Explore Vancouver Island’s stunning caves with an unforgettable adventure. Caving at Horne Lake is perfect for both thrill-seekers and those new to caving.
Visiting Horne Lake Caves guarantees an unforgettable blend of adventure, education, and natural wonder. It's a must-see destination on Vancouver Island, offering amazing opportunities for seasoned cavers and those curious about the underground world. Witness natural wonders rarely seen above ground and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Island of Caves
Vancouver Island has the highest concentration of caves in North America.
With more than 1000 caves recorded, we have more explored limestone caves here than in all other Canadian provinces combined. In fact, 4% of the Island's surface area comprises karst landscapes. No wonder Vancouver Island is sometimes called the “Island of Caves.”
Caving offers an exploration of an amazing underground world that few people experience. If you are intrigued by the wonders of stalagmites, stalactites, crystal formations, underground waterfalls, and ancient fossils, then caving might be your thing.
The north end of the island has many unique karst formations, including plenty of caves. However, for a more central location and the most easily accessible area, I recommend caving at Horne Lake. It should be on everyone's Vancouver Island bucket list!
Key Highlights of Caving at Horne Lake
With all but one cave accessible exclusively through guided tours, booking your spot ahead of time is important. These tours are led by knowledgeable guides who ensure your safety and share fascinating insights into the caves' geological and ecological significance.
Tours are available year-round, but schedules vary depending on the season, so it's best to check availability and book online in advance.
Riverbend Family Cave Tour
If you think you would like to try caving but are a bit nervous and on the fence about whether you would enjoy being underground, then I recommend starting with the Family Cave Tour. This tour is great for kids, too (ages five and up). We took our kids on this tour when they were young, and they loved it. This is also the tour we take guests on if they'd like to dip their toes into the fascinating world of caving.
The 90-minute tour explores the largest and easiest passages of the Riverbend Cave. Rest assured, there are no tight spaces to crawl or squeeze through on this one! After a 25-minute walk through the park (with plenty of educational stops), you enter the gated portion of Riverbend Cave. Once inside, you can view amazing crystal formations, soda straws, and a ‘Smiling Buddha”.
Vertical Cave Tours
If you feel more adventurous, I highly recommend doing one of the longer, more extreme tour options.
These tours continue past where the Family Cave Tour ends. So, not only will you experience more rock scrambling, but explorers will also pass through a few narrow and tight spaces. I am not very big, and I even had to inch-worm myself through one of the passages.
The 3-hour Multi-Cave Tour explores the marble passages and crystal caverns created by the Ice Age. Choose from a morning or afternoon departure time, strap on your complimentary light and helmet, and start your exciting introduction to ‘wild caving.’ On this tour, you'll experience an underground waterfall and traverse everything from tight passages to steep ramps to short climbs.
This tour is my favourite, as you get to go deeper inside the cave and see more, yet you don't need to do crazy things (like climb up and down sketchy ladders or rappel an underground waterfall) to access the hidden wonders.
Self-Guided Cave Access
Currently (October 2024), Andre's Annex is the only cave open for self-exploration. All the others are closed for “restoration” or require a guide. You can also access the entrance chamber of Main Cave, but a short distance inside, you are greeted by a locked gate.
The entry to Andre's Annex descends immediately, which can be a deterrent for many. If you are brave enough to head in, you have approximately 54 meters of cave to explore.
Visitors are still encouraged to come prepared with proper gear, such as sturdy shoes, warm layers, and a flashlight or headlamp. A hard hat is also encouraged. The interior can be slippery, and the temperature remains a cool 8°C year-round. If you decide not to use a helmet, always be aware of the sharp protruding rocks overhead.
Tips for Caving at Horne Lake
- You are going to be underground where it's cold (approx. 8º Celcius – (45º F), and the longer the tour, the colder you will feel, so dress appropriately!
- Dress in layers (long pants, long-sleeved shirt, sweatshirt, jacket, etc.) and wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty. You will most likely get wet – so don't wear jeans.
- Sturdy footwear is a MUST! No open-toed sandals, Crocs, etc. The rocks are uneven and can be slippery and wet. Hiking boots, running shoes, or even rubber boots (especially on those tours involving water) are the best options.
- Do your body a favour and rent the knee pads offered at check-in. If, like me, you bruise easily, I would also recommend the elbow pads. The pads help protect your knees, elbows, and forearms from sharp rocks during the army crawls (and inch-worming) required for those tight spaces. The knee and elbow pads aren't necessary for the Family Cave Tour.
- For the longer tours, gardening or neoprene gloves are also recommended. The gloves keep your hands warm and prevent rope burn in the rappelling sections.
