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Vanislander / Landmarks / Caves / Eggshell Cave

Eggshell Cave

Eggshell Cave is a captivating yet relatively obscure cave located on Vancouver Island, part of the extensive cave systems that characterize the region. While not as famous as some of the island's more prominent caves, such as those in Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park, Eggshell Cave holds its own allure. Known for its delicate formations and serene underground environment, it offers a unique experience for those willing to venture off the beaten path. The cave's name, "Eggshell," likely derives from the fragile, thin layers of calcite and other minerals that adorn its walls, resembling the delicate nature of an eggshell.

Location and Accessibility

Eggshell Cave is situated in the central part of Vancouver Island, within the boundaries of Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park. The park is located approximately 60 kilometers north of Nanaimo and 26 kilometers west of Qualicum Beach, making it accessible via a gravel road off Highway 19. The nearest town is Qualicum Beach, a charming coastal community known for its scenic beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities.
To reach Eggshell Cave, visitors must first arrive at Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park. From the park's main entrance, a moderately strenuous uphill hike is required to access the cave's entrance. The trail is well-marked, but it is recommended that visitors wear sturdy hiking boots and bring plenty of water, especially during the warmer months. While the cave is not as prominently featured in park tours as others, such as Riverbend or Main Cave, it can be explored with a guide or as part of a specialized caving tour offered by the park.

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Geological Features

Eggshell Cave is a prime example of a limestone cave, formed over millions of years through the dissolution of soluble rocks by water. The cave's interior is adorned with a variety of speleothems, including stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstones, all of which have been shaped by the slow drip of mineral-rich water. What sets Eggshell Cave apart is the presence of particularly thin and delicate calcite formations, which give the cave its name. These formations are so fragile that they require careful preservation to prevent damage. The cave is relatively small compared to others in the park, with a total length of approximately 100 meters. However, its compact size allows for an intimate exploration of its features. The cave's passages are narrow in places, requiring visitors to navigate carefully through tight squeezes. Inside, the temperature remains a constant 8-10°C year-round, providing a cool respite from the summer heat and a chilly adventure in the winter.

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Vancouver Island Activities

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Camping in the Green Point Campground - Long Beach Unit

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Cape Scott Trail

Cape Scott Trail

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Camping in Cape Lazo RV & Campground

Camping in Cape Lazo RV & Campground

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Nanaimo Kayaking and Canoeing

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Camping in Helen Mackenzie Lake Campground

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Hiking on the East Sooke Coast and Interior Trail Loop

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Nitinat Triangle Kayaking and Canoeing

Nitinat Triangle Kayaking and Canoeing

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Camping in the China Beach Campground

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Eggshell Cave was discovered in 1963 by a group of cavers from Victoria who were exploring the Horne Lake area. This discovery occurred six years after the Horne Lake Caves area was established as a recreation reserve in 1957, adding to the growing list of caves documented in the region. The cave's two entrances were noted as a unique feature, offering cavers multiple points of access and egress. Despite its discovery in the 1960s, Eggshell Cave remained relatively unknown to the public for many years, overshadowed by the more accessible and larger caves in the park. It wasn’t until recent years that the cave began to gain recognition, thanks in part to increased interest in caving and adventure tourism on Vancouver Island. Today, it is one of several caves in the park that are documented but not heavily promoted, likely to preserve its delicate environment.

Vancouver Island Activities

Camping in Baby Bedwell Lake Campground

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Camping in the China Beach Campground

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Nanaimo Kayaking and Canoeing

If you are trying to get away from your lethal daily routine and your adventure flow has been stopped, why don't you plan a trip to the only multi-functional port city on Vancouver Island, Nanaimo? An assemblage of several distinguished bodies of water has made Nanaimo one of the best paddling locations in the world. You are provided with tons of other activities on both land and the sea.

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Cortes Island Kayaking

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Eggshell Cave, located within Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park, is a stunning limestone cave known for its delicate cave formations and mineral deposits. As a geological wonder of BC, it offers an unforgettable Canadian cave adventure where cave photography enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers can marvel at fragile cave structures and the rich geology BC has to offer, all while experiencing a historic cave that embodies BC natural heritage.

Vancouver Island Activities

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Camping in Circlet Lake Campground

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Wickaninnish Beach Storm Watching

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Shawnigan Lake Wakeboarding and Waterskiing

Shawnigan Lake Wakeboarding and Waterskiing

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Port Renfrew Surfing

Port Renfrew Surfing

Take one step into the path of travelling, and next, you find yourself miles away from home. While you are exploring the adventure center of North America, do not forget to check out one of the world's most beautiful coastlines. Port Renfrew, aka The Jewel of the West Coast, is one of the hot spots for windsurfing and surfing. Enclosed by majestic mountains and trees, the town is where you can have fun doing recreational activities.