Horne Lake Caves

Horne Lake Caves

Horne Lake Provincial Park is a caving / spelunking destination located west of the communities of Qualicum Beach and Parksville on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. Within the park are numerous caves and caverns to explore for all fitness levels. There are guided interpretive tours throughout the deeper and main attraction 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.

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