Getaways & Day Trips Guide › Getaways: The Great Outdoors

Guided Mineral Expeditions

17 Snow Rd. Unit 1, Chamber of Commerce • View on map »
Bancroft
613-332-1513 • 877-410-1513

Even if you have trouble telling pyrite from apatite, with a little help you can still become a rockhound. Three times a week in July and August, convoys of collectors head to various sites in the Bancroft region, where they dig, scrape, pick and chisel away the afternoon; 80 per cent of all minerals indigenous to Canada can be found here. Led by a geologist, each excursion visits two locations and lasts about five hours. One of the most satisfying sites for both novice and expert is the Bear Lake Diggings near Tory Hill, open from May to Thanksgiving. The highlight of the summer season is the Rockhound Gemboree (held over the four days proceeding the August long weekend), which brings more than 100 dealers from across North America. There’s a trading area, talks by geological experts, mineral identification by a Royal Ontario Museum specialist, and a wading pool where kids can pan for gold. Bring along a garden claw or collecting tools, a large bucket or sample bags, sturdy footwear, insect repellent, lunch and a small paintbrush. Rock hammers are available for rent.

Accommodations:: Grail Springs Health and Wellness Spa; Ironwood Hill B&B (32172 Hwy. 62 N., 613-338-2032); Teddy Bear B&B (26451 Hwy. 62 S., 613-332-4678)
Driving Time:: four hours.
When:: mineral collecting trips July and Aug. (Tu, Th and Sa); Rockhound Gemboree July 31 to Aug. 4.
How Much:: mineral collecting, $10 per person per day, family $25; Gemboree, adults $7, family $21.