Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park
Horne Lake Lake Caves Provincial Park is a unique Vancouver Island cave experience where you can tour caves to view fossils, crystal formations, and wildlife.
Marvel at epic geological formations and immerse yourself in new surroundings. Whether you're looking for outdoor family-friendly things to do or seeking an underground adventure, the Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park offer unforgettable experiences for all ages.
History
This park was established in 1971 to protect and preserve these amazing geological features with their fascinating fossils, crystal formations, and wildlife. Visitors can hike the park's lush trails or participate in a fascinating guided Horne Lake Cave Tour.
Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park was honoured by Destination BC with the inaugural "Remarkable Experiences" award and has also been recognized as the "Best Natural Outdoor Site in BC," and the "#1 Attraction in Qualicum Beach," by TripAdvisor reviewers.
Exploring the Caves
Guided Tours
Choose from several cave tours with time frames ranging from one-to-five hours and with varying degrees of difficulty. The 1-hour Riverbend Cave Explorer (appropriate for ages five and older) includes an adventure across a vast area without any squeezing or vertical climbing. The 2.5-hour Multi-Cave Experience (ages 8 and older) features a climb up an underground waterfall, while the white-knuckle 5-hour Extreme Cave & Rappel Tour (ages 13 and older) takes explorers rappelling down a seven storey underground waterfall and Canada's only cave slide! Tour information and availability is subject to change, so please check with the park for more details in advance of your visit.
Self-Guided Tours
Explore Horne Lake Caves free self-guided tours in designated areas. Looking for budget-friendly ideas for caving? Visitors can embark on these self-guided explorations with proper equipment, including items such as a helmet and a headlamp. Receive a laminated map at the trailhead, looking through ways to explore the nooks and crannies of the caves. These designated self-guided spots offer optimal areas to practice cave-squeezing.
Above Ground Options
If you prefer to stay above ground, test your problem-solving skills on the Cave Ability Course, which takes visitors through five caving challenges in an above-ground setting. The Phil Whitfield Interpretive Trail Loop is an above ground 2km loop trail that is free to explore. It features fossils and signage that educates park visitors about the formation of caves and karst landscapes.
TripAdvisor ReviewersThe #1 Attraction in Qualicum Beach.
Cave Tour Equipment & What to Wear
The caves will be cool and damp all year round, with temperatures hovering at about 8 degrees Celsius (47 degrees Fahrenheit). Dressing in layers is recommended, and the longer you plan to be in the caves, the more cool weather gear you will need.
Since cave floors may be rocky and uneven, running shoes, hiking boots, and similar sturdy footwear is recommended. In winter, visitors may wish to wear rubber boots as running water does accumulate on the ground. Hardhats or helmets and flashlights and headlamps are recommended for touring the caves safely and you can rent this gear onsite.
Amenities & Accessibility
There are two pit toilets and two picnic tables available in the day use area. There is no potable water available at the park, so plan to bring your own drinking water. For a full summary of park accessibility, please click here.
Pets
Pets are not allowed in the caves. You may not leave your pet unattended while you tour the caves, so please plan accordingly. Leashed pets are allowed on trails in the day use areas and also within Horne Lake Regional Park.
Safety & Stewardship
We recommend visitors embark on one of the educational guided tours for a safe and comprehensive experience. Never enter the caves alone and always let a third party know of your travel plans. While exploring, use extreme caution and remain alert for slopes, slippery areas, and drop-offs.
To protect this incredible natural area, please do not remove or damage rocks or features and “Leave No Trace,” by taking any litter with you. For more information about safely and responsibly exploring the outdoors in British Columbia, please visit AdventureSmart.
Horne Lake Regional Park
Adjacent to Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park, Horne Lake Regional Park, is an excellent base camp for your adventures. This neighbouring park offers wooded and lakefront campsites, a network of trails, and river and lake access. Spend the day on the water by renting a kayak, canoe, or stand up paddle board on site. Horne Lake is a treasured spot for fishing, swimming, and relaxing on the beach.
Plan your visit to these two must-see parks with our helpful guide:
Getting to The Park & Maps
3905 Horne Lake Caves Road, Qualicum Beach, BC V9K 2L7, Canada
Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park is about 26 km west of Qualicum Beach. Turn southwest onto Horne Lake Road via Highway 19 or 19A. You can view or download a park map here. Be advised, there is a gravel road to get to the park. Plan a little extra time when arriving to account for slow travel speeds and always check with your rental car carrier as some do not allow gravel road travel.
Nearby Places to Stay
Discover a variety of lodgings before heading over to Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park with options such as hotels, motels, RV resorts and campgrounds. Nestled in the dense wilderness, a drive to Horne Lake Caves will unveil breathtaking scenery that's lush with greenery and wildlife.
Cathedral Grove, MacMillan Provincial Park
Breathe in the fresh air and experience the unforgettable sight of some the oldest and tallest trees in Canada.
Englishman River Falls Provincial Park
Located near Errington in Arrowsmith Coombs Country, just a short drive from Parksville and Qualicum Beach, Englishman River Falls Provincial Park is known for its natural beauty, which makes it one of…
Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park
Don’t miss one of the most beautiful parks for camping on Vancouver Island, featuring cascading waterfalls in a mountainside forest setting.
Qualicum Beach Heritage Forest
Walk the trails through the 50-acre Qualicum Beach Heritage Forest.
Jedediah Island Marine Provincial Park
Located between Lasqueti and Texada Islands, Jedediah Island Marine Provincial Park is a popular destination for recreational boaters and kayakers.
Spider Lake Provincial Park
Find peace and quiet at this popular spot for fishing and swimming.
Rosewall Creek Provincial Park
Rosewell Creek Provincial Park is a closely guarded secret among those who treasure the path less taken.
Hamilton Marsh
Hamilton Marsh is the largest wetland between Nanaimo, Cumberland, and Port Alberni - located just minutes from the Town of Qualicum Beach.
