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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

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.

Camping in Baby Bedwell Lake Campground

Camping in Baby Bedwell Lake Campground

Located in the Strathcona Provincial Park near Bedwell Lake, camping is possible in a nice backcountry campground on Baby Bedwell Lake, set in the lush forest surrounded by majestic mountains. Beautiful alpine forest, perfect swimming, breathtaking view of the trail, small ponds and lakes surrounded by glacial mountain peaks are some of the area's attractions. They are enough to fascinate visitors and campers.

Sidney Kayaking

Sidney Kayaking

Views of Olympic and Cascade Mountain ranges, besides appealing sea excursions, make Sidney a paradise for tourists and suitable for kayaking. Sidney's moderate Mediterranean climate with relatively low rainfall is the reason behind its popularity among paddling enthusiasts. Also, recreational sites around Sidney have made it an ideal place to make beautiful memories while exploring the incredible opportunities provided for you.

Creyke Point Whale Watching

Creyke Point Whale Watching

Featuring wildflowers and fantastic sceneries, Creyke Point Trail is a suitable spot for whale watching, bird watching, and nature trips with splendid beaches and forests. So if you are having a great time in Sooke, remember to stop by Creyke Point to have more fun.

Wall Beach Diving

Wall Beach Diving

Don't just listen to people talking about Wall Beach. Come and see how beautiful this sea lion habitat is. Incredible diving opportunities are provided for both armature and professional divers. The chance to see several diverse marine life there is Wall Beach adds up to the reasons why one should come to this spectacular beach.

Clark Rock Diving

Clark Rock Diving

Satisfy your curiosity about diving in Clark Rock waters. The reefs there are brighten by a beacon which has made the location favourable for diving. It is worth mentioning that Clark Rock is a fantastic place to take pictures for your journey's album. Also, you may have the chance to observe wildlife, whether in waters or on land.

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.

Camping in the China Beach Campground

Camping in the China Beach Campground

Camping in the China Beach Campground would revise your assumption f camping to its best version. A quiet semi-private campground where your relaxing getaway vacation is guaranteed. You are allowed to even camp on the beautiful sand beach and feel the warmth of the sand while walking on it. Remarkable sea life might be observable from the beach.

Hiking on the Campbell River Canyon View Trail

Hiking on the Campbell River Canyon View Trail

Just outside Campbell River, step into an exciting hiking trail in the middle of a provincial park. It is where the stunning view of Douglas-fir forests comes with a wide variety of wildlife to watch. Find your way alongside the river in a loop which in some parts would be a challenge. It would be great if you plan to be there in the afternoon with a view of the sun when you cross the river.

Cycling in Victoria

Cycling in Victoria

Imagine pedaling through a city where history meets nature in perfect harmony. Cycling in Victoria blends breathtaking scenery, diverse cycling routes Victoria offers, and a rich cultural tapestry. Nestled at the southern tip of the Saanich Peninsula, surrounded by the shimmering Salish Sea, Victoria boasts scenic bike paths that wind past Victorian architecture and rugged coastlines. Whether you’re drawn to the flat, leisurely Galloping Goose Regional Trail or the hilly challenges of the Tour of the Highlands, this guide unveils the best bike trails Victoria has to offer. Packed with detailed route breakdowns, gear recommendations, and insider tips, it’s your roadmap to an unforgettable Victoria cycling adventure.

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Vancouver Island Activities

Comox Lake Wakeboarding and Waterskiing

Comox Lake Wakeboarding and Waterskiing

Have you ever had a dream of surfing the largest glacier on Vancouver Island? Well, if you had, it is time to experience this fantastic dream in the real world. Just in the heart of Comox Valley, Comox Lake offers a wide range of water sports such as wakeboarding and waterskiing. Due to the lake's closeness to several parks, you can do other outdoor activities to multiply the joy you have in this area.

Hiking on Westwood Lake Trail

Hiking on Westwood Lake Trail

Westwood Lake Trail is not super challenging, but it is a lovely well maintained and well-marked hiking trail around Westwood Lake with beautiful viewpoints and greenery. The forest and lake are full-on herons, eagles and deer with lots of opportunities to have a great time, so bringing your family with you is a decision you will not regret!

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.

Cox Bay Surfing

Cox Bay Surfing

Let your surfer spirit free on the extended beach of Cox Bay. One of the merits of surfing is that consistent offshore winds from the northeast facilitate surfing most of the time, which has made Cox Bay Beach one of the popular destinations for surfers. According to the visitors, the delightful walk you can enjoy from where your stay may cause the preference of this beautiful beach to the others.

Fisherman's Wharf Park Whale Watching

Fisherman's Wharf Park Whale Watching

Due to certified whale watching agencies, Fisherman's Wharf Park is a significant place to visit for whale watching enthusiasts. As one of the most prodigious and phenomenal creators worldwide, whales are ample during specific whale watching seasons.

