School Groups - Horne Lake Caves

Education In

Nature

COVID – 19 UPDATE: June 15 / 2021

Horne Lake Caves is running tours for BC Schools and Homeschoolers, under strict Covid-19 protocols.

To access caves:

participants must be led by a Park Cave Guide
masks & hand sani required at all times when inside caves
learning groups must be single bubbles / cohorts
by reservation only – 24 hours notice required
must pass health screening prior to tour departure

UNFORTUNATELY NO SELF-GUIDING ALLOWED AT THIS TIME

If you are planning a visit to the park, you must abide by the Cave Park Covid-19 Protocols.

Excellent For:

School “single learning cohort” students
Home Schoolers
Blended Learners
Kids and families that love science!

Want to get more out of a science lesson? Horne Lake Caves Park is offering exclusive private tours to schools and home learners delivered in Nature’s classroom by passionate guides.

highest Covid-19 protocols compliant with WorksafeBC and Provincial Health Office recommendations
small group size – “single bubble / learning cohort” tours only
participants must maintain 2m distance from Guide and other park visitors
cavers must pass a health pre-screening inc. taking temperature prior to tour
must sani hands and wear a face mask at all times in the caves

Inspire awe and create lifelong memories with a fun field trip!

TO REGISTER YOUR GROUP + MORE INFO:

groups@hornelake.com (250) 248-7829

The Setting

Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park is a hidden gem nestled in the Beaufort Range mountains of central Vancouver Island. This unique park offers students a fascinating 3D look at Vancouver Island and its geology, both above and below. Programs are designed as hands-on, experiential learning that supports school curriculum and gives students a great day outside. An excellent venue for exploring and learning about nature while creating deep connections to ourselves and our surroundings.

Student Learning Outcomes

Cave genesis and geomorphology
sedimentary vs. igneous and metamorphic rocks
formation of cave speleothems (stalactites, stalagmites, etc.)
cave biota and adaptions
underground rivers and the water cycle
sensitive ecosystem conservation and protection
effect of previous ice-ages on Vancouver Island

The Remarkable Experience

PRICING & DETAILS:

Currently non-profit group discount is 30% off Private Group Retail Rate. (Private Group = pay for minimum of 7 ppl.)

ONE CAVE (Riverbend Cave) – $37.80 per person (plus gst)

Duration: 1hr. 45 mins.

Riverbend Cave is the gem of the park containing ancient fossils and many types of crystal formations. The easiest cave tour is designed to avoid crawling or squeezing. A 1km. uphill hike through a karst rainforest led by a naturalist cave guide explains the geological processes, rock types, fossils, calcite crystals and local flora / fauna. Fun & Educational!

MULTI-CAVE EXPLORER (Riverbend + Main Cave) – $55.30 per person (plus gst)

Duration 2.5 hrs.

Explore Riverbend Cave first, then a short hike leads to Main Cave that offers more adventurous caving challenges like the “cheese grater”, a fun waterfall climb and a zip down Canada’s only Cave Slide!

Choose from 9am (Riverbend Cave only), 11am or 2pm departures.
Covid-19 protocols require a mask being worn at all times in the caves, even for children.
Our minimum age is 5yrs old – no toddlers or infants (even in backpacks).
The discount pricing is limited to mid-week visits, Monday to Friday.
Extra guides can be arranged if you need to add additional groups (28 max.)

TO REGISTER YOUR GROUP: groups@hornelake.com 250-248-7829

"Excellent program and guides were fantastic! Safety was a priority. Great job!!"
Greg Komarniski
"The group booking is a very easy process at Horne Lake, so I would definitely recommend it for other schools"
Jennifer Hutchins, Shawnigan Lake School
"Best Field Trip Ever!"
Logan Kvisle, Student Highland Secondary
"So much Fun! Not one for dark confined spaces but the guide had me forgetting my fears and I ended up having a blast! I would go again for sure :)"
Anna Walker