A day-use area with a trail system leads to the Upana Caves, which are called for the underground river that runs through the system. There are five caverns to explore and a viewpoint with a waterfall, and an observation platform with a fantastic view of the Resurgence Cave entrance.

Remember to be cautious, bring flashlights, keep an eye on your feet, and keep an eye on the low cave ceilings.

The Upana caverns are located between Gold River and Tahsis on northern Vancouver Island, along the Tree-to-Sea trail. They’re roughly a fifteen-minute drive from Gold River. It’s a gravel road, but it’s not tough to navigate.

From Gold River, head west towards Tahsis. Turn onto the Head Bay Forest Service Road (gravel) for approximately 14.5 km. Turn right onto Branch H-27, and park on the right just before the bridge. The trailhead is on the other side of the bridge.

Photo: Province of British Columbia, flickr, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0