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Vanislander / Landmarks / Caves / Fishy Hole Cave

Fishy Hole Cave on Vancouver Island

Vancouver Island, often dubbed the "Island of Caves," boasts over 1,000 known caves, attracting adventurers and nature enthusiasts worldwide. Among these, Fishy Hole Cave emerges as a lesser-known yet fascinating destination, offering a raw and thrilling experience for seasoned cavers. Located near the Memekay River in the Comox Valley, this cave blends natural beauty with the challenge of exploration. In this article, we’ll dive into the evidence confirming Fishy Hole Cave’s existence, its unique features, and what it takes to explore this hidden gem—all based on available information, excluding any reliance on vanislander.com.

Location and Context 

 Nestled in the Comox Valley near the Memekay River, Fishy Hole Cave lies within a region renowned for its karst landscapes—limestone formations sculpted over millennia into caves, sinkholes, and underground rivers. Its name may hint at its proximity to the river or the watery echoes from its depths. Local lore suggests hikers stumbled upon it after feeling a sudden rush of cool air in the forest, a classic sign of a concealed cave entrance. This discovery underscores its status as a hidden treasure, distinct from more tourist-friendly caves like Little Huson Caves or Horne Lake Caves.

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What to Expect 

Fishy Hole Cave is a formidable natural wonder. At 70 meters deep and 165 meters long, it’s a significant cave, featuring an underground river at its base—a highlight that amplifies both its beauty and its challenges. Unlike polished tourist destinations, it lacks formal trails or guided tours, preserving its rugged, unspoiled character. Expect a demanding interior with slippery surfaces, narrow passages, and the constant sound of water, creating an immersive yet intense caving experience. Its listing as the 58th deepest cave in a registry underscores its stature among Vancouver Island’s subterranean marvels.

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Safety and Access

Exploring Fishy Hole Cave is not a casual outing—it requires preparation and expertise. Here’s what you need to know:
Team Up with Experts: Its depth, river, and remote setting make it a technical challenge best tackled with experienced cavers who know the ropes (literally and figuratively).
Plan Ahead: Tell someone your itinerary and expected return time, as cell service is unreliable in such remote areas. Gear Up: Bring helmets, headlamps, ropes, waterproof clothing, sturdy boots, and a first aid kit. The cave’s wet, rocky environment demands top-notch equipment.
Tread Lightly: Caves are fragile ecosystems—avoid disturbing formations or wildlife and leave no trace. Getting there is an adventure in itself. The Comox Valley’s remote terrain likely requires navigating deactivated logging roads or overgrown trails. 

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Conservation and Significance

 Vancouver Island’s caves, including Fishy Hole Cave, are more than just playgrounds for adventurers—they’re vital ecological havens. These dark, damp spaces often host rare species and delicate formations, making conservation a priority. While Fishy Hole Cave lacks formal protection or extensive surveys, its recognition in local caving circles highlights its role in the island’s karst heritage. Responsible exploration is key to preserving this natural wonder for future generations.

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Why Visit Fishy Hole Cave? 

Fishy Hole Cave beckons those who thrive on adventure and discovery. Its remote location, technical demands, and the thrill of an underground river set it apart from more accessible caves. The lack of commercialization and its informal, almost secretive status lend it an air of exclusivity. For cavers willing to tackle the logistics and physical challenges, it offers a rare chance to connect with Vancouver Island’s untamed wilderness and geological splendor.

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Vancouver Island Activities

Victoria Whale Watching

Victoria Whale Watching

Almost 70% of whale-watching adventures take place in the BC capital. So, while you are in Victoria, try to make the most out of your freedom from work and check our incredible whale watching tours provided for you there. A trip to Race Rocks Ecological Reserve may also be available for the admirers of nature.

Ucluelet Kayaking

Ucluelet Kayaking

Imagine gliding across the serene waters of Ucluelet Inlet, enveloped by dense forests, with eagles soaring overhead and sea lions playfully breaking the surface nearby. Welcome to kayaking in Ucluelet—a breathtaking adventure on Vancouver Island’s rugged west coast that blends tranquility with wild beauty. Whether you’re new to paddling or a seasoned kayaker, this inlet offers an unforgettable escape into nature, complete with historic sites and abundant wildlife.

