Upana Caves are among the most beautiful caves on Vancouver Island, a hidden gem deep in the forest. The Upana Caves have many entrances, but the most attractive one is behind Upana Caves Waterfall. It would be one of the most surreal experiences in your life to go behind the waterfall and watching it. Inside the caves, you can see many holes like the one in cheese. These holes and the caves are evidence of years, rainwater, glaciation, and stream erosion.
One of the fascinating things about these caves is the subterranean drainage system, like a river underground. This drainage system brings down the temperature inside the cave and makes it feel cold. The caves are about 500 m (1640.4 ft) long, and the first one is Insect Cave, which happens to be one of the hardest. Despite all difficulties of narrow passages and climbing rocks, the stunning galleries and passages you'll explore while going down would be a relief.
Upana Caves are located southeast of Tahsis, northwest of Gold River village, Vancouver Island. The Upana caves have a unique position; They're between Bull Lake and Upana Lake, which provide lots of opportunities for water sports like kayak or canoe. The caves are deep in the forest, almost covered by trees. So pay attention to the signs, and when you're in there, stay focused because the cave system is complex, and you might lose your way. For your convenience, there is a map at the entrance of the first cave. When you're in the cave, make sure to capture every inch of those polished stones in all shades of colour. If you are lucky, you might even see a cave critter. If you are interested in visiting the longest and deepest cave on Vancouver Island, don't miss the chance of exploring Thanksgiving Cave. You need to drive about 47 km (29.2 miles) to the northwest.
From Nanaimo:
The fastest route from Nanaimo is via BC-19 N and Gold River Hwy. It is 260 km (161.5 miles) and takes about 3 hours and 10 minutes.
Take Third St to BC-19 N for 3.3 km (2 miles) and turn right onto BC-19 N (signs for Campbell R). After 151 km (93.8 miles), take Gold River Hwy to Head Bay Rd in Comox-Strathcona G. Drive 105 km (65.2 miles) more to reach Upana Caves.
From Victoria:
The fastest route from Victoria to Upana Caves is via Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N and BC-19 N. It is 370 km (299.9 miles) and takes about 4 hours and 40 minutes.
Take Government St to Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N for 1.2 km (0.7 miles). Follow Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N and BC-19 N to Island Hwy/BC-19A N in Campbell River. After 264 km (164 miles), take Gold River Hwy to Head Bay Rd in Comox-Strathcona G. Drive 105 km (65.2 miles) more to reach Upana Caves.
"Upana Caves Trail" is an easy out-and-back trail. It is 0.6 km (0.3 miles) with 23 m (75.4 ft) of elevation gain located near Gold River, British Columbia, Canada. The trail features a river and a cave system and is safe for all skill levels. It is mostly used for hiking, walking, and caving. The best way to explore the caves is with a guide to not miss anything, and you find one in Gold River. One of the cave entrances has a set of stairs leading to it, but it's best to start from Insect Cave and find your way to Main Cave. Then go to Upana River Siphon and continue to the Resurgence Cave.
The Mi'kmaq people have a history in the area for using the resources of Gold River and Mahone Bay. Besides the river, the area is famous for its traditional campsites and places with cultural and spiritual importance.
At the top of the activities that you can do in the area is caving. Exploring the underground world with all the beauties provided for you over thousands or millions of years of nature's enduring elements is a great adventure.
Hiking is an excellent idea, especially when the trail in the area is so wonderful. The scenic trails are peaceful and give you the feeling of raw nature.
For swimming, you would have to visit Upana Lake or Bull Lake; these marvellous lakes make the swimming experience pleasant and refreshing.
Fishing is a perfect choice, especially when the Upana Caves are between two lakes. Rich with marine life, fishing there would turn the page on your visit.
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.
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.
Home to many campsites with all kinds of facilities and services right on the shoreline, Buttle Lake campground offers you the best opportunities to explore the shore. There you can do a lot of activities and enjoy seeing marine creatures.
Annually, the campground welcomes RV and vehicle campers. Also, you can have a good time camping in your tents.
