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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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Nootka Island Surfing

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.

Bligh Island Marine Provincial Park Kayaking and Canoeing

Bligh Island Marine Provincial Park Kayaking and Canoeing

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Browning Pass Diving

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Camping in the Englishman River Falls Provincial Park Campground

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Port Hardy Kayaking and Canoeing

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Cox Bay Kiteboarding

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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

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Those who are planning to engage in the adventure of paddling in Barkley Sound would better schedule their visit for July-August and reserve their seats beforehand. During cold months do not forget to bring rain gear. Besides kayaking, other activities are available in Barkley's good area to be fed on by your souls.

Hiking on Elk Falls Viewing Platform Trail

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The wreck of the Robert Kerr Diving

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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 Quatse River Campground

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Camping in Croteau Lake Campsite

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Hiking on the Grass Lake Trail

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Lake Helen Mackenzie and Battleship Lake Loop Hike

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Quadra Island Kayaking

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Van Isle Marina Whale Watching

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Raft Cove Surfing

Raft Cove Surfing

Write a diary now, but save your memories to review for the rest of your life. Assign one page to the adventure you will experience in Raft Cove Provincial Park. Nothing can be fascinating as much as a beach you can surf and camp on simultaneously, but the sandy beach there provides that for you. Low tides at Raft cove will motivate you to get on a surfing board and make your day meaningful.

Camping in Cape Lazo RV & Campground

Camping in Cape Lazo RV & Campground

Are you seeking privacy and seclusion from busy towns? Plan to go to the Cape Lazo RV Campground this weekend. The impressive Comox Valley is beautiful at any time of the year, offering recreational opportunities besides exploring miles of scenic shoreline. There you are provided with a great environment and a panoramic view of the Strait of Georgia. Not to mention that all campsites are equipped for the convenience of the visitors.