Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park

Park Info

The best in Canada! That is one way to describe the cave resources of Vancouver Island, home to more than 1,000 caves. At Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park you can experience the magic of the underground world in the many caves protected within this unique park. The park was established in 1971 at the request of public caving groups on Vancouver Island who were concerned about the potential damage of the caves and the fragile crystal formations they contained.

Spelunking is the art of cave exploration and Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park is the perfect place to discover this unique activity. From educational family-oriented tours to deep, dark adventure, the caves protected within this park offer something for everyone. Knowledgeable guides can lead visitors through the caves to discover this magical world of crystal formations and ancient fossils firsthand. Though the park has two small caves visitors can explore on their own, a guided tour of one of the larger caves offers more variety and a chance to learn about the cave’s unique geology and history.

Easy 90-minute family tours into protected Riverbend Cave are conducted daily from 10 am to 5 pm during July and August. This tour is designed to teach the geology of the caves while exploring the larger and easier passageways and is available on a first-come, first-served basis from 10am to 5pm. Three-hour Adventure trips are available daily from May to October and weekends only from November through April. Reservations are required for all tours except the Summer Family Tour and can be made by calling the Horne Lake Caves at 250 248-7829. Those wanting more adventure can try the FOUR-hour or FIVE-hour caving excursions offered at the park. The ultimate in caving challenge is the Underground Extreme tour, a FIVE-hour excursion that has cavers rappel down a seven-storey waterfall into the depths of a cave then climb out on a cable ladder.

Whichever method of exploring the caves you choose, you are bound to be fascinated by this amazing underground world in the heart of Vancouver Island.

Special Notes:

Park Size: 158 hectares

Stay Safe:

• Bring your own drinking water as potable water is not available in the park.
• Campfires are not permiited.
• There is no camping available in the park but the Horne Lake Regional Park located next to the park offers camping opportunities.
• The caves are largely undeveloped. In keeping with the natural theme, none of the caves have lighting and the floors are rocky and uneven. The caves are cool, even during summer, so bring warm clothing and good footwear. Visitors wanting to explore on their own should have at least two sources of light and helmets are highly recommended – these supplies are available to rent from the tour operator. The routes within the caves are not marked and contain steep slopes, slippery sections and exposed drops. Self-explorers should exercise extreme caution while traveling in the caves.

Cave Etiquette and Safety

• Carry at least two lights per person - flashlights and headlamps are the best choice. This gear is available for rent on site at the caving office during their business hours.
• It is recommended that hardhats or helmets be worn in the caves.
• Due to the cool damp air in the caves, you are advised to wear warm clothing.
• Do not enter the caves alone. It is recommended that three persons are a minimum per party and six persons are a maximum on self-guided cave tours.
• Leave precise information of your plans and your estimated arrival time home with someone responsible.
• Never exceed the limits of your ability. Be aware of slippery sections and exposed drops.
• Do not damage or remove any rock formations or features from the caves.
• The use of candles, torches and Coleman lanterns is prohibited because open flame can damage the special rock formations.
• When visiting a cave follow in one line. This will reduce the spread of mud over the features and throughout the rest of the cave.
• Pets are not permitted in the caves.
• Please remove all litter. “Leave No Trace” of your visit.

General Visitor Information

• Park User Fees
• What to Know Before You Go
• General Safety & Ethics
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Fishing and Hunting Information
• Other Links

Location

• Location Map

Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park is located 60 km north of Nanaimo and 26 km west of Qualicum on central Vancouver Island. The park can be accessed via the Horne lake exit off Hwy #19 or Hwy #19a. Follow signs for 12 km to Horne Lake.

Nature & Culture

• History - The first written records of caves in the area came after the turn of the century, in 1912, when a geologist noted the presence of caves at the north end of Horne Lake. A few years later, when the area was opened up for logging, the loggers knew the location of the caves. It is not known if the loggers ventured into the depths of the caves but a stream in one of the caves was dammed to provide water for the steam donkeys used in early logging practices.
  It was not until 1939 that the caves gained public attention. Two cave explorers were responsible for rediscovering what they named the "Horne Lake Wonder Caves". At this point only the Main and Lower Main Caves were known, although some speculated on the potential for more caves in the area. The presence of a noticeable air current at the mouth of Main Cave led people to believe there must be a system of caves, of which Main was just a part. In 1941, a storekeeper from Qualicum reported entering a sizable cave almost a quarter of a mile long, some distance from the already discovered caves. This was probably the first discovery of Riverbend Cave.
  By 1945, the caves had become a known tourist stop for people looking for adventure. This increased use of the caves, however, took its toll and by the summer of 1945 a party of explorers noted that many of the once beautiful formations were either broken or removed by souvenir seekers. This same party found the storekeeper's cave, Riverbend.
  In 1957, the Horne Lake Caves area of approximately 29 hectares was established as a recreation reserve in an effort to ensure opportunities for the public to continue to view these caves in the future. Six years later a group of cavers from Victoria discovered the two entrances to Eggshell Cave. The value of this area was recognized by members of the Canadian Speleological Society, who then approached the provincial government to have this area protected. Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park was established in February 1971.
• Conservation - In addition to protecting the karst features and caves, this park includes a forested addition that protects approximately 1 km of the Qualicum River adjacent to Horne Lake Caves. This forest provides a visual buffer for visitors to the existing park. The area also protects high fish and wildlife values.

Management Planning

Management Planning Information

• Approved Master Plan

Map / Brochure

• Park Map (PDF)
• Brochure (PDF)

Reservations

RESERVATIONS FOR CAVE TOURS can be made by calling the Tour Operator at 250-248-7829 or Click here to view a non-government web link, for additional information.

Please note - there is no camping in this park.

Contact Info

Cave Tour Operator:
Phone: 250-248-7829

Activities Available At This Park

		Canoeing

		Caving

		Climbing

		Cycling

		Hiking

		Interpretive Programs

		Pets on Leash

		Swimming

		Wildlife Viewing

Facilities Available At This Park

		Picnic Areas

		Pit or Flush Toilets