Nitinat Caves are the earth's gift to the people who appreciate the underground world's beauty; they are also known as Looper Creek Canyon. The caves are a series of small and not very deep caves. The inside of the caves are polished, which is a valid sign that water used to fill the chambers fully for thousands of years, and it still does. Nitinat Caves are one of the most beautiful caves in the world. The beauty of them is not only for the breathtaking entrance. There is a sight of moss-covered rocks forming a gap, but the caves lead to a canyon with gem green water perfect for swimming. As tempting as it seems, swimming in the canyon can be difficult because the water is very cold, which means the cave's inside is too.
The crack that opens up into the large caves is truly spectacular, especially when the sun rays go through the gap and shine on the moss-covered rocks. The view is like a movie picture. Nitnat Caves are on the list of a few caves that offer you beauty and great scenes while you're exploring the underground.
Nitinat Caves are located on southern Vancouver Island, between Bamfield and Port Renfrew. You can find the caves near the east side of Nitinat Lake, which is a vast and life-giving lake. The caves are in the middle of an abundant forest and close to a river that derivates from the lake, and it's possibly the source of water to the caves. This part of Vancouver Island is not very populated, and the natural environment is somewhat intact. The area has lots of lakes close together, like Hobbiton Lake, Squalicum Lake, and Doobah Lake, but the biggest lake is Nitinat Lake. All these lakes provide opportunities for watersports. Some rivers like the Nitinat River, the Caycuse River, the Cheewhat River, and the Klanawa River are also nearby.
Access to Nitinat Caves is possible by driving to Looper Creek Canyon.
From Nanaimo:
The fastest route to get to Looper Creek from Nanaimo is via Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 S. It is 136 km (84.5 miles) and takes about 2 hours.
Take Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 S, Cowichan Valley Hwy/BC-18 W and Youbou Rd to N Shore Rd in Cowichan Valley I. It takes about 106 km (65.8 miles). Follow N Shore Rd, Cowichan Main and Mainline Carmanah to Rosander Main in Cowichan Valley F. After 29.8 km (18.5 miles), you will reach Looper Canyon.
From Victoria:
Getting to Looper Creek from Victoria is via Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N. It is 155 km (96.3 miles) and takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes.
Take Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N, Cowichan Valley Hwy/BC-18 W and Youbou Rd to N Shore Rd in Cowichan Valley I for 125 km (77.6 miles).
Follow N Shore Rd, Cowichan Main and Mainline Carmanah to Rosander Main in Cowichan Valley F for 29.8 km (18.5 miles) to reach Looper Canyon.
Unfortunately, there is no designated trail to Nitinat Caves. You would have to ask the locals or hire a guide to take you to the caves. Nitinat Caves are in a hiking area called Looper Canyon but finding the entrances could be tricky. If you look hard enough, you may find a vertical gap in a cliff, which is the entrance. You can start the hike after parking your car by the bridge, then find a very small and easy-to-miss path leading down a steep gorge. It's not a long hike, but it is steep, which calls for suitable footwear. At the bottom of the gorge, you'll see the river. Follow the river and head for the upstream. Pay close attention to the surroundings to not miss a crack in the rock on your left.
The area used to be home to the Ditidaht (meaning "people along the way" or "people along the coast" in their language). The Nuu-chah-nulth people have lived on the land for more than 5 thousand years. They now reside on the west coast of Vancouver Island.
Nitinat Lake is a world-class spot for water sports. Also, the lake's surroundings are so scenic and beautiful; it makes anyone relax just by seeing it.
Windsurfing or kiteboarding, with the winds coming from the Pacific Ocean and the large diameters of Nitinat Lake, lures surfers worldwide.
Fishing could be very rewarding in Nitinat Lake. There is a decent chance that everyone with the proper license will not leave the lake empty-handed.
Swimming in the canyon where the caves lead could be the experience of a lifetime if you don't mind cold water.
Paddling on the blue salty waters of Nitinat Lake is sensational. The beautiful view and the tempting water are the perfect combinations.
The Looper Canyon hiking area offers great trails for hiking or walking, or running. You could even bring your dog and walk with it.
