Cave Exploration in Canada: Impressive Geological Formations

Cave exploration in Canada

What is a cave?

In the field of geomorphology, the cave consists of a natural underground cavity having at least one accessible horizontal part.

The cave can be formed from water-soluble mineral structures. The latter generally correspond to carbonate rocks, that is to say karst cavities, as well as gypsum and anhydrite. In some cases, these may include rock salt, sandstone and quartzite, gneiss and granite, basalt, and certain conglomerates (pseudo-karst cavities).

We can distinguish the cave from the abyss by the difference in their entrance. For the cave, it develops essentially horizontally. In addition, you should know that sinkholes are generally of karst origin, while caves are formed in various mineral structures soluble by water. Furthermore, caves can also be dug by surface water, atmospheric water or water of deep origin.

But also, you should know that caves are not dead environments. It is possible to find particular flora and fauna there. Fauna can in particular live exclusively in these underground cavities or spend only part of its life there. Regardless, the cave wildlife has developed in such a way that it can survive this unique environment.

The study of the flora and fauna living in caves is also called “biospeology”. It is a science focused on troglobe species which live mainly in caves, troglophile species which spend only part of their lives there and trogloxenes which only display an occasional presence there.

Definition of cave exploration activity

The activity of exploring caves is better known as “caving”.

Caving then corresponds to the activity of exploration, research, location, study, mapping or visiting underground cavities. These cavities can be natural, anthropogenic or artificial, and the knowledge obtained during its activities is intended to be shared with other speleologists or the general public.

We can then affirm that caving has several facets, namely: scientific, sporting, technical and contemplative. This activity is mainly practiced in so-called “karst” regions: regions whose geomorphological structure results from the hydrochemical and hydraulic erosion of soluble rocks.

Speleologists are also interested in tectonic, volcanic, glacial and anthropogenic cavities. The latter are classified as “pseudo-karst” regions.

The creation of caving

Speleology as we know it today was born when society developed a reasoned approach to caves. This scientific approach is particularly linked to the advancement of science which followed the Age of Enlightenment of the 18th century.

The methodical exploration of the caves will really begin during the Slovenian part of the Austro-Hungarian empire. Arenstein and Freyer were the first speleologists, when they explored the cavities of Carniola from 1778.

Then, in 1850, Edouard-Alfred Martel began his prodigious career with 1,500 explorations and 922 publication references. Despite some reservations about his theories, his work is today a reference of great importance in the field of caving.

The first speleology institute in the world was created in 1920 in Cluj, Romania, by the biologist Émile Georges Racovitza.

The top 5 caves in Canada to absolutely visit

The Horne Lake Caves in British Columbia

You should know that the largest concentration of caves in North America is located on Vancouver Island. The latter is home to more than 1,600 caves, 4 of which can be explored during a single visit to Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park.

The Horne Lake Caves are accessible all year round, with an average temperature of 8°C. Visitors will be able to cross cable ladders, underground waterways and tiny crawl spaces.

Whiteshell Provincial Park in Manitoba

Near the Ontario border, one can find a paradise for lovers of outdoor adventure. Part of the rugged Precambrian Shield, Whiteshell Provincial Park is home to two caves.

The Hunt Lake Trail offers visitors picturesque views of West Hawk Lake, with particularly refreshing swimming holes. We also remind you that this trail is one of the most popular wild trails in the province of Manitoba.

The most popular attraction along the route remains the small cave located inside a vertical rock wall.

We can also mention the Caddy Lake tunnels which are accessible by boat. These tunnels were created by engineers who had to dig the granite for the construction of the railway. Although these cavities are not strictly speaking caves, particularly because they receive direct sunlight, they still remain fascinating and can be visited by taking Caddy Lake by canoe or kayak.

Rat’s Nest Cave in Alberta

Rat's Nest Cave is accessible about an hour's drive from Calgary through exclusive access from Canmore Cave Tours. This cave takes cavers on a journey through 300 million years of natural history, and around 3,000 years of human history.

The cave hosts several guided tours each year. Visitors can go fossil hunting and learn more about the specific fauna of the era. When crossing the cave, visitors can also be sure to find some animal bones, as well as pictograms made by the first indigenous people.

Cave and Basin National Historic Site in Alberta

The Cave and Basin was discovered in 1883 by three railroad workers. This discovery notably led to the creation of Canada's first provincial park.

Cave and Basin is now a recognized national historic site, located in Banff National Park. The cave is filled with mineral-rich thermal water, and can be explored all year round.

The badlands of the Big Muddy Valley in Saskatchewan

The badlands represent spectacular landforms characterized by a network of deep, narrow and winding gullies. Badlands can be found in several places in Canada, particularly in southern Alberta.

In the days of the Wild West, rum runners and horse thieves needed a good hiding place to escape the law. The natural caves then constituted an excellent hideout for these bandits, in particular the badlands of Big Muddy which were a favorite place for the latter.

During full-day and half-day tours, between May and October, visiting cavers can examine the Western Bandits' hideout. They can also learn about the early indigenous people who populated the area for thousands of years, as evidenced by the remaining teepee rings.

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