advertise
Vanislander / Landmarks / Caves / Gordon River Caves

Gordon River Caves on Vancouver Island

Nestled within the Gordon River Watershed on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. They are part of a larger karst landscape characterized by rugged terrain, dense forests, and dramatic scenery that reflects the island’s geological history. The karst landscapes of Vancouver Island, the Gordon River Caves represent a captivating subterranean network shaped by millennia of natural processes. This region is part of an island renowned for housing over 1,000 documented caves, with the actual number likely higher due to ongoing discoveries. The Gordon River system encompasses several notable caves, including Mudslick Cave, Wolf Creek Cave, and Stream Cave. These interconnected networks offer a glimpse into the island's geological evolution and the delicate ecosystems thriving within. Local cavers often report discovering additional entrances and passages during expeditions, so the total number can vary as new areas are mapped.

Geological History

Vancouver Island hosts one of Canada's most significant karst landscapes, with over 1,000 recorded caves. The northern part of the island has the highest concentration of caves in Canada. The formation of these caves is attributed to:
Carbonate Rock Formations: The Quatsino, Parson Bay, and Mount Mark formations provide the necessary limestone base for karst development. 
High Rainfall: Vancouver Island experiences significant precipitation, accelerating the dissolution of carbonate rock and the formation of underground voids.
Tectonic Activity & Post-Glacial Processes: The island’s dynamic geological past, including sea-level changes and glacial retreat, has influenced cave morphology.
Speleothem Growth Dating Back 55,000 Years:  Some formations indicate long-term cave evolution, with evidence suggesting even older origins. The Gordon River Caves exemplify these geological processes, with extensive underground passages shaped by millennia of water activity.

more

less

Geological Setting and Karst Features

The Gordon River cave area is described as a “miniature classic” of Vancouver Island karst, occupying only a few square miles yet offering some of the finest limestone features on the island.
Key characteristics include:
 A narrow summit ridge that stands about 1500 feet above the Gordon River. Along this ridge, explorers found several deep pits—many nearly 100 feet deep. One of these pits opens into a maze of narrow, canyon‐like, meandering slots. 
Near the center of the karst area is a fine hanging valley that contains a notable small resurgence cave. On the intervening slopes, open caverns with large chambers and unusual, obliquely oriented passages have been reported. In one area a tributary stream “disappears” into a tight, long crawlway instead of joining the valley stream; this passage is fed by resurgences emerging at the base of the summit ridge. About a thousand feet lower at river level, there are additional resurgences—but these terminate rather abruptly. 
 The landscape is further marked by widespread sinkholes—some as wide as 100 feet and 50 feet deep—and a completely separate, small cave system developed in a low outcrop (essentially a large roche moutonnée) on the opposite bank of the river. In addition, nearby areas (the Robertson River and Nixon Creek regions) are mentioned as having cave potentials that remain largely unexplored.

more

less

Accessibility From Nanaimo:

Distance and Duration: The fastest route from Nanaimo to Gordon River covers approximately 101 km and takes about 1 hour 31 minutes. Routing: Start on the Trans-Canada Highway (BC-1 S) heading south. Transition onto the Cowichan Valley Highway (BC-18 W). Continue on South Shore Road to Honeymoon Bay (approximately 86.3 km from Nanaimo, taking around 1 hour 8 minutes).
From Honeymoon Bay: Follow Gordon River Road to Pacific Marine Road, which adds another 14.6 km and takes about 21 minutes. Destination: Gordon River, BC (Postal code: V0R 3E1).
Temporary Road Restrictions and Private Roads: Certain segments, particularly parts of South Shore Road near Honeymoon Bay, may have restricted usage or are maintained as private roads. This is typically because such roads are owned or maintained by local or private entities rather than being fully public. They may have access limitations to protect sensitive environmental areas or to serve specific local infrastructure needs. Additionally, the BC Ministry of Transportation website offers updates on road statuses, and contacting local visitor centres in Gordon River can provide further guidance.

more

less

Accessibility From Victoria:

Start in Victoria, Take Government St to Trans-Canada Hwy (BC-1 N) (4 min, 1.2 km). On BC-1 N, Drive 63.9 km north (about 54 minutes). Turn onto BC-18 W, Follow Cowichan Valley Hwy, then S Shore Rd to Gordon River Rd (55.1 km, 53 minutes). 
 Road Restrictions: Some parts of S Shore Rd near Honeymoon Bay may have restricted access due to private land management or environmental protection. Check the BC Ministry of Transportation or local visitor centers for updates.

