West of Qualicum Beach, Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park (tel. 250/954-4600 for Strathcona Park District) offers access to a lakeside park area, with camping and canoeing, and a system of caves on the slopes of the Beaufort Range (bring at least two sources of light, and, in summer, rent a helmet from the park office). From mid-June to Labour Day, the park offers guided tours, like the family-oriented Riverbend Cave Interpretive Program. The park is located 26km (16 miles) west of Qualicum Beach, off exit 75 from Hwy. 19 or 19A. For more adventure, contact Island Pacific Adventures/Horne Lake Adventures (tel. 250/757-8687; www.hornelake.com) to reserve space on its 3-hour Wet and Wild Expedition (C$54), which features climbing and splashing through part of the cave system; children must be 12 years of age or older.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
