THE BANCROFT ANNUAL
ROCKHOUND GEMBOREE
Canada’s Largest Gem and Mineral Show
BANCROFT, ONTARIO
The next Bancroft Rockhound Gemboree will be August 3rd – August 6th, 2023
The largest gem and mineral show in Canada, the Rockhound Gemboree, is held in Bancroft Ontario every year. This event celebrates the art of rockhounding and mineral collecting, and typically includes a variety of activities, such as mineral and gemstone displays, demonstrations, lectures, workshops, and field trips. Bancroft is known as the “Mineral Capital of Canada” and an area with a rich geological history and mining heritage. Every August thousands of people flock to the area, from collectors to rockhounds to geologists and enthusiasts of all ages. There is something for everyone! Varying each year, around 100 +/- dealers from across the globe come to the Gemboree to showcase their gem & mineral specimens, jewelry, crafts, lapidary supplies, talent and treasures. Don’t miss out on the mineral collecting field trips, demonstrations, and workshops. The Rockhound Gemboree caters to both the amateur and serious rock hounder with a nice variety and assortment of attractions that it offers.
The annual Rockhound Gemboree is held at the North Hastings Community Centre (103 Newkirk Blvd) and The Bancroft Curling Club (63 Newkirk Blvd).
Why is Bancroft known as the “Mineral Capital of Canada”? Because of the variety and quality of the mineral species found here. This area lies on part of the Canadian Shield that is estimated to be 1.1 to 1.8 billion years old. Due to the excellent quality of the mineral deposits, in the 1880 there was much mining activity. However, the mineral veins proved to be small, so the size of the mines and quarries in the area remained at a modest size. After a while, the mines and quarries closed, as they could not compete with the larger producers throughout Canada and the United States. Mining activity in the area re-commenced after World War II as the search for uranium was on. Four major uranium mines opened in the area. These were Bicroft, Faraday, Dyno and Greyhawk. These mines were open from approximately the mid 1950’s to the early 1960’s. After this time, they were closed down due to the high cost of mining such small deposits of uranium. Some other mineral species that were mined in this area are corundum, feldspar, nepheline, graphite, talc, quartz, radium, fluorite, gold, iron, lead, barite, apatite, mica, beryl, molybdenum, sodalite and marble. Interestingly, the marble mined here was of such high quality, it was used in the construction of the parliament buildings in Ottawa and Toronto. Also, many types of specimens taken from the Bancroft area can be found in museums and collections all over the world, including the Smithsonian Institute.
For more information, please call (613) 332-3331 ext. 201
Mineral Collecting Field Trips
Lakeside Gems Rock Shop
Join Chris Fouts & Lakeside Gems on a Geologist-led Mineral Collecting Field Trip right in the heart of the Mineral Capital of Canada – the Bancroft area. Ask about our Private Group Trips for individuals, clubs and organizations as well as school groups. Visit their website for more information.
Want more great opportunities to dig for buried treasure with exclusive access to special field- trip destinations? Join the Central Canadian Federation of Mineralogical Societies Club. ccfms.ca
Comments (24)
We have been attending this event for many years. We were distressed to discover that we were unable to bring in our dog – a six-pound Maltese that goes in my bag – two years ago. We did not attend last year because we were not permitted to bring the dog and would not leave him behind or in the car. Otherwise, it means we cannot attend together. What is the policy this year? If no dogs are allowed, we will skip it again
Brenda Case
Try leaving your dog at home or a dog sitter then….
I enjoy attending the rock hound Gemboree every year. There is something for everyone and many unique finds to be had.
Looking forward to this years show.
❤️
Agreed! I want to attend but will also need to bring my 13lbs dog
Yes, that is a pity. Dogs should be allowed everywhere!
Why??? Dogs are lovely companions and a great comfort to many – but… this is not a dog park, dog show, your backyard, etc.
You have to respect the humans as well – some are allergic, some have fears… this show is about a love for rocks, minerals and gems.
We need to be more respectful
Unique and Fantastic event in one of Canada’s most beautiful and rugged areas.
I would love to attend this event this year. Is it suitable for children?
We applied to exhibit at the show 2 years ago but there was a waiting list could you please tell us where we stand on that waiting list we would love to exhibit their this year a company name is Creed Canada are phone number 6133471400 we have just returned from the Tucson
This year aught to be exceptionally exciting considering the Fireball that flew over last July! hope they find some Meterites!
Will it be held this year ?
I have heard many of the annual events during the summer months are cancelled. NO July 1st, No Water Wings and Wheels in light of the unknown with COVID would it be say to assume The Rockhound and Gemboree will be to?
BE IT RESOLVED THAT:Council of the Corporation does hereby remove the Town of Bancroft from the 2020 Farmers’ Market season, with the intention to reinstate Bancroft’s Farmers’ Market for the 2021 season as stipulated in the report.
NO FARMERS MARKETS this summer .
Yes, I am also curious whether there are any news on this year’s Gemboree.
I get it “covid ” big disappointment looking forward to next year. If anyone can share if they know where I can purchase fist size Rose Quartz and fist size Amethysts that would be helpful thanks in advance Denise
You can get them at Oasis Beads in St. Thomas, Ontario
Try Scott’s Rock shop, Custer, South Dakota , I saw 4’ wide layers of rose quartz in rock cuts in area, huge piles at Scotts
Any news on 2021 dates, if any?
Will there be a Gemboree in 2021? I am with Girl Guides of Canada and am interested in bringing a group of young women from the Cornwall area to tour and visit. Thank you.
it was announce in March that it wascancelled http://www.bancroftthisweek.com/?p=11377
Always a great show. It will be great to be able to go this year. Makes a great day trip.
Could you please send me directions on how to get there. I’ll be entering Bancroft on Hwy 28. Its been years since I’ve been there, I used to go every year with my uncle.Thank you
http://www.bancroftrockhoundgemboree.ca/map
From Maynooth direction turn left at the end of the Main Street in Bancroft and then right to the buildings. There should be lots of signs.