more

less

General Safety

Visitors are strongly advised to use proper safety gear including: helmets, headlamps, and rope equipment to ensure their protection during exploration. It's also essential to be well-prepared for bushwhacking through dense vegetation and navigating uneven terrain. Following established trails and adhering to strict safety protocols is critical, as these measures significantly reduce the risk of accidents and help preserve the natural integrity of the cave system.
Guided tours: particularly Indigenous-led eco-adventures—are recommended for added safety and cultural insight.

more

less

Vancouver Island Activities

Deep Bay Windsurfing

Deep Bay Windsurfing

Discover your windsurfing spirit while you are in the Deep Bay area. Waterfowl in the winter months have made these protected waters a hot spot for windsurfing. Due to Deep Bay's proximity to Baynes Sound, visitors can enjoy several other outdoor adventures. Also, more recreational opportunities are provided in the park and the golf club nearby.

Sombrio Beach Surfing

Sombrio Beach Surfing

If you consider yourself a lucky person to be alive, then live your life in a way that it counts. Sombrio Beach surfing is a big adventure, so prepare surfing equipment, hop on, and heat the road. A quite exposed beach and reef break in which you can relax and explore admirable scenery. Winds coming from different directions and waves at the beach have made Sombrio Beach ideal for starting your surfing journey on Vancouver Island.

Victoria Harbour Ferry Whale Watching

Victoria Harbour Ferry Whale Watching

Located in the heart of Victoria and adjacent to many whale watching operators, Victoria Harbour Ferry is a starting point for your whale watching tour. Many visitors come here to watch whales annually; not only whale watching but open waterways of Salish make Victoria Harbour Ferry a remarkable place for anglers, wildlife followers and daily tourists.

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.

Rivtow Lion Diving

Rivtow Lion Diving

If you are making a checklist of diving places on Vancouver Island, make sure it includes the Rivtow Lion Diving zone. Rivtow Lion was a ship that was sunk on purpose, and through the years, it has changed into an artificial cliff and a favourable destination for diving. Photography enthusiasts can find the inner sceneries of the ship charming to be a subject for their cameras.

Hiking on the Courtenay Riverway Heritage Walk

Hiking on the Courtenay Riverway Heritage Walk

The Courtenay Riverway Heritage Walk makes it possible for you to hike in a paved path where nature is around you. It is easy to find wildlife for photography while hiking. Take your dog with you and choose between hiking, walking, running, and biking. As the trail is suitable for all ages and is close to Courtenay, it is one of the popular hiking trails in the area that gets crowded on sunny days.

HMCS Cape Breton Diving

HMCS Cape Breton Diving

If you are collecting a diary of diving experiences, it would be amazing to add your diving experience to HMCS Cape Breton. Wrecks of a sunk ship which has made the area a phenomenal diving location decorated with artificial reefs. The zone offers a spectacular site and undeniable diving opportunities, and it is accessible by boat. Not to mention the diverse sea life you would face there.

Cortes Island Kayaking

Cortes Island Kayaking

Cortes Island is a unique paddling destination that offers a mix of sheltered bays, dynamic open water, scenic coastal views, and rich natural history. This guide covers every detail—from geographic location and access routes to specific paddling conditions, safety tips, and local highlights—so you can plan your Cortes Island kayaking adventure with confidence.

Sooke Kayaking

Sooke Kayaking

You would get lost among the reasons why you should visit Sooke. As an ocean-side village, Sooke is full of natural beauties in which you can enjoy several outdoor activities. Waters that feature Sooke are idealistic for paddling enthusiasts to kayak. Most importantly, Sooke is the starting point of the exciting journey of the West Coast Trail.

Sproat Lake Wakeboarding and Waterskiing

Sproat Lake Wakeboarding and Waterskiing

Do not save money only to pay the bill. Spend it on the adventure and see how awesome it feels. The warm waters of Sproat Lake absorb many visitors from all around the world, those fans of water activities in particular. Sproat Lake wakeboarding and waterskiing facilities increase the attractiveness of the lake.

The caves derive their name from the nearby Gordon River, a key waterway that influences the region’s hydrology and cave formation. The naming is tied to the natural features of the area, reflecting the region’s history and geography.

