While the Ministry of Environment discourages exploration of the unmapped caverns, there are a number of caves open to the public. Remember, you should wear sturdy boots, warm clothing and have a safety helmet and flashlight to explore caves.

Caves that have guided or self-guided tours include:

Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park: The most accessible of all Vancouver Island caves, Horne Lake has three caves open for exploration and attracts over 50,000 visitors annually. Main Cave and Lower Main Cave are open for self-guided tours. Safety helmets and flashlights can be rented at the park during operating hours. The third cave, Riverbend, is accessible only on guided 1.5 -hour tours. For the truly adventurous, there's a five-hour caving lesson using ropes and harness in a second section of Riverbend. If you've ever wanted to rappel down seven stories, these are the caves to visit. You must be 19 or older to participate in the caving lessons.
Getting There: Horne Lake Caves are west of Qualicum Beach on the east side of Vancouver Island. From Nanaimo, head north on the Inland Island Hwy. to Horne Lake Road, just north of Qualicum Beach.

Upana Caves: Near Gold River, Upana Caves are actually several caves within one group. Altogether, the caves have 15 known entrances and 450 meters (1,500 feet) of passages. There are both self-guided and organized tours. The interior of the caves remain wild and undeveloped. At one point, you will come across an underground river. The underground sequences of the television series Huckleberry Finn and His Friends were filmed in Upana Caves.
Getting There: From Nanaimo, head north on the Inland Island Highway to where it connects with the Island Highway at Mud Bay. Continue north to Campbell River and Hwy. 28 (the Gold River Hwy.). Gold River is about 90 minutes west. Once in Gold River, follow the signs. Maps for self-guided tours are available in Gold River.

Little Hustan Caves Regional Park: Located at the south end of Nimpkish Lake on north Vancouver Island, the Little Hustan Caves offer self-guided tours.
Getting There: From Nanaimo, head north on the Inland Island Highway to where it connects with the Island Highway at Mud Bay. Continue north through Campbell River and Sayward to the gravel road turnoff for Zeballos. Watch for the signs.

Artlish River Cave: North of Zeballos, these are some of the biggest caves on Vancouver Island. They can only be accessed by guided tours. Check with the Zeballos Chamber of Commerce for more information.
Getting There: From Nanaimo, head north on the Inland Island Highway to where it connects with the Island Highway at Mud Bay. Continue north through Campbell River and Sayward to the gravel road turnoff for Zeballos. Zeballos is about 50 kilometers away.

For more information on caving in British Columbia, check with the British Columbia Speleological Federation, 1-250-283-2283.

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