One of the hidden jewels of north Vancouver Island is Coral Cave. A wonderful rainforest surrounds this stunning cave. The forest just adds to the beauty of the cave's gigantic entrance. To reach the cave, you have to go up the mountain until you find an entrance as big as a subway tunnel. It is going right to the heart of the mountain.
Coral Cave was discovered in 1970, and it has been a popular destination for cavers. Exploring the cave is not exactly convenient for everyone. Having some basic caving skills is necessary. Using a guide is the safest option because you'll see the flooded parts of the cave as you reach the downhill. So a guide will help you navigate through these parts until you safely go back to the entrance. Coral Cave gives you the opportunity to experience the magic of the underground, get connected to the earth, and realize what's happened to it for thousands or millions of years.
Coral Cave is located on the west side of Tahsis, BC, Canada. Tahsis is north of Vancouver Island, right by the edge of the water. Tahsis has a lot of natural attractions; one of many is the very popular Coral Cave.
Coral Cave has a mountain and forest landscape that could partly be the reason for its popularity, and the trail to it is simply scenic. The area offers lots of activities like kitesurfing and windsurfing and natural sights such as Mount Leiner, West Bay Park, and Ceepeecee Lake. Tahsis services for touring and guiding the sights are remarkable and make this area a world-class recreational site.
From Nanaimo:
The fastest route from Nanaimo to Coral Cave is via BC-19 N and Gold River Hwy. It is 308 km (191.3 mi) and takes about 4 hours.
Follow BC-19 N and Gold River Hwy to Head Bay Rd for 307 km (190.7 mi). Continue on Head Bay Rd and take Rugged Mountain Rd to D Rd. After 1.1 km (0.68 mi), you will reach Tahsis.
From Victoria:
The fastest route from Victoria to Coral Cave is via BC-19 N. It is 418 km (259.7 mi) and takes about 5 hours and a half.
Take Government St to Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N for 1.2 km (0.74 mi). Follow Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N and BC-19 N to Island Hwy/BC-19A N in Campbell River, and drive 264 km (164 mi). Follow Gold River Hwy and Head Bay Rd to D Rd in Tahsis. After 153 km (95 mi), you will reach Tahsis.
There are many trails to Coral Cave. One trail starts at West Bay Park, right after Maquinna Resort. At the end of town, you can find this beautiful park. There are also shorter trails that start from West Bay.
Another option is going backtrack and up the logging road. Remember, you can only do that during weekends when there is no logging. West Bay Park trail takes about 3 to 4 hours to reach the cave. While hiking this scenic trail, you will also see stunning views of the Tahsis Inlet. Unfortunately, the trails to Coral Caves and The Lookout are blocked by a locked gate. Until further notice, going after the gate is trespassing on private property.
Tahsis was founded in 1945 after the first sawmill opened. In 1970, people built a new mill with a deep-sea dock. In 2001, the population declined due to the mill closing. That was when people focused on tourism to improve the economy. So they started attracting cruise ships and outdoor recreation.
Since Tahsis is a recreational site, it doesn't lack fun activities such as hiking. There are many trails in Tahsis for short and long walks. Hiking on these trails is truly a blessing when you can enjoy the fascinating rainforest and the view of Tahsis Inlet.
Kitesurfing and windsurfing are both very popular on Tahsis and Muchalaht inlets due to the Pacific Ocean's winds. There is no activity more fun than surfing on Tahsis Inlet.
Kayaking and canoeing are available on Tahsis and Esperanza inlets. You can paddle your way from the Tahsis River and the Leiner Estuary to the inlets during the high tide.
After visiting Coral Cave, bear in mind that Tahsis has lots of caves waiting to be explored. Among them are Upana Caves, Thanksgiving Cave, and Weymer Creek Provincial Park, the largest known cave system in Canada. So you can spend your time discovering the secrets of the caves.
Scuba diving and snorkelling are also available in Tahsis Inlet. Explore the deep waters of the inlet and enjoy watching the marine up close.
Tahsises wildlife is plentiful and very precious. Many migrating birds spend time around Tahsis Inlet, and marine life is also unique and rare.
If you aim to spend your time fishing, look forward to catching any of these species; Chinook, Coho, Sockeye, Pink, and Chum salmon.
As it is said, "A river cuts through rock, not because of its power, but because of its persistence." Did you know it takes a long process for a cave to be created? Artlish Caves is no exception. It is the largest active river cave in Canada, and the running water is why these series of caves were carved out from the ground, which is still happening. While you are inside the caves, sharpen your eyes to find bats, spiders, and other creatures in the darkness.
If you desire to search for hidden parts of nature to discover exciting facts, Coral Cave is a suitable option. Before stepping into it, you need to have caving skills. The beauty of the cave is doubled by the stunning rainforest that surrounded the entrance. While you are inside, you may see the flooded parts of the cave. Let's get into it to find more and realize the time effect for thousands or millions of years.
Devote more time, get a challenging goal for yourself, and pack your equipment. It is time to face the longest and deepest cave on Vancouver Island, Thanksgiving Cave. Caving inside this mostly tight and beautiful cave is not a beginner's suitable exploration, but for an expert caver, the adventurers' rush worth any trouble. If you are a beginner, don't worry. Tahsis is the caving capital of Canada, so you have different chances nearby.