This guide is your roadmap to the perfect Ucluelet Inlet kayaking trip. From the best launch points and scenic highlights to safety tips and local insights, we’ve got you covered. Get ready to explore hidden coves, spot bears along the shore, and paddle through a landscape steeped in coastal charm—your next adventure awaits!

Ladysmith Kayaking

Ladysmith Kayaking

Exceptional opportunities to explore the water while enjoying the scenic view of a city with a hundred years of history and culture preserved within the realms of Ladysmith. as an ideal kayaking destination, Ladysmith has several offerings to make your stay even more joyful. So, pack your bags and hit the road to this beautiful old city.

Kye Bay and Goose Spit Surfing

Kye Bay and Goose Spit Surfing

Come to Kye Bay and Goose Spit, and then you will figure out why you get on the road in the first place. On the east coast of Vancouver Island, extreme tides breaking into the sandy beaches of these two spectacular spots would make them both ideal destinations for surfing. While you are on these beaches, you are provided with stunning sceneries of the BC Coastal Mountains, which can double the surfing pleasure.

Camping in Tribune Bay Campground-Hornby Island

Camping in Tribune Bay Campground-Hornby Island

In Tribune Bay Campground-Hornby Island, you would have the chance to spend your time on grass or the area covers by green trees. There might be one of the best places to spend time with your family and an excellent opportunity to observe different flora and fauna. The camp is next to a co-op if one needs anything necessary, which is great for campers.

French Beach Storm Watching

French Beach Storm Watching

Write a page in your diary describing the great storm-watching experience you had on French Beach. The beach is sometimes foggy, which adds a sense of mystery, and when it clears up, the gorgeous beach will manifest itself. When the water lever dwindles in the distance, you can be a witness to great storms. The sound of waves hitting the pebbles is too comforting.

Wya Point Camping

Wya Point Camping

Find the inside campers of yours while you are camping in Wya Point Campground. In the heart of an oceanside forest, Wya Point Campground offers opportunities for camping, and you are given a chance to choose which campsite you want to spend time at. Crystal water, sandy cove, and tide rocks that offer marine life sights and several beachfront cabins and yurts with ocean-view are available in Wya Point, making it an ideal place.

Hiking carmanah walbran provincial park

Hiking carmanah walbran provincial park

Hiking in Carmanah Walbran Provincial Park on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada, is an adventure into a 16,450-hectare wilderness of old-growth forests and giant trees. This provincial park, a top pick for hiking trails Vancouver Island, offers the best hiking and wilderness camping experiences in Canada. Whether you’re driving from Vancouver, BC, on a road trip, exploring day trips from Lake Cowichan, or seeking things to do on Vancouver Island, Carmanah Walbran Provincial Park delivers. With Carmanah Valley’s towering Sitka spruce and Walbran Valley’s rugged park trails, this hiking guide covers trail maps, safety tips, camping details on Vancouver Island and all the details for your next Canada trip.

Dodd Narrows Diving

Dodd Narrows Diving

You won't remember when you worked, but you'll remember the time you had an adventure. So, if you are on Mudge Island, rent a boat and go to the Dodd Narrows. This fantastic diving zone offers an exciting diving opportunity and a diversity of marine life. Also, nature admirers would be astonished by the cute colourful nature there.

Cox Bay Beach Storm Watching

Cox Bay Beach Storm Watching

After a long relaxing time on Cox Bay Beach, away from all the stress from urban life, if your souls are looking for excitement, the storm-watching opportunity provided for you may be able to satisfy that need. This clean and peaceful beach offers you a pristine view of the sunset and the chance to watch the surfers skimming the water. It is a good idea to walk and feel the sand upon your feet.

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Vancouver Island Activities

Madrona Point Diving

Madrona Point Diving

Being a famous diving zone. Madrona Point provides divers from all skill levels with undeniable diving opportunities within a short distance from Nanaimo. It includes three walls: Small, Mid, and Maze walls, of which an amazing marine life is observable near the Small wall and deep-diving near the Maze wall.

