by Lori Straus

What person didn’t collect rocks at some point in their childhood? Heck, I have two bags of rocks from the shores of Lake Huron. I’d planned to use them for Christmas creations, but that hasn’t happened yet. However, you don’t need to have crafts planned to do your own mining. Options abound in Ontario that make for terrific road trip destinations, family excursions, and awesome rock collecting.

Amethyst Mine Panorama

If you plan a summer trip to Thunder Bay, take a small detour to Amethyst Mine Panorama. (In Northern Ontario, 60 km is a small detour.) In Shuniah, by Hunters Lakes, this mine allows for DIY mining. Admission is $10/person, with children ages five and under free. Taking home whatever amethyst you mine costs $4/lb.

No need to bring any tools—Amethyst Mine Panorama will supply you with pails and digging tools. Expect to get dusty and maybe a little muddy (depending on recent weather), so dress accordingly. Close-toed shoes are strongly recommended.

The Big Nickel Mine and Dynamic Earth

I visited the Big Nickel Mine in the 90s as part of a class trip. All I remember is just how far down into the earth we travelled in the elevator. If your memories of The Big Nickel Mine are that old, visit again. In 2003, Science North opened Dynamic Earth, a science centre dedicating to mining and earth sciences. From 2014-2017, Dynamic Earth underwent several more changes and now focuses on inspiring young people to explore careers in those industries.

The Big Nickel Mine tour now includes special effects and multimedia to make the experience more immersive and engaging. Dynamic Earth itself has an outdoor science park. In addition, all staff have science backgrounds. There’s probably hardly a kid’s question they can’t answer.

Rose Quartz Quarry

The Beryl Pit, which includes the Rose Quartz Quarry, is about 2 km north of Quadeville, roughly between Bancroft and Ottawa. Currently owned by Aquarose, you must purchase a permit at Kauffeldt’s Corner Store in Quadeville to mine rocks for personal use. You’ll receive directions to the mine itself when you purchase the permit ($10 at time of writing).

Bancroft Mineral Museum

If you’re going to be in the Bancroft area for rockhounding, you can’t leave without visiting the Bancroft Mineral and Mining Museum, which has a 1,200 sq. ft. showroom dedicated to minerals and gems. Open all year, with extended hours in the summer, the museum is housed in a fully restored train station. You’ll learn about the area’s mining history and mineral collecting and see over 400 local specimens of gems and minerals.

Go Dig or Go Home

Trips to these mines and museums can give kid and adult rock collectors alike a taste of the real world of mining. Tell your kids to bring their rock collections with them so they can compare them to what they find at the mines and museums. You’ll have a blast! (Pun intended.)