Family Excursion Destinations - in & around
the GTA, Southern Ontario
| Things families & kids who love rocks & minerals can do.
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Atention Pebble Pups & Rockhounds!
There are a number of places & events that are
great for kids & families who love rocks accessible to those who live in
Southern Ontario.
We will be adding information to this page as we get it. Check back
frequently.
If you would like to be listed here,
drop us a line.
Please note - the dates might be one year
behind because we haven't updated them, however most clubs hold their shows at
the same time each year. Use the calendar below as a guideline & check for
detailed information at the web sites of the places putting on shows. |
This list is not a complete list of all the shows that exist but they are
ones we are aware of and make for easy day or weekend trips. Make sure you
contact the web site of the hosting organization before you make your trip so
that you are sure the information is accurate & current. Some of these shows are
free and others charge admission. Since it takes a lot of time to update this
page, you will see dates from previous years. Just know that most shows
happen at t eh same time of year & check out their web pages for current
information. Be sure to Google the show & confirm the exact
dates and the location for the year you are looking for. This is meant as a planning
guide & launch site only. Enjoy!January
February
- Cedar Ridge Gallery Contemporary Art
Exhibits 2013 ~ February 24 to March 8, 2013
~ Scarborough Although this is not a rock show, we have
been informed that 2 of the artists, Jogi Makhani & Angela Houpt
work in stone. Since it is always interesting to see artists & their
work, we have included this event here. It is also local!
http://www.toronto.ca/culture/cedar_ridge/gallery.htm
March
- Peterborough Gem, Mineral & Fossil Show ~
March 2 & 3, 2013 ~ The Evinrude Centre, 911
Monaghan Rd., Peterborough, ON Put on by the Kawartha Rock & Fossil Club
http://www.kawartharockandfossilclub.com/
- The Gem Expo ~ March 15 - 17, 2013 ~
Hyatt Regency Toronto on King, 370 King Street West, Toronto
Independent Jewellery vendors and Jewellery makers, Precious and
Semi-Precious stones from around the world, Beads, Beading supplies & tools,
Gem Stones, Minerals, Silver Jewellery and Findings, Lamp work artists.
Learn about minerals from on site Lapidary, take a class on Jewellery making
or watch some live demonstrations.
www.thegemexpo.com
- Brantford Lapidary & Mineral Society Show ~
April 6 & 7, 2013 ~ Paris Fairground. 139 Silver Street, Paris, ON
April
- Rochester Mineralogical Symposium ~ April
18 - 21, 2013 ~ This is for more serious
rockhounds, not for beginning hobbyists. If that describes you, read up on the
activities offered at http://www.rasny.org/mainframe.htm
- Montreal Gem, Mineral &
Fossil Show ~ April 19 - 21, 2013 ~
Center Pierre-Charbonneau 3000 Viau St. (Viau Metro) Montreal, Quebec
http://www.salonminerauxmtl.com/ang/index_en.html
- Toronto Gem & Mineral Show & Sale ~
April 26, 27,28 2013 ~ Don Mills Civitan Arena, 1030
Don Mills Rd., North York, ON This is a show where beads & minerals can be
bought. There are many dealers present. It is not sponsored by a local club. A
number of rock clubs do have tables at the show in order to showcase their
hobby. www.TorontoGemShow.com
May
- Robert Hall Originals - Spring Open House &
Demonstration Weekend
http://www.roberthalloriginals.com/
- KW Gem & Mineral Club Show ~ May 4, 2013
~ 25 Regina Street South in uptown Waterloo
June
- Niagara Penninsula Gem & Mineral Show ~
June
18, 2011 ~ Beamsville High School, 4317 Central
Avenue, Beamsville
July
- Prince Edward County Rock, Gem & Mineral Club ~
July 14, 2013 ~ Located on the
Prince Edward County Fairgrounds in the Crystal Palace, 345 Main Street,
Picton ON
- Sudbury Gem & Mineral Show ~ July 19
- 21, 2013 ~ Carmichael Arena, 1298 Bancroft Drive,
Sudbury
- Bancroft Gem & Mineral Club Show ~ July 28,
2013 ~ Bancroft Legion Hall, Station Street,
Bancroft
- The Gem Expo ~ July 26 - 28, 2013 ~
Hyatt Regency Toronto on King, 370 King Street West, Toronto
Independent Jewellery vendors and Jewellery makers, Precious and
Semi-Precious stones from around the world, Beads, Beading supplies & tools,
Gem Stones, Minerals, Silver Jewellery and Findings, Lamp work artists.
