A seven-storey underground waterfall awaits at these ancient lake caves

If the summer heat has you searching for a cool, shady place to spend your next day off, it’s time to add Horne Lake Caves to your list. Not only do the ancient lake caves have plenty of spelunking opportunities, but they feature a remarkable underground waterfall that’s completely worth the visit alone. So grab your flashlights and layers, and get ready for a bucket-list experience.

Guided tours take caving enthusiasts of all skill levels through the series of underwater lakes, situated on North Vancouver Island. On your journey, you’ll discover calcite crystal formations, ancient fossils, and disappearing streams. Inside Riverbend Cave—the largest of the four explorable caves—a seven-storey waterfall awaits.

Most caves contain rooms two or three storeys high, according to the Horne Lake Caves team, though each ranges in difficulty level. For a family-friendly adventure, check out the Riverbend Cave Tour, or if you’re more comfortable doing a bit of rock climbing, opt for the more challenging Max Depth Adventure Tour.

Spelunkers cross a scenic suspension bridge above the rushing Qualicum River uphill to the cave systems, where they’ll find a range of caving opportunities for all ages. This includes the guided caving tours, as well as smaller ones you can visit on your own.

Note that guided caving tours depart every hour from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the summer months, and at various times year-round.

While camping is not offered at the park, the adjacent Horne Lakes Regional Park does have camping opportunities, in addition to swimming, fishing, and picnicking opportunities at the day-use area, according to BC Parks. 

Looking for an above-ground experience during your visit? Keep an eye out for interpretive signage along the Phil Whitfield Interpretive Trail. Here, park-goers will find limestone karst and unique cave geological features as they follow the path through lush forest.

You can also take a refreshing dip at the park’s day-use area, where the Big Qualicum River flows just deep enough for wading or shallow swimming.

This neat spot offers the perfect reprieve from the heat and crosses an iconic B.C. destination off of your summer bucket list. With Vancouver Island home to over a thousand caves, you’ll still have plenty to uncover!

Where: 3905 Horne Lake Caves Rd., Qualicum Beach

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Isabelle Vauclair

Staff Writer, Vancouver – Isabelle is a West Coast native with an appreciation for Vancouver’s natural landscape, patio scene, and community spaces. She loves to discover new hidden gems in her neighbourhood and share them with readers across the city.

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