Camping in Quatse River Campground

Camping in Quatse River Campground

Nestled in old-growth forests, Quatse River Campground offers peaceful camping next to the bank of Quatse River. This campground provides you with privacy and peace away from the busy urban life comprising a green and treed atmosphere. Also, admirers of nature can enjoy a diversity of flora and fauna while drowning in other adventures.

Jordan River Surfing

Jordan River Surfing

None of the experiences of surfing would be the same on Vancouver Island. While you are in Victoria, do not forget to check out surfing opportunities in the Jordan River. And if you're looking to come in its best surfing conditions, visit Jordan River during September-March, because The stormy weather with the intensified climate will make your surfing adventure more desirable.

Hiking on the Beaver Pond Elk Falls Circular Route

Hiking on the Beaver Pond Elk Falls Circular Route

With access to the Campbell River and the Quinsam River at the Elk Falls Provincial Park, hiking on the Beaver Ponds Elk Falls Circular Route makes you a fantastic day. The great scenery within the protected area and lots of activities with waterfalls, a park, rivers, a lake, and a campground have exceeded all expectations for nature lovers and hikers.

Kwisitis Visitor Centre Storm Watching

Kwisitis Visitor Centre Storm Watching

Have you ever experienced storm watching on a perched deck overlooking an eye-catching view of the Pacific Ocean? If not, Kwisitis Visitor Centre is awaiting you. As a beautiful exhibition for the natural and cultural patrimony of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, this excellent Centre offers unforgettable storm watching right on the Pacific shores, which guarantees your fun and adventure.

China Creek Diving

China Creek Diving

According to your level of proficiency or your preference, the depths for diving vary from shallow to deep in China Creek. Comprising a wall dive with an incredible view of Port Alberni and amazing marine creatures underneath the water surface multiplies the beauty of this diving experience.

Spirit Bay Visitor Centre Whale Watching

Spirit Bay Visitor Centre Whale Watching

Spirit Bay has a rich community offering settlings for whale watching lovers beside incredible wildlife; therefore, it would be an excellent point to start your Sooke Whale Watching. Plus, it has a cute beach. You cannot get over the beauty of it and its scenic views.

Victoria Diving

Victoria Diving

Extraordinary opportunities to make your diving experience memorable in the heart of Greater Victoria, including high-ranked spots for diving. These spots provide you with inevitable diving opportunities which allow you to explore the alien underwater world of Victoria's waters saturated with magnificent creatures. Do not miss it for the world.

Hiking on the Riley Lake to Lookout Loop to Lost Frog

Hiking on the Riley Lake to Lookout Loop to Lost Frog

In an area with several hiking options having the experience of hiking a relatively long trail would be great as it is rich in natural beauties. Besides hikers, Riley Lake to Lookout Loop to Lost Frog is proper for mountain bikers and nature trip lovers. Just find yourself northwest of Campbell River and get the most out of your backpacking trip.

Camping in the Living Forest Oceanside Campground & RV Park

Camping in the Living Forest Oceanside Campground & RV Park

Nestled in a beautiful forest among the ocean, Living Forest Oceanside Campground & RV Park will make pleasure flow in your blood, like you are walking on air. Whether tent or RV, your camping would be private and quiet in this scenic oceanside campground. The park is on a hill and is terraced with lots of amazing views of the water. Plus, it has a view of three rivers and some great forests.

Vancouver Island Activities

Cottam Point Diving

Cottam Point Diving

Assign one page of your adventure book to the experience you would gain in the Cottam Point diving zone. Going north of Nanaimo, this fantastic diving location is famous for its mighty tides and incredible marine life. Therefore, you can enjoy both diving and exploring underwater life.

Mount Cain Skiing

Mount Cain Skiing

As the only community-owned and operated ski resort, Mount Cain has heavy snowfall in winter, making it an ideal place to experience winter activities. The breathtaking slopes of Mount Cain, besides various trails and logging roads, multiply the skiing attractiveness in this location. The drier snow condition of Mount Cain makes it a better place for spring skiing.

