Our Story

Hesquiaht First Nation is the most northerly and also the most remote of the Nuu-chah-nulth Nations in the Clayoquot Sound.  In January 2000, Clayoquot Sound was designated for inclusion in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves. This includes portions of our territories.  Along with 13 other First Nations on the West Coast of Vancouver Island we are members of the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council.  Hot Springs Cove is our most inhabited reserve with approximately 55 people residing in the community.  Our reserve in Hesquiaht has one family that lives there year round and several other families that reside there in the summer months.
Hesquiaht first nation tourism attractions

In 1964 our village was located at the head of the Bay in Refuge Cove when the Tsunami hit.  The village was decimated and those who lived there were displaced until 1972 when the decision was made to relocate to the east side of Refuge Cove, where the community remains to this day. Hesquiaht First Nation has 700 members.  Of those many live in urban centers from Port Alberni to Nanaimo, Victoria, and Vancouver. Click Here To Learn more about Hesquiaht Tsunami Story

Hesquiaht people still practice and pass down cultural traditions from generation to generation.  Each of our Houses (knows as clans in other First Nation traditions) hold their cultural teachings very sacredly.  

We are surrounded by natural wonders and opportunities to explore nature at every corner.  Hot Springs Cove is located 30 nautical miles away from Tofino, BC.  Our community lies on one side of the bay and the natural Hot Springs lie on the other side of the bay, a board walk trail meanders through the forest from the government wharf to bring you to the “Springs”.  Three showers cascade over the rocks and fill 3-5 small pools, depending on if the tide in high or low.  

Hot Spring Cove

In Hesquiaht Harbour, Cougar Annies Garden is site to behold.  A vast garden in the middle of the rainforest.  Here you will see native and introduced plant species along with Cougar Annie’s original home and other interesting building structures that are meant to blend and fit within the environment.  You will also find the scenic Hesquiaht Peninsula Trail within the Hesquiaht Harbour. This is a 50km trail suited to intermediate and experienced hikers.  The trail will take you through the rainforest and along the ocean.  

Cougar Annies GardenHesquiaht is a great destination for those wishing to reconnect with the land. We are a friendly people, willing to share what we have with peoples from the world over.