled by an earthquake.

But tribal administrator Bob Anderson says the water temperature has increased considerably and the distinct smell of sulphur has returned.

Anderson says the water is about 80 per cent of its normal temperature and that the band will continue to monitor the springs.

Anderson says the hot springs, located northwest of Tofino, are a popular destination for visitors, and he says his community has been looking for ways to benefit from tourism spinoff.

A large earthquake off northern B.C. in 2012 cut off the hot water at a spring on Haida Gwaii, but Parks Canada has said the water temperature has been steadily increasing since then.