Hiking on the East Sooke Coast Trail

Hiking on the East Sooke Coast Trail

Hiking on the entire East Sooke Coastal Trail is an experience not to be missed! This beautiful trail is a mix of the fantastic coast and beautiful greenery. Hiking boots are required! The route takes you along bluffs and cliffs by the Pacific Ocean that worth it for the views. This well-marked trail can take full-day hiking in East Sooke Regional Park.

Kwisitis Visitor Centre Storm Watching

Kwisitis Visitor Centre Storm Watching

Have you ever experienced storm watching on a perched deck overlooking an eye-catching view of the Pacific Ocean? If not, Kwisitis Visitor Centre is awaiting you. As a beautiful exhibition for the natural and cultural patrimony of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, this excellent Centre offers unforgettable storm watching right on the Pacific shores, which guarantees your fun and adventure.

Cowichan Valley Trail

Cowichan Valley Trail

Picture yourself gliding along a gravel path, the scent of cedar in the air, as the Cowichan River sparkles through the trees. Cycling on the Cowichan Valley Trail is an invitation to immerse yourself in the soul of Southern Vancouver Island. This spectacular multi-use trail, a former railway line, stretches over more than 60 km of rail trail, connecting Duncan to Lake Cowichan with a gentle, beginner-friendly grade. From the awe-inspiring Historic Kinsol Trestle to serene meadows dotted with wildflowers, the cycling routes Cowichan Valley Trail offers are a cyclist’s dream. Whether you’re a family seeking a leisurely outing or an adventurer eyeing the 190km figure-eight bikepacking route, this guide provides everything you need—detailed Cowichan Valley Trail map insights, cycling safety tips, and local secrets—to plan an unforgettable cycling tours Cowichan Valley Trail adventure.

Breakwater Island Diving

Breakwater Island Diving

Make immortal memories of diving in the Breakwater Island Diving zone. This famous diving location has a lot to offer. Whether on land or in water, a variety of creatures inhabit the area you cannot get enough and fantastic scenery which can multiply the amazement of your stay in this region.

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 the Jordan River Regional Park Campground

Camping in the Jordan River Regional Park Campground

Use your memory as your travel bag and fill them as best as you can. Follow your desires of camping and visit the Jordan River Regional Park Campground. a quiet, serene campsite in which you have the chance to stay away from the bustle in town. Please have a visit to gorgeous waterfalls, which are fantastic since they don’t plunge into the water but drain into the ground.

Kitty Coleman Beach & Bates Beach Surfing

Kitty Coleman Beach & Bates Beach Surfing

Leave your job and its responsibilities for a few days and try to feed your soul. If you are looking for a way to add excitement to your journey, Kitty Coleman Beach & Bates Beach will provide you with great opportunities to embrace and skim the surface of the water. Wave surfing on Kitty Coleman Beach and the low-tide pools of Bates Beach would make you feel fully charged and ready to get back doing your job.

pender islands kayaking

pender islands kayaking

Ready to paddle through paradise? The Pender Islands, nestled in British Columbia’s Gulf Islands, offer calm bays, rugged coastlines, and a rich history that make them a kayaker’s dream destination. Whether you’re a beginner exploring the gentle waters of Port Browning or an experienced paddler taking on a full circumnavigation of North or South Pender, this guide has you covered. Dive into the best launch sites, camping options, essential safety tips, and even a glimpse into the islands’ fascinating past. Ready to plan your kayaking trip to Pender Islands? Let’s get started!

Fishy Hole Cave, a renowned Vancouver Island karst cave, is primarily composed of ancient limestone deposits formed in shallow marine environments. Over millions of years, chemical weathering, freeze-thaw cycles, and water erosion have sculpted its remarkable speleothem formations such as stalactites and stalagmites. These processes, documented by BC geological studies and modern speleological research, make Fishy Hole Cave a prime example of Canadian karst landscapes.
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Anita Akhoundi

2025 April 6

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