Nanaimo Yacht Club Whale Watching

Nanaimo Yacht Club Whale Watching

For those marine life lovers, Nanaimo Yacht Club Whale Watching is a great opportunity. Participants can ride boats and surf the surrounding waters with the chance to explore the area and observe whales living near Nanaimo due to the high population of orcas and whales around there.

Port McNeill Kayaking and Canoeing

Port McNeill Kayaking and Canoeing

Let your spirits feed on the adventure provided for you in Port McNeill. One of the best places for paddlers, Port McNeill, has a sheltered harbour and fabulous waterways suitable for kayaking and canoeing. This place is the gateway to real adventure in which you can experience every kind of vigorous activity both on land and at sea.

Port Renfrew Whale Watching

Port Renfrew Whale Watching

Enjoy discovering the best spots for whale watching on Vancouver Island, starting from Port Renfrew, in which chances are high to gaze upon these majestic sea creatures. Adventure awaits in Port Renfrew, and you can capture the pictures of the whales and the memory of it aside. While fishing around Port Renfrew, whales during their movements and diving or spouting near there might be observable.

Wreck of the SS Themis Diving

Wreck of the SS Themis Diving

No one can imagine a sank ship's wrecks can make an ideal place to dive deep in the water. Wreck of the SS Themis Diving is a habitat for a small diversity of marine creatures, and it is a beautiful background view for your pictures.

Wall Beach Diving

Wall Beach Diving

Don't just listen to people talking about Wall Beach. Come and see how beautiful this sea lion habitat is. Incredible diving opportunities are provided for both armature and professional divers. The chance to see several diverse marine life there is Wall Beach adds up to the reasons why one should come to this spectacular beach.

Vancouver Island Activities

Mount Adrian Snowmobiling

Mount Adrian Snowmobiling

As one of the highest points of Vancouver Island, Mount Adrian offers great snowmobiling, among other winter activities. It has two summits that feature Strathcona Provincial Park in every direction—looking for a place to have winter excitement? Nowhere is better than Mount Adrian.

Hiking on Elk Falls Viewing Platform Trail

Hiking on Elk Falls Viewing Platform Trail

With a five-kilometre distance from the city, hiking on the Elk Falls Viewing Platform is an opportunity. It is among several hiking trails you can follow and explore in Elk Falls Provincial Park. This easy trail forest walk is age-friendly and features a waterfall and Suspension Bridge with a great view from the point.

Kyuquot Sound Surfing

Kyuquot Sound Surfing

Rebuild your imagination about surfing while you are having a great time in the Kyuquot Sound area, an area of world-class beaches and reefs. Featuring amazing natural scenery which can cheer you up while you are skimming the surface of the water. The beautiful sandy beach features an eye-catching view that can trigger you to camp and surf on one of the largest campsites on Vancouver Island.

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.

Norris Rocks Diving

Norris Rocks Diving

Diving in Norris Rocks is two birds with one stone. You have the chance for an exciting deep-diving and also observing the unbelievable underwater wildlife inhabiting the area. After jumping into the water, go deep to gaze upon giant octopuses and deep-water locations.

Camping in Helen Mackenzie Lake Campground

Camping in Helen Mackenzie Lake Campground

When you do not expect it at all, endless excitement on Helen Mackenzie Lake will strike you. There, campers would experience backcountry camping, and all the amenities and convenient facilities that enthusiasts may need are provided. You will be fascinated by breathtaking views and various flora and fauna. It has trails through beautiful meadows by the crystal water while the mountain is spreading upfront.

Willows Beach Kiteboarding

Willows Beach Kiteboarding

You will feel phenomenal when you reach this beautiful beach, particularly when you step into the water. Willows Beach is mainly known for its swimming opportunity, but you are given a chance to surf the surface of the water. It is highly appropriate for young children, and ample amenities are provided for your convenience.

Flora Islet Diving

Flora Islet Diving

If you are wandering around Hornby Island and thinking about a way to multiply the adventure of your day, do not hesitate and head to Flora Islet. On the other hand, no boats? Don't worry! This excellent diving zone is accessible by ferry. Enthusiasts who come to the site on summer days have the chance to see six-gill sharks.

Telegraph Cove Whale Watching

Telegraph Cove Whale Watching

From Mid-June through October, you will have lots of adventures ahead of you in Telegraph Cove. While exploring the waters to observe Whales, you may encounter other marine creatures if you are lucky. Besides, other creators such as bears, eagles, sea lions and porpoises are observable.

Camping in Cape Scott Provincial Park Campground

Camping in Cape Scott Provincial Park Campground

In the pursuit of your dreams about camping, you can plan to make it come true within the realm of Cape Scott Provincial Park Campground. A rugged coastal wilderness with lovely beaches offers walk-in, backcountry, and wilderness camping. While you are staying in this magnificent campground, you are provided with remote scenic beaches with a gorgeous ocean view and endless opportunities for adventure.

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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