Vancouver Island Horne Lake Caves
Spider Lake Provincial Park

Horne Lake Caves - Spider Lake Provincial Park is located west of the Parksville/Qualicum Beach/Qualicum Bay area on Vancouver Island. The Horne Lake Caves is one of the best areas to observe caves under safe conditions.

The caves draw visitors from around the world interested in a different kind of rush called spelunking. In the 158 hectares Provincial Park are underground caves, lush rainforested mountains and a nearby fresh water lake.

The Horne Lake Caves were preserved in 1971 by a local movement that developed from the surrounding caving communities concern about the longevity of the natural caving environment. The largest cave at Horne Lake Caves Park is the best preserved and protected of all the caves in the area.

In the 1950's the cave system was uncovered by Jim and Delores Johnson. For years they explored the caves and mapped them out in detail. A love of the land, exploring and spelunking, the pair researched 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 Horne Lake Caves, today, offer the opportunity to explore the under ground geology of Vancouver Island with an interpretive caving guide. An interpretive caving guide takes tours underground daily. The Horne Lake Caving guides are found at the Interpretive Centre in the park.

There are also smaller caves available that do not require a guide. Do not be fooled these self guided caves have some tricky areas to them also. They are very slippery, cold and dark with sharp edges all around. The temperatures underground at Horne Lake Caves drops rapidly, so warm clothing and good footwear is a must regardless of the temperatures above ground. A self guided caving expedition should only be attempted with many flashlights and hard helmets. The helmets are available to rent at the Interpretive Centre at Horne Lake Caves.

The guided Horne Lake Cave Tours range from a 90 minute interpretive tour which is perfect for families. there is a 5-6 hour caving adventure propelling down waterfalls and climbing cable ladders. The Horne Lake Caves is an ideal experience for the whole family.

The children always enjoy the experience in awe and amazement. The adults usually become kids again. Imagine that.

There are no group campsites around in this beauty caving park, but next door at the Regional Park are some campsites. Horne Lake Park does have a day use area with pit toilets and 2 picnic tables. The park is not wheelchair friendly. There is no swimming or playground area. The park is mainly for caving adventures.

How to get to Horne Lake Caves - Spider Lake

From the main highway connecting Vancouver Island near the Parksville/Qualicum area take the Horne Lake Caves exit road for 12 kilometres and head west, following the signs all the way to the caving park. From Qualicum it is only a 26 kilometre drive through the forested scenic roads to Horne Lake Caves.