Enrich student learning with hands-on experiences! With as little as a half day, your group can benefit from fun and adventurous activities that build confidence and make school curriculum come to life. For almost 30 years, Horne Lake Caves and Outdoor Centre has provided high quality outdoor education and experiential learning to students of all ages and abilities. Through our partnership with Vancouver Island University and RLC Park Services, we can tailor your field trip to a variety of subjects: Earth Science, Marine Science, Team Building Challenges or Wilderness Skills, all in a single day!
Questions? Contact our Groups Coordinator
(250) 703-6051 or info@hornelake.com
why choose us?
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For over 28 years, our guides have led youth and adults on amazing adventures and inspired leadership through personal growth. Working in partnership with RLC Park Services and Vancouver Island University, the Horne Lake Outdoor Centre provides a wide variety of experiential learning and curriculum-based programming, delivered by passionate professionals in powerful outdoor environments – lake, forest, caves or ocean. With its central location, groups can be settled into a gorgeous campsite within a few hours and ready to eat or start their activities. Home to award-winning Adventure Based Learning programs and caving trips, we host many schools, Boy Scout groups, Girl Guides, Community and Recreation centres, and Business Teambuilding programs from all over the island, Lower Mainland and even neighbouring states and provinces!
- Exciting and unique activities that support and enhance school curriculum
- Reasonably priced programming aimed to provide opportunity for all students
- Prime space available May – September
- A spectacular setting – all of our activities are are a short walk away
- Participants learn to build trust by focusing on safety, teamwork, and cooperation.
- Healthy student interaction promotes respect for self, others and the environment.
activity choices
School Cave Geology Tour
(Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park)
Come and experience one of Vancouver Island’s most outstanding natural wonders. Our Cave Geology Program is designed specifically to support school curriculum. Students explore the geologic history of underground caverns, learn about crystal formations and see ancient fossils. This unique program combines an excellent learning environment with fun-filled adventure. What they learn in a cave they won’t soon forget!
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School Cave Tour Fees per person: (inc. adult supervisors)
| Grp of 10–18 | $27 +GST |
| Grp of 19–33 | $23 +GST |
| Grp of 34–60 | $19 +GST |
1 Free Adult Supervisor is allotted for every 14 students
- Minimum age is 7 years old
- 2.5 – 4 hours duration (depending on group size)
- each group is led by a certified and knowledgeable guide
- helmets and lights provided
- Supports curriculum in Earth Sciences and P.E.
- expand student boundaries in a supportive environment
Rock Rappelling Experience
(Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park)
Bring your students to a new classroom of natural rock. Our most popular adventure program is designed to provide basic experience “on-rope” in a fun and supportive environment. Aside from the sheer thrill, students get valuable life-skill development from challenging themselves, trying something that seems impossible, feeling success and confidence by not giving up, and strategies to manage fear and trust. Exciting and powerful!
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Program fee: $28 + GST per person (1 Free Adult Supervisor is allotted for every 14 students)
- Minimum age is 7 years old
- The Rock Wall is located within a 1km hike of our Visitor Centre
- All participants are instructed in rock and rope safety and fitted with UIAA approved helmets, harnesses and rappelling gear.
- While on the rock, participants are secured by a safety line at all times.
Team Building Challenge
(Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park)
What can you learn from group challenges? This session will run through a series of games starting with introductory ice-breakers that will assist everyone in working together. Then groups are presented with challenges that require “creative solutions”. Along the way, students learn a lot about themselves and communicating with others. A great way to get everyone “in the zone”.
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Program fee: $21 + GST per person (1 Free Adult Supervisor is allotted for every 14 students)
- program takes place in a shaded wooded setting
- activities are chosen to match age and ability
- led by instructors from RLC Park Services
- duration is approx. 2 hrs.
Canoe & Water Safety
(Horne Lake Regional Park)
The Canoe / Water Safety program is designed to introduce students to basic canoe handling and pre-trip planning to increase their confidence and safety on the water. Paddle strokes, proper entry /exit, emergency procedures and the importance of wearing P.F.D.’s (Personal Flotation Devices) and appropriate clothing will be taught while paddling the crystal-clear waters of Horne Lake.
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Program fee: $24 + GST per person (1 Free Adult Supervisor is allotted for every 14 students)
- students are placed two per canoe
- all participants are fitted with PFD’s
- led by certified paddle instructors from RLC Park Services
- duration approx. 2 hrs.
Wilderness Skills
(Horne Lake Regional Park)
This fun and informative program will teach the essentials of outdoor survival skills. Along the Wilderness Trail we build (and climb into) debris shelters, identify local trees and edible plants, teach basic fire lighting techniques as well as “lost proofing” and wilderness navigation. Useful stuff!
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Program fee: $21 + GST per person (1 Free Adult Supervisor is allotted for every 14 students)
- program takes place on trails in Horne Lake Regional Park
- led by instructors from RLC Park Services
- duration approx. 2 hrs.
Horne Lake Amazing Race Activity
(Horne Lake Regional Park)
Fun and excitement await on the Horne Lake Amazing Race, an adventure similar to the popular TV show but delivered in a beautiful park setting. Participants race in small groups while experiencing some healthy competition from other teams. Working together, teams try to problem-solve a variety of outdoor challenges, navigate trails, find secret clue boxes and more. But this race will not necessarily be won by the first team to finish . . . there is more than one way to win so check it out!
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Program fee: $18 + GST per person (1 Free Adult Supervisor is allotted for every 14 students)
- program takes place in Horne Lake Regional Park
- led by instructors from RLC Park Services
- duration approx. 2 hrs.
Marine Science School Programs
(VIU – Deep Bay Marine Field Station)
Add a marine-science component to your field trip at this amazing facility, owned and operated by Vancouver Island University. The Deep Bay Marine Field Station is a LEEDS Platinum building that achieves the highest level of energy-efficiency and sustainability; heated by seawater and taking full advantage of solar energy. These outstanding hands-on lab and beach programs incorporate a series of engaging and age-appropriate lessons, led by passionate science educators and volunteers.
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Pricing subject to activities and group size (maximum 64 people)
- Convenient booking through Horne Lake Group Coordinator
- Half and full day activities available
- Choose from beach-collection or lab-based activities
- sessions begin with a tour of the facility inc. saltwater aquaria and touch-tanks
- led by instructors from VIU
- Deep Bay is located approx. a half-hour drive from Horne Lake
Optional Lunch Program
(delivered to Horne Lake Caves or Regional Parks)
Plan on the convenience of having lunch waiting for you before or after your activities. Enjoy a healthy and nutritious brown-bag lunch inc. sandwich, fruit, vegetables and a drink prepared by professional caterers and delivered onsite to you.
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Lunch fees – $11.50 per person + GST (depending on group size)
- Brown-bag lunch inc. Chicken Ceaser Wrap or sandwich
- fresh fruit – apple or orange
- pasta salad
- dessert & juice box
- special dietary needs available with advance notice
- $600 min. fee (52 people)
- meals prepared by Plates Catering