Ranked among the most significant and spectacular in the world, caves in the Vancouver Island region number in the thousands. Some have been explored and charted, but most remain undeveloped. Enjoy an exciting day spelunking on Vancouver Island, Victoria, and the Gulf Islands. New caves and unusual land formations are being discovered all the time, especially in the North Islands region where amazing natural oddities occur at The Artlish River Caves, the Quatsino Limestone Formation, Devil’s Bath, Eternal Fountain, and Disappearing River.
Please note that the Ministry of Environment discourages exploration of the unmapped caves. And when caving, it's advisable to wear sturdy boots, warm clothing, a safety helmet and a flashlight.
Insider Tips
Northern Vancouver Island has some of the best caving in the world. So while in the Gold River area, why not try spelunking? (Guide outfitters supply necessary equipment.
Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park
Located deep inside the Beaufort Mountain Range, Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park offers guided and self-guided family tours as well as camping and freshwater marine activities. Two caves (Horne Lake Main and Lower Caves) are open year round for self guided tours, exploring these caves requires moderate climbing skills and the navigation of small passages and narrow crawlways. Riverbend Cave, gated for protection, can only be explored by reservation on guided tours.
Helmets are recommended, and can be rented for a minimal fee.
The Upana Caves
Near Gold River, The Upana Caves are the most easily accessible of the 50 caves in the Nootka Sound area and are very popular with casual cavers. A self-guided tour through the main caves will take visitors about an hour and guided tours are also available. There are 15 known entrances with 450m of passage. The caves themselves vary from single rooms to passages.
Little Huson Cave Regional Park
A 45-minute drive and hike from Port McNeill on the road to Zeballos, the Little Huson Cave Regional Park offers easily accessible caves. Suitable for inexperienced cavers, these caves feature sinkholes, canyons, large arches and a swift-flowing river which appears and disappears into the rock formations. Had a great Caving adventure in the Vancouver Island region?
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