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Special Notes:

Management Planning:

• Management Planning Information
• Approved Master Plan

• Location Map

Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park is located 60 km north of Nanaimo and 26 km west of Qualicum on central Vancouver Island. The park can be accessed via the Horne lake exit off Hwy #19 or Hwy #19a. Follow signs for 12 km to Horne Lake.

Any maps listed are for information only - they may not represent legal boundaries and should not be used for navigation.

• Location Map
• Park Map (69 kb pdf)
• Brochure (115 kb pdf)

• History - The first written records of caves in the area came after the turn of the century, in 1912, when a geologist noted the presence of caves at the north end of Horne Lake. A few years later, when the area was opened up for logging, the loggers knew the location of the caves. It is not known if the loggers ventured into the depths of the caves but a stream in one of the caves was dammed to provide water for the steam donkeys used in early logging practices.
  It was not until 1939 that the caves gained public attention. Two cave explorers were responsible for rediscovering what they named the "Horne Lake Wonder Caves". At this point only the Main and Lower Main Caves were known, although some speculated on the potential for more caves in the area. The presence of a noticeable air current at the mouth of Main Cave led people to believe there must be a system of caves, of which Main was just a part. In 1941, a storekeeper from Qualicum reported entering a sizable cave almost a quarter of a mile long, some distance from the already discovered caves. This was probably the first discovery of Riverbend Cave.
  By 1945, the caves had become a known tourist stop for people looking for adventure. This increased use of the caves, however, took its toll and by the summer of 1945 a party of explorers noted that many of the once beautiful formations were either broken or removed by souvenir seekers. This same party found the storekeeper's cave, Riverbend.
  In 1957, the Horne Lake Caves area of approximately 29 hectares was established as a recreation reserve in an effort to ensure opportunities for the public to continue to view these caves in the future. Six years later a group of cavers from Victoria discovered the two entrances to Eggshell Cave. The value of this area was recognized by members of the Canadian Speleological Society, who then approached the provincial government to have this area protected. Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park was established in February 1971.
• Conservation - In addition to protecting the karst features and caves, this park includes a forested addition that protects approximately 1 km of the Qualicum River adjacent to Horne Lake Caves. This forest provides a visual buffer for visitors to the existing park. The area also protects high fish and wildlife values.
• General Wildlife, Marine & Outdoor Ethics Information

• The caves are largely undeveloped. In keeping with the natural theme, none of the caves have lighting and the floors are rocky and uneven. The caves are cool, even during summer, so bring warm clothing and good footwear. Visitors wanting to explore on their own should have at least two sources of light and helmets are highly recommended – these supplies are available to rent from the tour operator. The routes within the caves are not marked and contain steep slopes, slippery sections and exposed drops. Self-explorers should exercise extreme caution while traveling in the caves.

Cave Etiquette and Safety

• Carry at least two lights per person - flashlights and headlamps are the best choice. This gear is available for rent on site at the caving office during their business hours.
• It is recommended that hardhats or helmets be worn in the caves.
• Due to the cool damp air in the caves, you are advised to wear warm clothing.
• Do not enter the caves alone. It is recommended that three persons are a minimum per party and six persons are a maximum on self-guided cave tours.
• Leave precise information of your plans and your estimated arrival time home with someone responsible.
• Never exceed the limits of your ability. Be aware of slippery sections and exposed drops.
• Do not damage or remove any rock formations or features from the caves.
• The use of candles, torches and Coleman lanterns is prohibited because open flame can damage the special rock formations.
• When visiting a cave follow in one line. This will reduce the spread of mud over the features and throughout the rest of the cave.
• Pets are not permitted in the caves.
• Please remove all litter. Leave no trace of your visit.

Visitor Safety Information (park safety, hazards, wildlife safety information, health risks)

Explore Parks: Fees, park listings, what you should know before you go and other useful links.

	There is no provincial campground at Horne Lake, however, a regional campground is located adjacent to the park.
	There is no wilderness, backcountry or walk-in camping at this park.
	There are no group campsites in this park. Group campsites are available at the regional campground located adjacent to the park.
	This park has a day-use/picnic area with 2 picnic tables and pit toilets. The Horne Lake Regional Park is located adjacent to the provincial park. The Regional Park allows acces to Horne Lake which provides recreation opportunities for camping, swimming, fishing and picnicking nearyby.
	There are no wheelchair accessible facilities at this park.
	Bring your own drinking water as potable water is not available in the park.
	This park has 2 pit toilets, located at the day use area.
	No showers.
	No sani-station/dump facilities.
	Campfires are not permitted.
	There are no electrical hook-ups in this park.
	The Caving Centre offers a variety of regularly scheduled and guided tours and educational programs for individuals and school groups. Phone (250) 757-TOUR or (250) 757-8687. Click here to view a non-government web link, for additional information.
	A short trail takes you from the parking lot across a suspension bridge over the Big Qualicum River to the Caving Centre and information kiosk. From here a 1.3 km trail system leads to the various caves. Please note: the trails and caves are NOT wheelchair accessible. For your own safety and the preservation of the park, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails. Shortcutting trails destroys plant life and soil structure.
	This park does not have a playground.
	The day-use area, located next to the Big Qualicum River, offers a shallow area suitable for swimming or wading. There is no safe access to the river.
	There are opportunities for canoeing or kayaking in this park. Big Qualicum River runs approximately 1 km downstream into Horne Lake. Please note there is no easy access to the river and during the summer season, the river becomes very shallow or dries up.
	This park does not have a boat launch. However, there is a boat launch adjacent to the park in the Horne Lake regional campground.
	There are no freshwater fishing opportunities in Horne Lake. All anglers should check the current regulations issued by Fisheries and Oceans Canada prior to fishing. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
	Cycling is permitted on roadways only. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.
	No horses and/or horseback riding.
	Pets/domestic animals must be on a leash and under control at all times. You are responsible for their behaviour and must dispose of their excrement. Pets are not permitted in the caves. Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears.
	There is no viewing platform but the area offers viewing opportunities to see birds, bears and deer. During the fall season, you can see eagles feeding on trout at the campground area next to the park.
	There are no winter recreational opportunities offered at the park.
	No SCUBA diving or snorkelling opportunities.
	There are no windsurfing opportunities in the park.
	There are no waterskiing opportunities in the park.
	The park is closed to hunting.
	There are opportunities for rock climbing/rappelling in this park through the Horne Lake Caving Centre. Click here to view a non-government web link, for additional information.
	From educational family-oriented tours to deep, dark adventure, the caves protected within Horne Lake Park offer something for everyone. Knowledgeable guides can lead visitors through the caves to discover this magical world of crystal formations and ancient fossils firsthand. Though the park has two small caves visitors can explore on their own, a guided tour of one of the larger caves offers more variety and a chance to learn about the cave’s unique geology and history. Easy 90-minute family tours into protected Riverbend Cave are conducted daily from 10 am to 5 pm during July and August. This tour is designed to teach the geology of the caves while exploring the larger and easier passageways and is available on a first-come, first-served basis from 10am to 5pm. Three-hour Adventure trips are available daily from May to October and weekends only from November through April. Reservations are required for all tours except the Summer Family Tour and can be made by calling the Horne Lake Caves at (250) 248-7829. Those wanting more adventure can try the FOUR-hour or FIVE-hour caving excursions offered at the park. The ultimate in caving challenge is the Underground Extreme tour, a FIVE-hour excursion that has cavers rappel down a seven-storey waterfall into the depths of a cave then climb out on a cable ladder. Click here to view a non-government web link, for additional information.
	No cabins, yurts or lodges for public use.