Horne Lake Caves

The Horne Lake Provincial Park is a caving adventure destination located west of the communities of Qualicum Beach and Qualicum Bay on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. Within the park are numerous caves and caverns to explore. There are guided interpretive tours for the deeper caves and self guided tours throughout the smaller caves.

The 158 hectare park draws visitors from around the world. Pressure from a local climbing group led by Jim and Delores Johnson resulted in protecting the natural caving environment in the region. The group helped establish the park in 1971 therefore protecting the caves from further harm.

In the 1950's the cave system was originally uncovered by Jim and Delores Johnson. For years the couple explored the caves mapping out routes until the late 1960's. It was Jim and Delores who negotiated with BC Parks to establish the Horne Lake Caves as a protected park area.

The parks staff at Horne Lake Caves provide interpretive caving tours to the public. The guided tours begin at the Interpretive Centre located in the park. The temperatures underground drops rapidly, so prepare well with warm clothing and good footwear. Climbing helmets provided with tours.

The guided tours vary. There are shorter family friendly 90 minute tours with an interpretive guide. There are 5-6 hour tours for the extreme caver propelling down waterfalls and climbing cable ladders.

There are also smaller caves available that do not require a guide. They are very slippery, cold and dark. A self guided caving expedition should only be attempted with flashlights and hard helmets and common sense.

Horne Lake Park does have a day use area with pit toilets and 2 picnic tables.

How to get to Horne Lake Caves

Travel Hwy #1 or the Inland Hwy (Oceanside Route) on Vancouver Island towards the community of Qualicum Beach, BC. Look for the Horne Lake Exit. Travel west for 12 kilometres following the signs to the caves. From Qualicum Beach it is only 26 kilometres.