Caving British Columbia

British Columbia is home to MANY caves throughout, especially in coastal areas. Goiing into cavesis trulylikeenterinmg another realm, there is nothing like it above ground. That said, there are somecincerns with going underground. The biggest worry would be people pannicing. Small, dark places can get the best of people. Safety is of upmost importance. Coastal BC an earthquake zone and although large ones arre not too common, there are risks of cave ins.

After personal safety the next biggest concern is vandalism and protecting the caves. Many caves have ancient limestone growths that took thousands of years to form, and unfortunately some people break them off as souvenirs, paint the walls, leave garbage etc. For this very reason, we will not give out location details to any caves that are not monitored and meant for public entrance, such as Horne Lake Caves.

Cave Safety!

Here are some key points to help ensure a safe an enjoyable trip to the underrground.

1. Always let someone know exactly where you are and your expected time of return.

2. Always go with a partner, preferrably a group with soemone who has experience.

3. Flashlights with extra batteries (preferably waterproof), a head lamp, and at least one wind up flashlight just in case.

4. Ribbon. If going into an unknown cave that splitsup, it really keeps peace of mind knowing exactly where you came from (Journey to the Center of the Earth, anyone?)

5. Snacks and drinking water.

6. Warmth clothes and coveralls are best. Canada is not always warm, and even in summer once you get down thereit can be surprisingly chilly.

7. A wetsuit is nice if your going in wet/water caves.

8. Rope and knife, incase you fall or need to climb, climbing experience is needed for such caves)

9. Cellphones will likely never work down there, but cant hurt to try.

10. A whistle may or may not be heard, that really depends where you are, again doesnt hurt anythign to pack one.

11. A watch to keep track of time "on the outside". If you need to hike back, its nice to do so in daylight.

12. A camera is never unwanted down there. Make sure you get high ISO film (its dark there) or are able to manually adjust the settings on a digital.

13. If possible try and research the cave before hand, this willallow you to better prepare for that place.

14. If possible join a club, these are gold mines of information and you will be able to have a blast with likeminded people. If you have no caving clubs, try a hiking club, there are usually people with an interest in caves.

Cave Etiquete

Caves are too commonly damaged from irresponsible and selfish people.

Do not break or damage anythingdown there, everything is in slow motion underground.

If your leaving bread crumbs, such as ribbon, make sure to take it out again when your leaving.

Take out allyour trash, and any other trash you may see....some caves are local drinking spots unfortunately

Avoid spreading the word of a caves location to people who may violate it or abuse it.

Dont write/paint/carve stuff inside,it just ruins the entire look.

Enjoy yourself, you are extremely lucky to be able to see such beauty. Many people are not so fortunate!

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