5 Caves to Explore in BC’s Lower Mainland

Caves have long been an important part of human history, serving as spiritual places, shelter, and settings for stories around the world. In British Columbia, caves are mainly concentrated on Vancouver Island and the Rockies. Though caves in BC’s Lower Mainland are few and far between, there are a handful near Vancouver that make for fun family outings or day hikes.

The caves in this article vary in difficulty. Some are short walks, while others are more difficult hikes. Although they are well-known destinations, visitors enter at their own risk.

Cave Risks and Safety

Caves are sensitive ecosystems that are prone to damage, which is why many are well-guarded secrets. Those that contain stalagmites and stalactites are especially vulnerable, as skin oils from touch alone can alter their surface and damage them. Introduced bacteria and fungi can harm the delicate ecosystem.

Caves may also be inhabited by bats. Visitors should avoid disturbing them if encountered. White Nose Syndrome is a fungus that can be introduced unintentionally from clothing and gear, which wakes bats from hibernation too early, causing them to die from starvation. Bats are also the only species in BC that carry rabies, which is fatal if contracted. Any physical contact with a bat should be followed up by a medical assessment.

Other Cave Risks:

• Falls
• Falling rock or other debris
• Hypothermia
• Becoming lost
• Getting stuck
• Light failure
• Poor air quality or low oxygen areas
• Flooding
• Airborne pathogens

Before you go, leave a trip plan, bring your ten essentials, and ensure you have a reliable light source. Wear a helmet if there is a risk of falling rock or hitting your head. As always, practice good etiquette, follow any posted signage, pack in what you pack out, and leave no trace.

Chipmunk Caves, Chilliwack

These popular caves in the Chilliwack River Valley are a favourite family hike. Located along the river, visitors can climb up into one cave and come out through another. The short hike makes them one of the most accessible cave sites in the Fraser Valley.

Trail Length (round trip): 2 km
Directions: From Vedder Rd, turn up Chilliwack River Road and drive for approximately 25 – 26 km. Look for the gated Chipmunk Creek FSR on the left just before the Xàws Schó:lha (Ford Mountain) Correctional Centre. Parking is outside the gate. Walk the old road to the end, then follow the short trail west down the river to the caves.

Spirit Caves, Yale

Well worth a day trip, this is a steep uphill hike through the forest to a cluster of caves located on the mountain. The trail first goes to a viewpoint overlooking the Fraser River before continuing up to the caves, which are formed from spaces between boulders.

Trail Length (round trip): 5.2 km
Directions: From Hope, drive up the Fraser Canyon (Highway 1) to Yale. Look for the Spirit Caves trailhead, located on the left side of the highway just before you enter the community, across from the Yale Pioneer Cemetery. You will have to go into town and safely turn around to park at the trailhead.

Thunderbird Caves, Abbotsford

These popular caves are formed from erosion, which creates cavities along the sandstone cliff band and makes for a fun area to explore. The local Semá:th First Nation tells a story of their people taking refuge in the caves during a flood, and the thunderbird is associated with the area. Located on Upper Ambidextrous Trail, getting there requires navigating a network of trails, and they can be accessed by several different routes.

Trail Length (round trip): Varies depending on route.
Directions: The trail network is accessed by parking at Harvest Dr or Treetop Terr. There is no access from Whatcom Rd or Sandringham Dr. There is development and construction in the area, so obey all posted signage indicating closures and detours. Trailforks has the most reliable and accurate map of the area.

Evans Valley Ice Caves, Maple Ridge (Golden Ears Provincial Park)

A seasonal attraction, these ice caves are found at the head of Evans Valley, which is named for John and Lesley Evans, who went missing in the area in 1966. They are best seen in late spring or early summer. The trail up the valley follows the creek and eventually ends, at which point hikers must make their way through boulders up the creek bed to the head of the valley. Since ice caves are dangerous and vulnerable to collapse, they should only be viewed from the outside; do not enter them.

Trail Length (round trip): 8.5 to 9.5 km, depending on how far up the valley you go.
Directions: Park at the West Canyon parking lot in Golden Ears Provincial Park. Approximately 2 km down the West Canyon Trail, turn left onto a trail just before one of the creek crossings.

Homesite Creek Caves, Halfmoon Bay

Those visiting the Sunshine Coast can check out the Homesite Creek Caves north of Halfmoon Bay. These small limestone caves are located down a short, rough trail. Due to their unstable condition, visitors should not enter them.

Trail Length (round trip): 2 km
Directions: From Halfmoon Bay, head north on the highway and turn right onto Homesite Creek FSR. Look for a cairn marking the trail.