Northern British Columbia boasts some of the deepest caves in the world to put a cap on an already unique wilderness experience. And for the more timid explorer looking for a stroll off the beaten path, there are many easily accessible caves to enjoy, right across the region. Fang Cave is the ninth longest cave in Canada, while the ninth deepest Canadian cave system is found in Bocock Peak Park. Kakwa Park is riddled with as yet unexplored caves, and spectacular rock formations can been seen underground at Monkman Park.
Located in George Evanoff Provincial Park in the Hart Ranges of the Canadian Rockies, Fang Cave is the ninth longest cave in Canada and part of a diverse limestone complex including other caves such as Tooth Decave and Window on the West.
The caves are accessible by a fork which continues along the ridge above the bowl.
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Many caves have formed in the limestone of >Kakwa Provincial Park, often along contact lines with quartzite. Cave resurgences, or places where underground streams reappear at the surface, are common features of the Mount Sir Alexander and Mount Ida areas.
These caves are only partially explored, unexplored, or even yet to be discovered. Extreme hazards exist in these recently glaciated cave systems, and they are best entered only in the company of an experienced caving group.
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Bocock Peak Provincial Park is located in the Hart Ranges ecosection. It contains three significant limestone cave systems, the deepest of which at 253m is the ninth deepest cave system in Canada. There are no trail systems into these caves so access is limited.
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Speleologists are in for a treat on the 4km (2.5mi) Stone Corral Trail in Monkman Provincial Park. This three-hour, roundtrip route leads hikers to amazing cave formations and vertical limestone cliffs. Bring a flashlight to explore the caves. Other sinkholes can be found in the high alpine areas of the park but nothing of any length or depth has yet been discovered.
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Caving Safely When viewing caves, the fragile nature of these systems and the potential hazards associated with them must be recognized. Visitors should be aware of the numerous vertical openings and irregular terrain of surface karst. Inexperienced visitors wishing to view caves should consider joining a caving club.
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