- You are allowed to bring a camera or phone to take photos. However, getting decent pictures is tricky because there is no natural light underground. A real camera is also challenging to carry, especially on extended tours.
- Backpacks are not allowed in the cave, so whatever you bring must be carried or placed in pockets – and trust me, you want your hands free. So it is best not to bring water bottles, unnecessary snacks, etc. Keep all those items in your vehicle and save them for after the tour.
The Trails
The trails at Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park offer a fantastic above-ground complement to the underground adventures. If you simply want to explore the park's natural beauty, the hiking trails provide a scenic way to experience the area’s forested landscapes, rivers, and viewpoints.
If you book a guided cave tour, please note that you will follow the same interpretive trail mentioned below to access the gated areas.
Phil Whitfield Interpretive Trail
Distance: 2.1 km loop
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Named after one of the park’s founders, this short trail is designed to educate visitors about the delicate karst landscape that defines the park. The interpretive signs along the way detail the geological and ecological features of the area, making it an ideal trail for those interested in learning more about the park’s unique environment.
To access this trail, you cross the suspension bridge at the Caving Information Centre and follow the loop.
Horne Lake Hustle
Check out Mount Mark via Horne Lake Hustle if you want an adventurous hike. This 9.3km challenging trek begins with a steady ascent along a service road for the first three kilometres and then shifts into a steep climb up the slope. Expect a tough trek, especially in the summer when the trail becomes dry and dusty, though there are plenty of ropes to assist along the way. The effort is well worth it, as the summit rewards hikers with stunning views of Horne Lake and the surrounding mountains.
The trailhead is accessible along the Horne Lake Forest Service Road, a short distance from the caves' parking lot.
Horne Lake
Horne Lake is a beautiful freshwater lake located within the Horne Lake Regional Park, adjacent to Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park. It’s a popular spot for visitors looking to enjoy outdoor activities either before or after exploring the caves. The scenic backdrop of Mount Mark makes it a worthy stop for any nature lover.
1. Swimming
The calm waters of Horne Lake make it a perfect place for swimming. There are no designated lifeguarded swimming areas, so swimmers should be cautious and aware of the conditions, but generally, the lake provides a peaceful and safe environment for a refreshing dip. Over the last few years, there have been complaints of swimmer's itch, so it's always best to ensure you dry off immediately after leaving the lake.
Water Temperature: The water can be quite chilly, especially earlier in the summer, but it’s refreshing during the warmer months.
2. Kayaking and Canoeing
Non-motorized boating is very popular on Horne Lake. Visitors can bring their own kayaks, canoes, or paddleboards to enjoy paddling in the serene waters. The lake is large enough to explore various coves and hidden corners, and it’s a quiet alternative to the busier lakes on the island. During the summer, pop-up canoe and kayak rentals are often available.
3. Fishing
Horne Lake is also known for its fishing opportunities. Anglers can catch rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, and kokanee in its waters. Fishing is allowed with a valid BC freshwater fishing license, and the lake is a favourite spot for both recreational and serious anglers. Motorized boats are allowed on the lake. There is a $6.00 launch fee.
4. Camping by the Lake
Horne Lake Regional Park offers camping sites right by the water. Many campers come to the park to enjoy lakeside camping, which provides direct access to swimming, boating, fishing, and park trails. It’s a fantastic way to combine outdoor recreation with a relaxing stay in nature. The campground offers rustic sites with basic amenities like picnic tables, fire pits, and outhouses.
Getting to Horne Lake Provincial Park
The park is accessed via the Horne Lake exit off Hwy 19. The 12 kms to the park is mostly along a gravel forest service road. This road is well-maintained, but it has quite a few large potholes. Please drive with care.
Caving at Horne Lake Summary
Visiting Horne Lake Caves promises an unforgettable blend of adventure, education, and natural wonder, making it a must-see destination on Vancouver Island. Whether you are a seasoned caver or just curious about this underground world, this park offers amazing opportunities. It's a chance to view natural wonders rarely seen above ground.
Plus, the trails and adjacent Regional Park offer plenty of incredible nature experiences. Whether you're spending a few hours by the water or camping for a few days, Horne Lake offers something for everyone.
Have you tried out one of the tours at Horne Lake Caves? Would you like to? Let me know your thoughts in the comment section below.
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Sounds awesome!!! I’ve been caving twice (once in Alberta, once in Australia) and loved it. I’ve wanted to get to Horne Lake Caves ever since we moved out there and it just hasn’t worked yet. Maybe this summer! 🙂 Thanks for all the info.
I hope it works for you to try it out this summer. It is such a fun experience!