Camping in Ralph River Campground offers a bit more comfortable experience of exploring the park. It's adjacent to Buttle Lake, with numerous campsites all along the glorious shoreline of it. It is where you will feel a sense of being in the wilderness with beautiful sights and spectacular views from several sites over the valleys.
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.
Known as the base camp to explore the area, Bedwell Lake Campground comprises excellent tent campsites. There you can climb surrounding mountains and hike gorgeous, well-maintained trails. Bedwell Lake Campground would be excellent for backcountry adventures. It has lovely glacial mountain views.
The Croteau Lake Campsite is the first backcountry group site accepting reservations, Located within Strathcona Provincial Park in Forbidden Platea. You will have to hike into this lovely remote campground which features a brand new yurt. Nestled in the sub-alpine of Strathcona, Croteau Lake Campsite is surrounded by jagging glacial mountain peaks, and you will experience a sense of peace and seclusion.
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.
As the oldest provincial park on the island, Strathcona Provincial Park Campground will be a memorable wilderness adventure. Every day you spend on this beautiful campground is a different new day, for you can experience any adventure and never get sick of it. As a hot spot for camping, you are given a chance to choose the setting of your campsite.
Are you struggling with spending a ton of time searching for the best family-friendly vacation? Then you need to visit Buttle Lake and get better results camping around it. Learn how Buttle Lake gives you an unfair advantage with camping, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing in Strathcona Provincial Park, the oldest provincial park on Vancouver Island.
Mount McBride with 2083 m (6834 ft.) height is the seventh highest mountain on Central Vancouver Island. Atop Mount McBride, the 360° panoramic view of Strathcona Provincial Park is rewarding, besides vistas of the highest mountains on Vancouver Island, including Golden Hinde, Mt Colonel Foster, King's Peak, Elkhorn Mountain, and Rambler Peak.
Elkhorn Mountain is located in the Elk River Mountains of the Vancouver Island Ranges. It is the second-highest peak on Vancouver Island at 2194 m (7198 ft.) elevation. Atop of the Elkhorn Mountain, the commanding views of mountain peaks surrounding overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the Strait of Georgia are rewarding, as well as splendid Strathcona Provincial Park.
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 Pierce Range is small and steep-sided in the center of Vancouver Island. Hikers can pass through trees covering steep hills packed with bountiful wildlife and colourful birds winding around lakes and tarns along creeks and rivers. Up at the peaks, the scenery is surrounded by mountains. Spectacular views overlooking the Muchalat channel and Victor Island is inspiring.
The Elk River Mountains is a group of rugged mountains in Strathcona Provincial Park suitable for camping and outdoor activities. Elkhorn Mountain is the highest peak of the mountains and the second-highest peak on Vancouver Island. It is an extraordinary destination for professional and amateur climbers; the difficulty is from simple to somehow challenge slopes.
Strathcona Provincial Park is a large mountainous natural park and the oldest provincial park in British Columbia. Excellent hiking trails, coastal areas, lakes, creeks, waterfalls, snow-capped peaks, and wildlife made this park a perfect destination for adventurous travellers. Summers are usually pleasantly warm, and winters are almost mild except for the higher levels. So, it is a great place to recharge.
Words cannot describe Lupin Falls because this waterfall's beauty is beyond the world of vocabulary. The water pours gracefully on rocks and carving its way into the hard rock cliff. A forest surrounds the two drops of Lupin Falls and adds to its wonders. Visiting Lupin Falls is a big bonus as it is placed in Strathcona Provincial Park with a lot to offer.
Find peace at the bottom of a waterfall where there will be the magic of nature all around you. Lady Falls is a rare sight of beauty and grace. The crystal clear water runs through a lush forest, reaches a rock cliff surrounded by trees, and pours down into a canyon. From afar, it feels like the water is cascading from the trees. The combination is enough for cleansing the mind, soothing the soul, and being there for hours.
In the south end of Buttle Lake at Strathcona Provincial Park, you can find Myra Falls (or Lower Myra Falls), a Jewel of natural wonders. This seven-drop waterfall is beautiful all year round, and it feels like you're in a land of fantasy. The tremendous view of the place and shades of green and blue of the pool under the falls make a great scene perfect for photography.