Exploring Beneath the Surface: UVic Students Dive into Vancouver Island’s Karst Landscapes
May 27, 2025
From April 28 to May 4, 2025, sixteen University of Victoria students ventured into the rugged and rarely seen underworld of Vancouver Island as part of the 2025 Karst Geomorphology Field School. This unique course introduced students to the island’s vast karst landscape—terrain formed by the dissolution of soluble rocks such as limestone. With its high rainfall, lush forests, and rich limestone deposits, Vancouver Island is home to over 1,000 caves, one of the largest cave networks in Canada.
However, caves are only a small part of the picture—roughly 10% of a karst landscape. Over the week-long field school, students examined a range of karst features including sinkholes and springs, and explored how forestry and other ecological factors impact these fragile systems. They also investigated how the geologic history of the island has shaped karst development and supported unique biological communities.
The field school began with a visit to Horne Lake Caves, where students were introduced to show caves and basic caving techniques. With guidance from expert instructors, they learned to navigate subterranean environments, gaining hands-on experience and a shared sense of excitement for what lay ahead.
Next, students travelled to the Gordon River Caves, about 30 km southwest of Lake Cowichan. There, they spent several days immersed in fieldwork: exploring karst features, gathering original data, and applying new concepts in a real-world setting. The final stop of the course was a traverse through the stunning limestone slot canyon at Looper Creek near Lake Nitinat. Led by internationally certified canyoneers, students practiced observational skills and synthesized their learning in one of the island’s most spectacular karst settings.
What makes the Karst Geomorphology Field School especially unique is its integration with the local caving community. The UVic Caving Club (UVCC) plays a key role, providing student leaders who assist with safety and navigation, particularly at Gordon River. In return, the UVic Geography Department contributes to the club’s operating budget, helping to foster future student engagement and club sustainability.
Alumni of the field school often return to mentor current students, lead field sessions, and contribute to ongoing research. This year, students benefited from a special seminar by Erin Bartlett, a member of the team that recently connected Canada’s longest cave system (ARGO) on Vancouver Island.