Geological Features and Composition

Rock Type and Formation:

The caves are primarily composed of limestone. They were created by surface water dissolving the bedrock—a typical process in karst landscapes. Reasoning: The formation process (chemical dissolution of limestone by water) is clearly outlined in the information provided, which is consistent with known karst processes on Vancouver Island. 

more

less

Notable Cave Passages and Specific Discoveries

Within the Gordon River area, several specific discoveries made by local caving groups:
• Easter Cave: Rediscovered by Stan Ford, this pit initially described as “promising but slash‐clogged” was later found to be about 120 feet deep.
• Stream Cave: Other teams excavated the entrance to a major stream resurgence (referred to as “Stream Cave”), although the precise source of this underground stream remains uncertain.
These discoveries are part of a broader effort by local explorers who, during the 1960s, concentrated their field work in both the Gordon River and nearby Skutz Falls areas. 

more

less

Erosional Processes and Biological Influences:

Continuous water flow has gradually eroded the limestone, forming intricate passages and delicate formations. Biological factors such as microbial and algal growth may influence the cave’s colouration and texture. The caves are primarily composed of limestone, formed from ancient coral reefs. Surface water has slowly dissolved the bedrock over millennia, creating intricate passageways, flowstone formations, and unique mineral deposits. The erosional processes continue to shape the cave system, making it a prime example of BC cave exploration.

more

less

Vancouver Island Activities

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.

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.

Clover Point Storm Watching

Clover Point Storm Watching

Just a short walk from Victoria, Clover Point is hit by great storms, and there are fabulous opportunities to watch roaring storms. During falls and winters, protect and enjoy the fierce waves making up in the distance, rolling into the coast, battering against the rocks, whether staying at your car or donning in raingear.

Dolphin Beach Diving

Dolphin Beach Diving

Nanaimo is saturated with diving zones, but to name a decent one, Dolphin Beach is a location that allows everyone to explore marine life and enjoy diving. Both armature and advanced divers can have the chance to dive in these waters along with a glorious environment enclosing the zone, which would fascinate your eyes.

Bamfield Whale Watching

Bamfield Whale Watching

Adjacent to Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, Bamfield is a favourable destination for whale watching in the Port Alberni area. To make the most out of your journey in Bamfield, you can do salmon fishing around the coast and enjoy the outstanding birdlife living there.

Shawnigan Lake Wakeboarding and Waterskiing

Shawnigan Lake Wakeboarding and Waterskiing

Surrounded by parks and its proximity to a live community is at least two of many reasons why you should come to Shawnigan lake. Not only wakeboarders and water-skiers will benefit from the waters of this lovely lake, but also paddlers are given the best chance to have a great time onboard.

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.

HMCS Cape Breton Diving

HMCS Cape Breton Diving

If you are collecting a diary of diving experiences, it would be amazing to add your diving experience to HMCS Cape Breton. Wrecks of a sunk ship which has made the area a phenomenal diving location decorated with artificial reefs. The zone offers a spectacular site and undeniable diving opportunities, and it is accessible by boat. Not to mention the diverse sea life you would face there.

Wickaninnish Beach Surfing

Wickaninnish Beach Surfing

Lead an adventurous life and get on the road to experience new adventures. Wickaninnish Beach welcomes surfers from all around the world, and this beautiful sandy beach is a great place to forget about all the bills and responsibilities. If you are looking for more reasons that justify Wickaninnish Beach's superiority for surfers, you may consider the lack of rocks with barnacles.

Rivtow Lion Diving

Rivtow Lion Diving

If you are making a checklist of diving places on Vancouver Island, make sure it includes the Rivtow Lion Diving zone. Rivtow Lion was a ship that was sunk on purpose, and through the years, it has changed into an artificial cliff and a favourable destination for diving. Photography enthusiasts can find the inner sceneries of the ship charming to be a subject for their cameras.

Best Time to Visit Gordon River Caves

Pro Tip: For the best overall experience at Gordon River Caves, visit between July and August when the weather is optimal for outdoor adventure, cave exploration, and capturing high-quality cave photography.

Month

Weather Conditions

Trail Accessibility

Considerations

May

Variable; cooler temperatures with increased rainfall provide a dynamic environment for BC cave exploration.

Trails are generally open but may be slippery; some remote areas may be temporarily closed.

Fewer visitors; prepare for wet, muddy conditions and reduced visibility in delicate formations.

June

Mild temperatures with moderate rainfall create a balanced microclimate ideal for outdoor adventure.

Most trails and cave entrances are operational, offering reliable access for scientific exploration.

Increasing visitor numbers; ensure you have waterproof gear and proper caving equipment (helmet, headlamp, rope gear).