Going deep into the forest is worthy enough to visit the stunning Upana Caves. Listen to the sound of a river passing by and detect several entrances with the famous one behind the spectacular Upana Caves Waterfall. Inside entrances, you may find birds' nests. Watch the evidence of years of existence by holes like the one in cheese. The stunning galleries and passages you'll explore while going down would be incredible.
Although the city is known for its gold mining, Zeballos is a fantastic destination for paddling activities. Great hiking trail within the rainforest in which various wildlife is observable. Kayakers and canoeing followers may have the chance to explore a place with several underground caves and spelunking places. Not to mention that other outdoor activities can add to your joy in Zeballos.
Give rewards to yourself for working hard all week and plan to visit Fair Harbour to kill kayaking opportunities. Fair Harbour is an oceanic kayaking zone with all the necessary equipment to surf the water. Besides, you can find great recreational locations around and check all the activities on your to-do list.
To be a storyteller of paddling adventures, do not leave out Bligh Island Marine Provincial Park. This stunning historical park leaves you speechless about its undeniable opportunities for kayaking and canoeing. Bligh Island Marine Provincial Park is known for its coastal forests and marine ecosystems, in which you are provided with several unique outdoor activities.
If paddling is frightening for you, make it normal while you are in Nootka Sound. It s worthy of mentioning that while paddling in the waters of Nootka Sound, you are given the pleasure of observing the birth point of BC, Yuquot. Nootka Sound is known as the paradise of the paddlers, and its island provides an extraordinary situation in which an astonishing adventure is waiting to be embraced.
Gold River is an excellent destination for paddling by all means. There are ample reasons which can trigger you to go kayaking and canoeing in this river. Its crystal clear water allows you sea the beauties lied underneath the surface. Besides, kayakers and canoeists can have fun doing other activities along with paddling in the water.
Get out of your comfort zone and get away from the bustles in towns; Nootka Island has a lot to offer to make your vacation count. A place of amazement and glory, the waters of the most oversized island located off Vancouver Island give you a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for surfing. Nestled near Vancouver Island, Nootka Island features breathtaking scenery you can let your spirit feed on it.
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Tahsis is an accessway to many hiking trails. This village municipality is situated at the top of the steep-sided Tahsis Inlet and is surrounded by breathtaking wilderness and abundant wildlife. Some of the best water activities like ocean kayaking, surfing, windsurfing, recreational fishing or sport fishing, scuba diving, and kiteboarding are popular.
The Sutton Range is a group of mountains and a subrange of the Vancouver Island Ranges that form the greater Insular Mountains. The amazing rock formation and alpine scale make the mountains within the range perfect for climbing. While you're atop Sutton Peak, Victoria Peak, Warden Peak, and mainland coast mountains are within your sight.
The Sophia Range is a low small group of mountains on Nootka Island. Visiting the range would be fascinating overlooking inlets. The spectacular sights of the hills wrapped in trees ornamented with beautiful wildlife and birds are amazing while ascending. The range and the nearby park are a wealth of outdoor activities as paddling, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
As it is said, "A river cuts through rock, not because of its power, but because of its persistence." Did you know it takes a long process for a cave to be created? Artlish Caves is no exception. It is the largest active river cave in Canada, and the running water is why these series of caves were carved out from the ground, which is still happening. While you are inside the caves, sharpen your eyes to find bats, spiders, and other creatures in the darkness.
If you desire to search for hidden parts of nature to discover exciting facts, Coral Cave is a suitable option. Before stepping into it, you need to have caving skills. The beauty of the cave is doubled by the stunning rainforest that surrounded the entrance. While you are inside, you may see the flooded parts of the cave. Let's get into it to find more and realize the time effect for thousands or millions of years.
Devote more time, get a challenging goal for yourself, and pack your equipment. It is time to face the longest and deepest cave on Vancouver Island, Thanksgiving Cave. Caving inside this mostly tight and beautiful cave is not a beginner's suitable exploration, but for an expert caver, the adventurers' rush worth any trouble. If you are a beginner, don't worry. Tahsis is the caving capital of Canada, so you have different chances nearby.
Going deep into the forest is worthy enough to visit the stunning Upana Caves. Listen to the sound of a river passing by and detect several entrances with the famous one behind the spectacular Upana Caves Waterfall. Inside entrances, you may find birds' nests. Watch the evidence of years of existence by holes like the one in cheese. The stunning galleries and passages you'll explore while going down would be incredible.
The Genevieve Range offers a fascinating tour within Nootka Island with spectacular sights for mountaineers. The range's area is a remote paradise for those seeking peace and seclusion. While ascending peaks, the range allows breath-taking sights of the ocean, enormous trees below your feet covering hills along with lakes and creeks dotted the area and plenty of wildlife.
The Haihte Range overlooking Tahsis and Zeballos is home to some of the largest remaining glaciers on Vancouver Island. It experiences many cloudy days due to being close to the coast. The high terrain, including long aesthetic lines, is perfect for skiing at the lower glacier shelves, and visitors would enjoy excellent alpine climbing at jagged spires along the main ridge.