Where Can I Go Rockhounding in Bancroft Ontario

Bancroft, Ontario is known for its rich history of mining and prospecting, and there are many places in the area where you can go rockhounding. Some of the best places in Bancroft and the surrounding area include:

The Bancroft Mineral Museum: The museum is a great place to learn about the geology of the Bancroft area and to see a wide variety of rocks, minerals, and fossils from the region.  They have an excellent and informative display.

Princess Sodalite Mine Rock Shop: The Princess Sodalite Mine Rock Shop offers Local and Worldwide Mineral and Fossil Specimens and Rock Farm Collecting.  So you can either hunt for treasures in the rock farm, or buy them in the shop.

The Miners Loop: this is a self guided tour consisting of 4 sites that teaches it’s visitors about rocks and minerals in the area, and also area mining. It is put on by the Marmora Tourism Centre.  Each site offers something different, all very interesting.  You need a car for this tour as you’ll have to drive to each different site.

The Beryl Pit: The site is made up of two mines, Quadeville East Mine (Beryl Pit) and the Quadeville West Mine (Rose Quartz Quarry).  The Beryl Pit is located approx 2.1 km north of Quadeville and there is a fee for collecting. You can purchase mineral collecting permits at Kauffeldt’s Corner Store, where they will also give you directions to the mine.

Bonnechere Museum and Geoheritage Trail: The Bonnechere Museum offers a local trail for recreational geology and exploration. Bonnechere Museum’s Geoheritage Trail is located on John Street in Eganville down the street from the Eganville Leader. The trail offers a selection of rocks and fossils as well as showcases a historical limestone quarry, now a beautiful pond, and the connecting trench.

There are many abandoned mines in the Bancroft area, which offer a great opportunity to find a variety of rocks, minerals, and fossils. You can even find neat specimens in the rock cuts along the roads.  However, it is important to be cautious when exploring abandoned mines or rock cuts as they can be dangerous.  And please make sure not to trespass on any private property.

Bancroft is a great place to go rock-hounding, with a rich history of mining and prospecting and a wide variety of places to explore.