Bancroft’s Rockhound Gemboree

THE BANCROFT ANNUAL

ROCKHOUND GEMBOREE

Canada’s Largest Gem and Mineral Show

BANCROFT, ONTARIO

The next Bancroft Rockhound Gemboree will be held on:

Thursday, August 3rd – Sunday, August 6th, 2023.
Thursday – Saturday – 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Sunday – 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Early Bird Admission Saturday & Sunday at the Curling Club Venue
Starting at 9:30 am.

 

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).

Bancroft Rockhound Gemboree

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.

Rockhound Gemboree

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

EXPLORE FURTHER…

Comments (25)

  • Brenda Case Reply

    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

    June 26, 2017 at 2:13 pm
    • Jen Reply

      Try leaving your dog at home or a dog sitter then….

      May 30, 2018 at 10:45 am
  • Julie morgan Reply

    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.

    ❤️

    July 20, 2017 at 6:07 am
  • Jane Reply

    Agreed! I want to attend but will also need to bring my 13lbs dog

    August 4, 2017 at 10:04 pm
  • Martin Smith Reply

    Yes, that is a pity. Dogs should be allowed everywhere!

    December 4, 2018 at 11:53 am
    • Wendy Reply

      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

      January 29, 2020 at 10:15 pm
      • Christine Reid Reply

        Exactly! I’m allergic and so is my daughter. Also, a lot of people don’t pick up after their pets! Gross.

        July 21, 2023 at 11:39 am
  • Jordan L. Bergereau Reply

    Unique and Fantastic event in one of Canada’s most beautiful and rugged areas.

    April 1, 2019 at 9:45 am
  • Charlotte Reply

    I would love to attend this event this year. Is it suitable for children?

    February 4, 2020 at 8:58 am
    • Creed Canads Reply

      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

      February 14, 2020 at 8:26 am
  • cheryl Reply

    This year aught to be exceptionally exciting considering the Fireball that flew over last July! hope they find some Meterites!

    February 29, 2020 at 4:03 pm
  • Christina Reply

    Will it be held this year ?

    April 16, 2020 at 2:33 am
    • Karen Forhan Reply

      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?

      April 24, 2020 at 2:01 pm
      • KarenForhan Reply

        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 .

        April 28, 2020 at 8:00 am
  • Kim Reply

    Yes, I am also curious whether there are any news on this year’s Gemboree.

    June 24, 2020 at 4:47 pm
  • Denise Reinhardt Reply

    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

    July 28, 2020 at 7:28 am
    • Lynn Bisschop Reply

      You can get them at Oasis Beads in St. Thomas, Ontario

      August 6, 2020 at 8:20 am
    • Dan Hume Reply

      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

      August 8, 2021 at 10:31 am
  • Lauran Reply

    Any news on 2021 dates, if any?

    June 15, 2021 at 7:52 am
    • Christine Chevalier Reply

      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.

      September 9, 2021 at 6:31 pm
  • Elisha Reply

    it was announce in March that it wascancelled http://www.bancroftthisweek.com/?p=11377

    September 15, 2021 at 10:23 am
  • Elaine Barker Reply

    Always a great show. It will be great to be able to go this year. Makes a great day trip.

    June 12, 2022 at 11:50 am
  • Randy Reply

    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

    June 27, 2022 at 10:04 am

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