Park overview
Artlish Caves Park is known for its spectacular and unique karst features which are of provincial and national significance. It has a distinctive topography in which the landscape is largely shaped by the dissolving action of water on carbonate bedrock, usually limestone, dolomite or marble.
The remote park features two large cave entrances and an underground river within an old growth forest environment. This area was proposed for protection by the local community for many years before becoming established as a park in 1996.
Although there may be potential for caving opportunities in the future, this area is sensitive and use is not recommended until a management plan is complete.
Advisories
Safety info
- Access to this park is by active logging roads. The chance of encountering loaded logging trucks while traveling these roads is highly likely. Logging trucks have the right of way; vehicles must yield to logging trucks and use pull-outs when possible.
- Visitors should be very careful when hiking through the forest as there are no developed trails. There are a number of hazards associated with karst topography, including sink-holes and grikes, places where people could, at the very least, twist their ankles.
- Visitors must also walk about 1 km of deactivated logging road prior to reaching the western boundary of the park. To access this 1 km of road, they must first cross a creek. Visitors should be aware that water levels in this creek can rise fairly quickly during periods of wet weather.
- Bring your own water, as potable water is not available in this park. Any surface water you may find must be boiled, filtered or treated prior to consumption.
Camping
Wilderness camping is allowed, but no facilities are provided.
Facilities
While fires are allowed, we encourage visitors to conserve the environment by minimizing the use of fire and using stoves instead. If you must use a campfire, please practice “Leave No Trace” camping ethics.
Campfire bans may be in place. Before lighting a fire, check for bans or restrictions on BC Wildfire Service and on local or Indigenous government websites.
Activities
Fishing is permitted as per provincial and federal fishing regulations. All anglers should check the current regulations issued by Fisheries and Oceans Canada prior to fishing.
Anyone fishing in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence. To learn more, see the fishing and hunting guide.
Pets and domestic animals must be on a leash at all times. You are responsible for their behaviour and must dispose of their excrement. Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears.
Opportunities for recreational caving exist in this remote park, although the routes to the cave entrances are not marked. Use caution in this area. These caves offer a wilderness caving experience and are suitable for experienced, adventurous cavers only.
White-Nose Syndrome
White-Nose Syndrome (WNS) is a fungal disease linked to the mass die-off of hibernating bats in Eastern North America. Humans have accelerated spread by bringing contaminated clothing, gear, and equipment into caves. To learn more about White-Nose Syndrome, read the White-Nose Syndrome fact sheet [PDF], or visit the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative website.
Before you enter a cave, use the gear decontamination instructions.
Help protect bats and their habitats from the spread of White-Nose Syndrome. Clothing and gear that has been used in caves east of the Rocky Mountains should not be used in B.C.
Artlish Caves is located northwest of Zeballos on northern Vancouver Island. Just accessing this park can be a serious undertaking. The most popular access is at the west side of the park through Canadian Forest Products TFL 37. This system of roads is accessed via the Zeballos Forest Service road (off Highway 19 just north of Woss). Drivers should be very cautious as the chance of encountering loaded logging trucks while traveling these roads is highly likely.
Park and activity maps
Learn more about this park
Park details
- Date established: April 30, 1996
- Size: 285 hectares
Nature and culture
- Cultural Heritage: Artlish Caves lies within the traditional territory of the Kyuquot/Checleset First Nation peoples. Culturally modified trees (CMTs) can be seen in the park.
- Conservation: The park provides protection for Vancouver Island’s last remaining undisturbed karst unit that incorporates a major river cave. The Artlish River flows completely within the Artlish River Cave for a portion of its length. The park also protects an old growth valley bottom karst ecosystem with coastal western hemlock and western red cedar as well as some amabilis fir and Sitka spruce.
- Wildlife: The area provides winter habitat and a migration corridor for Roosevelt elk, as well as habitat for sockeye, Coho, Chinook, and pink salmon, steelhead and rainbow trout.
Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples
BC Parks honours Indigenous Peoples’ connection to the land and respects the importance of their diverse teachings, traditions, and practices within these territories. This park webpage may not adequately represent the full history of this park and the connection of Indigenous Peoples to this land. We are working in partnership with Indigenous Peoples to update our websites so that they better reflect the history and cultures of these special places.