Learn about minerals from on site Lapidary, take a class on Jewellery making
or watch some live demonstrations.
www.thegemexpo.com
August
- Bancroft Rockhound Gemboree ~ August 1 -
4, 2014 ~ Bancroft - sponsored by The Chamber of
Commerce
- Robert Hall Originals ~ August 17,
2013
~ 138 Sugar Maple Rd, St. George, Ontario N0E 1N0 This family run shop can be found
at a booth at many local rock & gem shows. They also have
Ontario’s largest rock shop, pewter studio, and bead store with
over 2500 sq feet of showroom and many tons of rough rock for
the collector. Check them out online at
http://www.roberthalloriginals.com/ Plan a family
visit on their Rockhound Family Day in August.
September
October
-
Kingston Lapidary & Mineral Club Show - Gem Storm ~
October 19 & 20, 2013 ~ Portsmouth Olympic
Harbour, 52 Yonge St., Kingston
-
Detroit
Gem, Mineral, Fossil & Jewelry Show ~ October 14, 15, & 16,
2011
~ Announcing the 67th
annual Detroit Show in
Warren, MI at the
Macomb Community College-South
Campus inside the Sports & Expo Center (SW corner of 12 Mile & Hayes
Rd.) Billed as the "Midwest's largest show under one roof" with over 50 dealers
selling minerals, fossils, gems, gemstone jewelry, carvings, equipment, and
more. Fabulous museum and university displays, large animal skeletons,
lectures, demonstrations, silent auctions, kids' activities, and MORE! A
list of vendors/ dealers appearing can be found at
www.michmin.org/show.
- University of Waterloo Gem & Mineral Show &
Science Open House ~
October 28 & 29, 2011 ~ University of Waterloo
Campus, CEIT Building, Waterloo
http://science.uwaterloo.ca/events/2011-science-open-house
- Walker Mineralogical Club Annual Auction ~
October 26, 2013 ~ Knox United Church,
Scarborough
http://www.ccfms.ca/clubs/Walker/public/annualauction.html
November
- London Gem & Mineral Show ~ November
16 & 17, 2013 ~ Western Fairgrounds (Special Events
Building), London
http://www.gemandmineral.ca/
- The Gem Expo ~ November 22 - 24, 2013 ~
Hyatt Regency Toronto on King, 370 King Street West, Toronto
Independent Jewellery vendors and Jewellery makers, Precious and
Semi-Precious stones from around the world, Beads, Beading supplies & tools,
Gem Stones, Minerals, Silver Jewellery and Findings, Lamp work artists.
Learn about minerals from on site Lapidary, take a class on Jewellery making
or watch some live demonstrations.
www.thegemexpo.com
December
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Museums that have
rock, mineral & fossil related displays
- Arkona Lions Museum & Information Centre
Rock Glen Conservation Area, Arkona This museum has a fossil
display from the area with Devonian Era fossils datin back 350 million years.
