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Advisories

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Accessibility information

Accessibility information is available for this park.

Picnic areas

This park has a day-use and picnic area with two picnic tables and pit toilets. The Horne Lake Regional Park is located adjacent to the provincial park. The regional park allows access to Horne Lake which provides recreation opportunities for camping, swimming, fishing and picnicking nearby.

Pit or flush toilets

This park has two pit toilets, located at the day-use area.

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Hiking

A short trail takes you from the Visitor Centre across a suspension bridge over the Big Qualicum River and uphill to the cave systems. The Phil Whitfield Interpretive Trail leads hikers through lush rainforest past interesting limestone karst and cave geological features. Interpretive signage tells the story of the caves’ origin. Disappearing streams, fossils, banded outcroppings and the cave entrances can be seen on a 950 m loop that starts and ends at the Visitor Centre.

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.

Swimming

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. The Horne Lake Regional Park is located adjacent to the provincial park. The Regional Park 900 metres away allows access to Horne Lake which provides recreation opportunities for camping, swimming, fishing and picnicking nearby.

Canoeing

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.

The Horne Lake Regional Park is located adjacent to the provincial park. The Regional Park 900 metres away allows access to Horne Lake which provides recreation opportunities for camping, swimming, fishing and picnicking nearby.

Interpretive programs

The Cave Visitor Centre offers a variety of regularly scheduled and guided tours and educational programs for individuals and school groups. Short videos and interpretive displays provide alternative opportunities to enjoy the park without having to venture underground.

More information is available at https://hornelake.com

Wildlife viewing
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.
Pets on leash

Pets and 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.

Cycling

Cycling is permitted on roadways only. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.

Please note that bicycles with electric assist motors (e-bikes) are not allowed on the trails within Horne Lake Caves Park. E-bikes are restricted to park roads and areas where motorized use is permitted. The only exception to this policy will be for authorized and identified trail maintenance bikes conducting work on behalf of BC Parks.

Climbing

There are opportunities for rock climbing and rappelling in this park through the Horne Lake Caving Centre.

Caving

Horne Lake Caves Visitor Centre and Cave Theatre are open during the summer season. 

Guided tours

Caves are only accessible by guided tour. Guided cave tours depart every hour from 9am to 5pm in summer months and at various times throughout the year.

From educational family-oriented tours to deep, dark adventure, Horne Lake Caves Park offers something for everyone. Knowledgeable guides lead visitors through the caves to discover this magical world of crystal formations and ancient fossils firsthand. A guided tour offers a chance to learn about the cave’s unique geology and history. All caving equipment is included on the guided tours with certified cave guides.  

Riverbend Cave Explorer Tour1 hour 45 minutesage 5+
The Action Pack1.5 hoursage 8+
Multi Cave Experience2.5 hoursage 8+
Achilles Challenge4 hoursage 13+
Max Depth Adventure5.5 hoursage 13+

For more information and to book tours, visit hornelake.com or call 250-248-7829.

Cave etiquette and safety

  • Safety equipment including a helmet and light are provided on tours.
  • Due to the cool damp air in the caves, even during the summer, you are advised to wear warm clothing.
  • Do not damage or remove any rock formations or features from the caves.
  • 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.

Help protect bats from White-Nose Syndrome

White-nose Syndrome is a fungal disease that has been linked to the mass die-off of hibernating bats in Eastern North America. It poses a significant threat to bats of the west and British Columbia. There is evidence that humans have accelerated the spread through entering caves with contaminated clothing, gear or equipment. To help prevent WNS from taking hold in B.C., the Province is making investments in bat conservation projects.

Personal caving gear that has been used anywhere east of the Rockies must not be used in BC. If you must use gear, complete the decontamination protocol.

BC Parks installed a bio-cleaning station at Horne Lake Caves Park to ensure visitors are not entering caves with contaminated clothing, gear or equipment, which researchers believe can carry the fungus causing White-Nose Syndrome. Funded through proceeds from the BC Parks Licence Plate Program, the bio-cleaning station helps remove fungal spores that could cause the disease. Before entering the caves, visitors walk along an artificial turf mat to scrub fungal spores off their shoes, and then step into a diluted detergent and water solution, followed by a water rinse. The same process is applied when leaving. Watch the video to learn more about the bio-cleaning station at Horne Lake Caves Park.

Bio-cleaning station protects bats from White-Nose Syndrome

Learn more about White-Nose Syndrome