Vancouver 
Vancouver Island’s scenery can be experienced from within! As odd as this sounds, there are a few different cave systems located across not only the Island but also the many mountains of BC. Fortunately for thrill-seekers, hikers, or adventurers, many of BC’s caves are accessible with the help of professional guides.
Credit: Horne Lake Caves and Outdoor Centre
Among some of the easier-to-access mountain caves in BC are the Horne Lake Caves on Vancouver Island. With the help of expert guides, the Horne Lake Caves are open to public exploration, giving you a surreal experience and a true look into the Island’s vast and varied scenery.
The Horne Lake Caves area in central Vancouver Island is made up of three sections: the caves, the Provincial Park surrounding the caves, and the adjacent Regional Park on Horne Lake.
More Caves:
Guided Horne Lake Cave Tours
For safety reasons, the Horne Lake Caves are only accessible with a tour guide. Lucky for visitors, the Horne Lake Cave Tours offer public access with a guide for kids as young as six years old.
- The following cave tours offer visitors a quicker experience at 1.5-2.5 hours and are better suited to younger kids: Riverbend Cave Explorer (ages 6+), Multi Cave Experience (ages 8+), or The Action Pack (ages 8+).
- The next set of tours are a bit more “in-depth” and range from 4-5.5 hours. These “vertical” tours are better suited to older kids, teens, or adults, and include the Achilles Challenge (ages 13+), the Max Depth Adventure (ages 13+), or the Caver’s Odyssey (ages 16+).
- There is a small section for self-guided exploration. You are still required to check in with staff to receive a headlamp and helmet for $6. This section is called Andre’s Annex with a 15m depth. Detailed maps are also available for this self-guided route.
Hiking around the Caves
There are excellent and scenic hiking opportunities between the Provincial and Regional Park. These are simpler trails well suited to families or smaller kids.
- The Provincial Park’s Phil Whitfield Interpretive Trail leads hikers across the suspension bridge from the parking lot, and into the wooded areas above the caves. The 1km trail has interpretive signage along the way.
- Hikers can access the cave tours and interpretive trail from the regional park via the Caves Trail.
- There are several small looping trails within the Regional Park and south of the Qualicum River. The Southwoods and Gas Line trails both lead hikers to a great viewpoint, while other loop through the trees.
Horne Lake Regional Park Activities
Horne Lake sits as the base of Mark Mountain on the east side of Vancouver Island. The beautiful lake is surrounded by peaks and lush greenery and is accessible thanks to the Regional Park on the lake’s west side.
- Within the park are three lakeside campgrounds: North Park, Paradise Bay, and Twin Pines. These campgrounds are open for spring, summer, and fall camping. The Qualicum River separates the North Park from the other two campgrounds, which are all connected by trails and a road/bridge over the river.
- The Horne Lake beach is located north of the North Park and has picnic sites, sandy shores, swimming areas, parking, and washrooms.
- The day-use area is where boaters can find the park’s boat launch. The park also allows permits for fishing from Horne Lake.
- For those without their own boat, RCL Park Services can offer rentals for canoes, kayaks, or SUPs.
Planning your Trip – Horne Lake Caves
What: The Horne Lake Caves are to the west of Horne Lake and Qualicum River. For over 30 years, a local family business has helped visitors with safe exploration of the caves. The Horne Lake Cave Tours are the best way to see inside the caves, while quicker self-guided trips are also available. A Provincial Park surrounds the caves to protect the natural areas and trails, while the adjacent Horne Lake Regional Park offers visitors more recreation, picnic areas, and camping accommodations.
Location and how to get there: 3905 Horne Lake Caves Rd, Qualicum Beach, BC.
If not on the Island, use the Nanaimo or Comox ferries.
Use Highway BC-19 to reach Dunsmuir; from here, follow Horne Lake Road west and around the lake to reach both parks
Approximately 3 hr 30 min (150 km) from Vancouver and 180 km from Victoria
Cost: tours $59 & up per person
Best time to go: April-October; Open Year Round
For more information:
Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park