http://www.lambtononline.com/arkona_lions
- Ball's Falls Conservation Area Jordan, ON
The Conservation Centre is hosting a travelling exhibit From Crystals to
Gems from the National Museum of Nature at their site from May 5, 2012 to
September 3, 2012 www.ballsfalls.ca
- Bancroft Gem & Mineral Club Museum (Mineral Capital Museum)
Bancroft, ON 32 Station Street Bancroft
http://www.bancroft.worldweb.com/SightsAttractions/Museums/
- Bruce Mines Museum Bruce Mines, ON (east
of Sault Ste. Marie) Copper mining museum
http://www.brucemines.ca/museum.html, self guided walking tour,
Tour the Simpson Mine Shaft
http://www.brucemines.ca/mine%20shaft.html
- Cobalt Northern Ontario Mining Museum
Cobalt, ON Silver
mining history
http://www.cobalt.ca/index.php/historic-cobalt/mining-museum
- Miller Museum of Geology and Mineralogy
Kingston, ON Museum at Queen's University
http://geol.queensu.ca/museum/
- Nuclear and Mining Museum Elliot lake, ON
Uranium mining
http://www.elliotlake.com/nuclearmuseum/
- Oil Museum of Canada Oil Springs, Lambton
County A museum about the role of the petroleum business
in Southern Ontario
http://www.lclmg.org/lclmg/Museums/OilMuseumofCanada/tabid/114/Default.aspx
- Petrolia Discovery Petrolia, ON
A Canadian heritage public oil field.
http://www.petroliadiscovery.com/
- Royal Ontario Museum Toronto, ON
Teck Suite of Galleries:
Earth's Treasures http://www.rom.on.ca/
- Rock, Gem, Mineral, Fossil and Meteorite
Identification Clinics are FREE and happen every few
months. Bring in your rocks, minerals, gems,
fossils, or suspected meteorites and have them identified by ROM experts at
special ID clinics. Wednesdays 4 pm to 5:30 pm @ President's Choice Entrance
on Queen's Park, doors nearest Museum subway stop. Dates for 2012 are:
January 18, March 21, May 16, July 18, September 19 & November 21, 2012.
- Stones 'N Bones Museum Sarnia, ON
A private Nature museum including fossils, minerals and a gift shop.
http://www.stonesnbones.ca/
- Wallaceburg & District Museum
Wallaceburg, ON This museum showcases the historical importance of
the Brass & Glass industries in days gone by.
http://www.kent.net/wallaceburg-museum/
Virtual Museums
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Seeing rocks in nature is probably the best
way to get hooked on how cool they really are!
- Ball's Falls Conservation Area Jordan, ON
This is a beautiful part of southern Ontario where rock formations are
evident at the falls. Many interesting things to do in the area as well.
www.ballsfalls.ca
- Bon Echo Provincial Park Bon Echo, ON
This provincial park north of Napanee is
known for the Mazinaw Rock cliff on Mazinaw Lake. It features over 250
native pictographs.
http://www.ontarioparks.com/english/bone.html
- Bonnechere Caves Eganville, ON
Caves that have stalactites & fossils in limestone caves. The
area is known as the ordivician Fossil Capital of Canada.
http://www.bonnecherecaves.com/
- Don Valley Brickworks Quarry Toronto, ON
This site is now run by the Evergreen Foundation and is very
family-friendly.
http://ebw.evergreen.ca/files/EBW-Geology-Tour.pdf
For a write up of the geology you will see on the North Wall, check out
http://www.lostrivers.ca/points/BrickworksNorthwall.htm
- Greenmantle Farm - Mineral Occurence Wilberforce, ON
Mineral Eco Tours
This location provides guided tours and allows you to see rocks but not collect them.
http://www.mineraltours.net/ The
owners will however direct you to local collecting spots where collecting is
permitted. If you are interested in Geo-caching - they may be of help as
well.
- Haliburton Highlands Recreational Geology
Haliburton, ON Day trips in the
Haliburton Region.
http://ontarioshighlands.ca/day-trips/get-down-to-earth-in-haliburton/
- Killbear Provincial Park Parry Sound, ON
Gorgeous outcrops of rocks surround the Georgian Bay Peninsula. The rocks
here have inspired artists & rockhounds with their layered, flowing beauty.
http://www.ontarioparks.com/english/killb.html
- Marmoraton Iron Mine Marmora, ON
This abandoned iron mine is an open pit mine that was in operation from
1955 to 1979. A lookout provides visitors with a view of the water filled
pit. Although the mine itself is off limits, much of the dark gravel in the
area contains magnetite so take your magnet with you.
