Horne Lake Caves Park is 60 kilometres north of Nanaimo and 26 kilometres west of Qualicum on central Vancouver Island. BC Parks says the park was established in 1971 after public caving groups raised concerns about damage to caves and fragile crystal formations.
The park protects an underground cave system and karst landscape near Horne Lake.
Horne Lake Caves Park is one of British Columbia's most distinctive interpretive parks because it works both above and below ground. Visitors can learn at the Cave and Karst Education Centre, see geology and fossil displays, watch the Cave Theatre, and walk the 950-metre Phil Whitfield Interpretive Trail through limestone karst features.
Caving is the headline activity. BC Parks says caves are accessed by guided tour, with certified guides providing equipment and leading tours that range from family-oriented outings to longer adventure trips. The caves include crystal formations, fossils, cool damp air, and safety protocols designed to protect both visitors and cave features.
Above ground, visitors can use short trails, the suspension bridge over the Big Qualicum River, shallow river day-use areas, climbing and rappelling opportunities through the caving centre, and nearby Horne Lake Regional Park for camping and lake recreation.
Plan around guided cave tours, the Cave and Karst Education Centre, Cave Theatre, Phil Whitfield Interpretive Trail, geology viewing, climbing and rappelling programs, river day use, nearby paddling, and educational programs.
Bring drinking water because potable water is not available. Campfires and camping are not permitted in the provincial park. Pets are not allowed in caves, and cavers must follow White-Nose Syndrome decontamination procedures.
