Thanksgiving Cave is a hidden gem above Head Bay, one of the lesser-known caves on Vancouver Island, which is hard to find and harder to explore. Thanksgiving Cave is the longest and deepest cave on Vancouver Island. This challenging cave requires lots of climbing and special equipment.
The passages in caves are narrow and lead to deep chambers that can appear right beneath you, so be careful where you step. The karst formations in the cave are marvellous, even though they still have rough edges, which sign low water flow. The water flow is trickled, but it's enough to make the inside of the cave feel colder.
Out of many caves on the island of caves, the Thanksgiving Cave is the one that every decent caver should visit. Caving inside this mostly tight and beautiful cave gives you the adventurers' rush worth any trouble. The Thanksgiving Cave is one of the most challenging in the area, and faint-hearted people should stay away from it. Others should visit it with an experienced guide.
Thanksgiving Cave is located above Head Bay at the end of Tlupana Inlet, Tahsis, BC, Canada. It is south of the Haihte Range and Woss Lake Provincial Park. The access road to the caves is not marked, and it's hard to find, especially when the entrance is located somewhere in the woods. But don't worry, Tahsis is the caving capital of Canada. Obviously, many guides like the Vancouver Island Cave Exploration Group or maps can help you find it. Tahsis has a lot to offer, including natural sights, more caves and, water sports since it's close to Tlupana Inlet. Here are a few suggestions for spending your time. Tahsis Visitor Information Centre is a tourist attraction and a naturally beautiful sight, and Shawzys Charters Ltd. is a fishing charter that will make your visit rewarding.
From Nanaimo:
The fastest route from Nanaimo to the Head Bay Rd is via BC-19 N and Gold River Hwy. It is 307 km (190.7 miles) and takes about 4 hours.
Head west on Fitzwilliam St toward Wesley St. Continue onto Third St for 1.9 km (1.1 mi) and onto Jingle Pot Rd for 800 m (2624.6 ft). Turn right onto BC-19 N (signs for Campbell R) and after 151 km (93.8 mi), turn left onto Island Hwy/BC-19A N (signs for BC-28 W/Gold River). After 600 m (2132.5 ft), continue onto Campbell River Rd/Gold River Hwy/BC-28 W and follow Gold River Hwy/BC-28 W. Drive 47.3 km (29.3 ft) and turn right to stay on Gold River Hwy/BC-28 W for 39.6 km (24.6 mi). Continue straight onto Gold River Rd (signs for Tahsis/Port Hardy) and after 2.9 km (1.8 mi), turn left onto Head Bay Rd (signs for Tahsis). Drive 56.9 km (35.3 mi) and continue onto Tree to See Dr for 4.1 km (2.5 mi). Continue onto Gazette Rd and after 1 km (0.6 mi), go on Head Bay Rd for 250 m (820.2 ft).
From Victoria:
The fastest route from Victoria to the Head bay Rd is via BC-19 N. It is 417 km (259.1 mi) and takes about 5 hours and 34 minutes.
Take Government St to Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N for 1.2 km (0.7 mi). Follow Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N and BC-19 N to Island Hwy/BC-19A N in Campbell River. After 264 km (164 mi), follow Gold River Hwy to Head Bay Rd in Tahsis and continue for 152 km (94.4 mi) to reach Head bay Rd.
Unfortunately, there are no designated trails to the caves, and the exciting roads are rough and unmarked, making it pretty easy to miss them. The logging road leading to caves is not signed, so your best option is to go with a group with experience. When you find the road, it is pretty straightforward afterward, until you reach the entrance, which is very small and also easy to miss. The hike is easy enough for a child or dog, but the caves are not. There may not be an official age limit; however, common sense says it's not good for children or pets.
The members of the Mowachaht/Muchalaht, Nuchatlaht, and Ehattesaht First Nations are the Nuu-Chah-nulth-speaking tribes, share traditional territories that include the area of Tahsis. Archaeological evidence proves the settlement of this region by the First Nations people to be more than 4,200 years.
Since Tahsis is a recreational site, it doesn't lack fun activities. Among them is hiking. There are many trails in Tahsis for short and long walks. Hiking on these trails is truly a blessing when you can enjoy the fascinating rainforest and the view of Tahsis Inlet.
Kitesurfing and windsurfing are both very popular on the Tahsis and Muchalaht inlets due to the winds coming from the Pacific Ocean. There is no activity more exciting than surfing on the Tahsis Inlet.
Kayaking and canoeing are available on the Tahsis Inlet and Esperanza Inlet. You can paddle your way from the Tahsis River and the Leiner Estuary to the inlets during the high tide.
After visiting Thanksgiving Cave, bear in mind that Tahsis has lots of caves waiting to be explored, like Upana Caves and Coral Cave. So you can spend your time discovering the secrets of the caves.
Scuba diving and snorkelling are also available in Tahsis Inlet. Explore the deep waters of the inlet and enjoy watching the marine up close.
Tahsises wildlife is plentiful and very precious. Many migrating birds spend time around Tahsis Inlet, and its marine life is also unique and rare. If you choose to spend your time fishing, you can look forward to catching any of these; Chinook, Coho, Sockeye, Pink, and Chum salmon.
As it is said, "A river cuts through rock, not because of its power, but because of its persistence." Did you know it takes a long process for a cave to be created? Artlish Caves is no exception. It is the largest active river cave in Canada, and the running water is why these series of caves were carved out from the ground, which is still happening. While you are inside the caves, sharpen your eyes to find bats, spiders, and other creatures in the darkness.