- Ontario's Highlands Comfort County, Haliburton
Highlands, Land O'Lakes, North Hastings, Ottawa Valley South, Upper Ottawa
Valley Recreational Geology
http://ontarioshighlands.ca/things-to-do/geology/?gclid=CJ6LyeD92rICFYs7MgodJHwAgQ
- Peter Russell Rock Garden - University of Waterloo,
Waterloo ON
https://uwaterloo.ca/peter-russell-rock-garden/sites/ca.peter-russell-rock-garden/files/uploads/files/Peter%20Russell%20Rock%20Garden%20Tour.pdf
This is a publicly accessible "Rock Garden" which was created to commemorate
the founding of the University of Waterloo. It has spectacularly large
specimens of rocks that are familiar to anyone who has done extensive
rockhounding in Ontario.
- Recreational Geology in Ontario
http://ontarioshighlands.ca/things-to-do/geology/?gclid=CMXg06yf_bACFUYCQAodgXD5FA
- Timmins Underground Gold Mine Tour (Hollinger Mine)
Timmins, ON Underground Gold Mine tour,
panning for gold, mine site exploration
http://www.timminsgoldminetour.com/about.php
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Places you can go with your
kids & collect rocks & minerals for a fee.
- Amethyst Mine Panorama Thunder Bay, ON
Fee collecting location - collect your own amethyst, Guided &
self-guided tours.
http://amethystmine.com/
- Aqua Rose Gems & Minerals
Combermere, ON Collect gems & minerals in The Beryl Pit.
Collecting Permits may be bought at Kauffeldt's Store in
Quadeville.
- Bear Lake Occurrence etc - Haliburton Rocks! (Haliburton - Yours
Outdoors Experience Packages) Gooderham, Haliburton
ON Geologist guided tour & collecting at Bear Lake Occurence &
other sites.
http://www.yoursoutdoors.ca/packageinfo.php?id=16
- Bonnechere Museum Fossil Hunts
Eganville, ON Four times during the summer, the Bonnechere
Museum hosts a local fossil hunt.
http://www.bonnecherecaves.com/index.php?p=special_events&id=1695
- Haliburton Rocks! The Celebrity Adventure
Haliburton, ON
http://www.yoursoutdoors.ca/packageinfo.php?id=50
- Lanark Geo Tours Perth, ON Tours given in the Perth Area and arranged by local individual ED. Suitable
for families with children under 16. Reasonable daily rates. Check out FB
page for activities.
https://www.facebook.com/LanarkGeoTours
- Michael J Bainbridge Photography Minden
This photography studio will photograph your mineral collection &
guide you to local collecting sites.
http://www.theoccurrence.ca/Bainbridge%20Photo.pdf
- Mineral Eco Tours - Greenmantle Farm Mineral Occurence
Wilberforce, ON
http://www.mineraltours.net/index.htm
- Princess Sodalite Mine Rock Shop
Bancroft, ON This is a rock shop as well
as a a place that allows "rock farm collecting".
http://www.princesssodalitemine.ca/
- Timmins Underground Gold Mine Tour (Hollinger Mine)
Timmins, ON Underground Gold Mine tour,
panning for gold, mine site exploration
http://www.timminsgoldminetour.com/about.php
ONTARIO Fee Collecting Sites ~
Source: Natural Resources Canada
http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/earth-sciences/products-services/publications/bookstore/8496#on
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Balderson
- Keays
Quarry (S)
Peristerite
Mr. D. Lloyd Foster
R.R. #1
Balderson, ON K0G 1A0
Tel.:
(613) 267-3629
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Bancroft
- Bear
Lake Diggings (E)
Titanite, hornblende, apatite
Bancroft and District Chamber of
Commerce
P.O. Box 539
Bancroft, ON K0L 1C0
Tel.:
(613) 332-1513
Fax: (613) 332-2119
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Princess Mine (S)
Sodalite
Princess Sodalite Mine
R.R. #4, Highway 28 E.