Caves teach us to face our fears. They are signs of history and are full of secrets. Nitinat Caves are a series of small and not very deep caves between Bamfield and Port Renfrew. It needs a sharp eye to find the entrance along the river. Water flows in them, and they lead you to a canyon with gem green water perfect for swimming. The caves offer you beauty and great scenes.
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.
Nitinat Triangle provides an excellent opportunity for those fearless paddlers that lets them set their adventure-thirsty souls on fire. Schedule your trip to Nitinat Triangle when you have 4 or 5 days free. The triangle features campsite facilities and magnetic vies of the land.
If you want to make every moment on Vancouver Island worthwhile, remember to plan for a kayaking adventure on the waters next to Pacheedaht Beach. The San Juan River Estuary Ecological Reserve is the habitat for a variety of wildlife worthy of visiting. In addition to paddling, visitors can enjoy themselves doing other outdoor activities in the region.
Make the best of your journey on Vancouver Island by camping in one of the possibly best campgrounds on the southwest of Vancouver Island. Pachena Bay Campground offers a quiet private campsite for those who want to get away from the bustle in towns. Not to mention the beautiful, clean, and sandy beach in which you are provided with every possible fun opportunity.
All Five senses come together to give the possibility to experience the endless adventure in the Nitinat Lake area. As one of the destinations for consistent winds, Nitinat Lake is a popular place for windsurfing. This lake with long, narrow, and strongly salt-stratified water offers you the best opportunities to fulfil your desires for adventure, kiteboarding in particular.
Bamfield is a small fishing and harbour village best known for its magnificent salmon fishing adventures. It offers a wide green area and jungles to hike and enjoy the wildlife. For the tens of kilometres, you have shorelines, amazing islands, and beautiful beaches. It is principally a tourist destination for the West Coast Trail, ocean kayaking, or sport fishing.
The Somerset Range is a chain of small low mountains. The highest peak is Hobiton Ridge. Have a perfect time hiking through the packed trees covering the hills with ponds and tars dotting the area. Up at the peak, the vista of trees and valley overlooking the water and awe-inspiring view of surrounding mountains lying through the gorgeous forest garnished by colourful birds.
Sarita Falls is one of the pieces of music repeatedly playing by the earth. This beautiful set of falls is placed along the Sarita River in a rainforest space with fresh air, making a stunning atmosphere. There is a sign for the place, a white tree trunk that has fallen on the river, which can complete the picture. The area is also rich in wildlife, so get the most out of your visit.
Caves teach us to face our fears. They are signs of history and are full of secrets. Nitinat Caves are a series of small and not very deep caves between Bamfield and Port Renfrew. It needs a sharp eye to find the entrance along the river. Water flows in them, and they lead you to a canyon with gem green water perfect for swimming. The caves offer you beauty and great scenes.
The Seymour Range is a small mountain range that comprises the hills and mountains between the San Juan River and the valley of Lake Cowichan. High quality of hiking up at the peaks, is the surrounding mountains and scenery of valleys and hills covered with lush forest. Experience an enriching journey in the nearby Carmanah Walbran Provincial Park and Cowichan Lake.
The Pelham Range is a paradise for mountaineers seeking an isolated area and seclusion. They can spend some days camping in peace on lakes or through the wilderness or paddling and fishing a whole day in the calm waters with a pleasant ambiance. Climbing the mountains would be fascinating, passing through hills covered with beautiful trees.
Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is a national park famous for its old-growth rainforest, spectacular coastal scenery and long sandy beaches. Hiking through the lush temperate forests, walking along the expansive soft-sand beaches, kayaking among small islands and hidden bays, discovering wildlife and whales, and surfing the Pacific Ocean waves are the best things to do in the park.
Let's get lost in the west coast nature and find ourselves beside a lake following the smell of the Pacific Ocean. Nitinat Lake is beyond your expectations, kiteboarding heaven and a windsurfers' choice. Cruise the cool and clean water and explore freshwater coves and inlets. Get more of your visit with Nitinat Caves and the underground world of Looper Creek Canyon.
Let's explore the second-largest lake on Vancouver Island. Cowichan Lake is the major recreational place in the Cowichan region and famous for paddling. It has some of the best hiking trails, several campsites, and chances for water-based activities. Get ready for this new experience, and we will strive to assist you in making your visit the best it can be.