If you desire to search for hidden parts of nature to discover exciting facts, Coral Cave is a suitable option. Before stepping into it, you need to have caving skills. The beauty of the cave is doubled by the stunning rainforest that surrounded the entrance. While you are inside, you may see the flooded parts of the cave. Let's get into it to find more and realize the time effect for thousands or millions of years.
Devote more time, get a challenging goal for yourself, and pack your equipment. It is time to face the longest and deepest cave on Vancouver Island, Thanksgiving Cave. Caving inside this mostly tight and beautiful cave is not a beginner's suitable exploration, but for an expert caver, the adventurers' rush worth any trouble. If you are a beginner, don't worry. Tahsis is the caving capital of Canada, so you have different chances nearby.
Going deep into the forest is worthy enough to visit the stunning Upana Caves. Listen to the sound of a river passing by and detect several entrances with the famous one behind the spectacular Upana Caves Waterfall. Inside entrances, you may find birds' nests. Watch the evidence of years of existence by holes like the one in cheese. The stunning galleries and passages you'll explore while going down would be incredible.
Although the city is known for its gold mining, Zeballos is a fantastic destination for paddling activities. Great hiking trail within the rainforest in which various wildlife is observable. Kayakers and canoeing followers may have the chance to explore a place with several underground caves and spelunking places. Not to mention that other outdoor activities can add to your joy in Zeballos.
Give rewards to yourself for working hard all week and plan to visit Fair Harbour to kill kayaking opportunities. Fair Harbour is an oceanic kayaking zone with all the necessary equipment to surf the water. Besides, you can find great recreational locations around and check all the activities on your to-do list.
To be a storyteller of paddling adventures, do not leave out Bligh Island Marine Provincial Park. This stunning historical park leaves you speechless about its undeniable opportunities for kayaking and canoeing. Bligh Island Marine Provincial Park is known for its coastal forests and marine ecosystems, in which you are provided with several unique outdoor activities.
If paddling is frightening for you, make it normal while you are in Nootka Sound. It s worthy of mentioning that while paddling in the waters of Nootka Sound, you are given the pleasure of observing the birth point of BC, Yuquot. Nootka Sound is known as the paradise of the paddlers, and its island provides an extraordinary situation in which an astonishing adventure is waiting to be embraced.
Gold River is an excellent destination for paddling by all means. There are ample reasons which can trigger you to go kayaking and canoeing in this river. Its crystal clear water allows you sea the beauties lied underneath the surface. Besides, kayakers and canoeists can have fun doing other activities along with paddling in the water.
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.
Tahsis is an accessway to many hiking trails. This village municipality is situated at the top of the steep-sided Tahsis Inlet and is surrounded by breathtaking wilderness and abundant wildlife. Some of the best water activities like ocean kayaking, surfing, windsurfing, recreational fishing or sport fishing, scuba diving, and kiteboarding are popular.
The Sutton Range is a group of mountains and a subrange of the Vancouver Island Ranges that form the greater Insular Mountains. The amazing rock formation and alpine scale make the mountains within the range perfect for climbing. While you're atop Sutton Peak, Victoria Peak, Warden Peak, and mainland coast mountains are within your sight.
The Sophia Range is a low small group of mountains on Nootka Island. Visiting the range would be fascinating overlooking inlets. The spectacular sights of the hills wrapped in trees ornamented with beautiful wildlife and birds are amazing while ascending. The range and the nearby park are a wealth of outdoor activities as paddling, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
As it is said, "A river cuts through rock, not because of its power, but because of its persistence." Did you know it takes a long process for a cave to be created? Artlish Caves is no exception. It is the largest active river cave in Canada, and the running water is why these series of caves were carved out from the ground, which is still happening. While you are inside the caves, sharpen your eyes to find bats, spiders, and other creatures in the darkness.
If you desire to search for hidden parts of nature to discover exciting facts, Coral Cave is a suitable option. Before stepping into it, you need to have caving skills. The beauty of the cave is doubled by the stunning rainforest that surrounded the entrance. While you are inside, you may see the flooded parts of the cave. Let's get into it to find more and realize the time effect for thousands or millions of years.
Devote more time, get a challenging goal for yourself, and pack your equipment. It is time to face the longest and deepest cave on Vancouver Island, Thanksgiving Cave. Caving inside this mostly tight and beautiful cave is not a beginner's suitable exploration, but for an expert caver, the adventurers' rush worth any trouble. If you are a beginner, don't worry. Tahsis is the caving capital of Canada, so you have different chances nearby.
Going deep into the forest is worthy enough to visit the stunning Upana Caves. Listen to the sound of a river passing by and detect several entrances with the famous one behind the spectacular Upana Caves Waterfall. Inside entrances, you may find birds' nests. Watch the evidence of years of existence by holes like the one in cheese. The stunning galleries and passages you'll explore while going down would be incredible.
The Genevieve Range offers a fascinating tour within Nootka Island with spectacular sights for mountaineers. The range's area is a remote paradise for those seeking peace and seclusion. While ascending peaks, the range allows breath-taking sights of the ocean, enormous trees below your feet covering hills along with lakes and creeks dotted the area and plenty of wildlife.
The Haihte Range overlooking Tahsis and Zeballos is home to some of the largest remaining glaciers on Vancouver Island. It experiences many cloudy days due to being close to the coast. The high terrain, including long aesthetic lines, is perfect for skiing at the lower glacier shelves, and visitors would enjoy excellent alpine climbing at jagged spires along the main ridge.