July

Warmer temperatures and drier conditions provide optimal settings for BC cave exploration and outdoor photography.

All access routes and trails are fully operational, enabling seamless exploration of the caves.

Peak season; expect higher visitor numbers and consider booking guided tours to secure permits and ensure safety.

August

Warm, consistently dry conditions enhance the visual splendour of the cave’s geological features.

Trails and cave paths remain in excellent condition, facilitating both self-guided and guided tours.

Peak season continues; plan ahead for potential high demand on eco-friendly tours and rental equipment.

September

Cooling temperatures with occasional rainfall create variable conditions that accentuate natural cave colours.

Trails remain accessible, though some remote routes may be affected by early autumn rains.

Fewer visitors provide a quieter experience; prepare for fluctuating weather and cooler conditions, ideal for scientific study.

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.

Camping in Lighthouse RV Park and Campground

Camping in Lighthouse RV Park and Campground

The great adventure in Fanny Bay will always hunt its visitors. The Lighthouse RV Park and Campground offer undeniable opportunities for camping of all kinds with a beautiful view of the ocean ornamented by mountains and islands. This campground offers excellent accommodation with every essential amenity. Not to mention that you can lose yourself in its charm, quiet, and unique sites and find it again.

Lake Helen Mackenzie and Battleship Lake Loop Hike

Lake Helen Mackenzie and Battleship Lake Loop Hike

Experienced and beginner hikers will be surprised hiking Lake Helen Mackenzie and Battleship Lake Loop with its stunning atmosphere in an alpine area and fantastic scenery. This trail includes well-kept facilities and a campground that make it suitable for all family members. Have a nice day-hike not to miss the attractions to see.

Saxe Point Park Storm Watching

Saxe Point Park Storm Watching

Located in Victoria, Saxe Point Park has an area of Peninsula Seafront. Powerful barreling winds cause fierce waves to hit the coast during falls and winters, make Saxe Point Park a lovely place for Storm Watching. Witness the power of nature as waves crash into the beach with rain falling and the flashing sky making your soul stirred while enjoying Saxe Point Park Storm Watching.

Cox Bay Kiteboarding

Cox Bay Kiteboarding

Great opportunities for kiteboarding are awaiting you in the realm of Cox Bay, no matter if you are an expert or a beginner. But beforehand, check the reports and wave directions. Besides, the magnificent beach of Cox bay offers an abundance of activities you may enjoy.

Goose Spit Regional Park Windsurfing

Goose Spit Regional Park Windsurfing

If you are craving a windsurfing opportunity during winter, Goose Spit Regional Park will provide you with the chance to meet your expectations of windsurfing along with kiteboarding. Nestled near Comox Valley, you are allowed to enjoy yourselves and the extraordinary scenery at the same time. Sandy and rocky beaches and diverse wildlife are other features of the Goose spit.

Protection Island Ferry Whale Watching

Protection Island Ferry Whale Watching

Protection Island Ferry provides its participants with high chances of watching whales and other marine creatures, along with the scenic view of three spectacular islands. You may also rent a boat to surf the water, and if you are in luck, encounter these gigantic marine beasts.

Race Rocks Diving

Race Rocks Diving

A fantastic offering for those who would like to dive and learn about the history of marine activities of Vancouver Island is lying on the grounds of Race Rock Lighthouse. The existence of this lighthouse adds up to the exceptionality of this diving adventure. However, you have to look out for the whales living there.

Botanical Beach Storm Watching

Botanical Beach Storm Watching

Let the magnificent storms in Botanical Beach touch your souls. The fabulous beach known for its wonderful intertidal sea life has majestic waves during the windy seasons, making it a popular destination for those fond of storm watching. Try to visit this beach at low tide to enjoy seeing lovely sea-life creatures.

Shawnigan Lake Wakeboarding and Waterskiing

Shawnigan Lake Wakeboarding and Waterskiing

Surrounded by parks and its proximity to a live community is at least two of many reasons why you should come to Shawnigan lake. Not only wakeboarders and water-skiers will benefit from the waters of this lovely lake, but also paddlers are given the best chance to have a great time onboard.

Gordon River Caves are celebrated for their intricate limestone formations, dynamic erosional processes, and rich mineral deposits. This geological wonder offers eco-tourism BC enthusiasts an authentic Canadian cave adventure with opportunities for outdoor adventure, cave hiking, and sustainable tourism.
Profile Picture

Alireza Moghimehfar

2025 February 19

What Do You Think about