Bancroft, ON K0L 1C0
Tel.:
(613) 332-8274
- Silver
Crater Mine (E)
Betafite
Mr. D. Kerr
Monck Road, R.R. #3
Bancroft, ON K0L 1C0
- Coe
Hill Gold
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Eganville
- Berger Occurrence (S)
Amazonite
Mrs. Barbara Berger
R.R. #6
Eganville, ON K0J 1T0
Tel.:
(613) 628-5702
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Highland Grove
- Drury Occurrence (E)
Titanite, apatite
Mr. Harold Drury
Highland Grove, ON K0L 2A0
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Kakabeka Falls
- Blueberry Amethyst Inc. (S)
Amethyst
John & Terry Hakala
Kakabeka Falls, ON P0T 1W0
Tel.:
(807) 627-2595
- Pass
Lake
- DanBill
Amethyst Mines
Amééthyste
Bill Richardson/Dan Arsenault
Pass Lake, ON P0T 2M0
Tel.:
(807) 628-6854
(807) 629-4074
- Blue
Points Amethyst Mine (S)
Améthyste
a/s Lyndon Swanson
#5 Road N.
Pearl, ON P0T 2M0
Tel.: (218) 226-3147
- Diamond
Willow Amethyst Mine (S)
Amethyst
Mr. Doug Noyes
#5 Road N.
Pearl, ON POT 2M0
Tel.:
(807) 977-2782
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Quadeville
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AquaRose Beryl Pit (E)
Beryl and many other pegmatite
minerals
Register at: Kauffeldt's General
Store, from 8:30AM Mon-Sat, 10AM Sun
Quadeville, ON K0J 2G0
Contact: Renee & Dave Paterson
Tel:
(613)-756-1361
Email:
berylpit@nexicom.net
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AquaRose Rose Quartz Quarry
(E) (S)
Rose Quartz
By prior appointment only
Contact: Renee & Dave Paterson
Tel:
(613)-756-1361
Email:
aquarose@nexicom.net
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Thunder Bay
- Ontario
Gem Company Amethyst Mine
(S)
Amethyst
Mr. Peter Marino
P.O. Box 2120
Thunder Bay, ON P7B 5E7
- Thunder
Bay Agate Mine (S)
Agate
Dennis Seargeant & Neil Maunula
R.R. #17, Highway 527
Thunder Bay, ON P7B 6B3
Tel.:
(807) 683-3595
Web site:
http://www.agatemine.com/
- Thunder
Bay Amethyst Mine Panorama
(E,S)
Amethyst
Precious Purple Gemstones Ltd.
400 E. Victoria Avenue
Thunder Bay, ON P7C 1A5
Tel.:
(807) 622-6908
Web site:
http://amethystmine.com/
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Sometimes it is nice to know what other clubs are active within driving & or
collecting range.
It is possible to make contacts with other club members and get to know other
collecting locations better.
Many of these clubs have annual auctions, shows and field trips that you might
be interested in attending.
Many rockhounds belong to multiple clubs in order to keep informed and meet new
friends.
The annual membership fees are very reasonable.Most of these clubs
are oriented towards adults and often the meetings are too late for
young kids. However the clubs welcome young families and often will
offer activities for young people if there is interest from their
members.
- Bancroft Gem & Mineral Club
- Barrie Gem & Mineralogical Society
- Brampton Rock & Mineral Club
(GTA)
- Brantford Lapidary & Mineral Society
- Kawartha Rock & Fossil Club - Peterborough
- Kitchener-Waterloo Gem & Mineral Club - Waterloo
- Kingston Lapidary & Mineral Club
- London Gem & Mineral Society
- Niagara Peninsula Geological Society - St. Catherines
- Nipissing Lapidary & Mineral Club - North Bay
- North York Faceting Guild
(GTA)
- Ottawa Lapsmith & Mineral Club
- Oxford County Geological Society - Woodstock
- Prince Edward County Rock, Gem & Mineral Club
- Sarnia Rock & Fossil Club
- Scarborough - Gem & Mineral Club of Scarborough
(GTA)
- Sudbury Rock & Lapidary Society
- Toronto - The Walker Mineralogical Club
(GTA)
- Willowdale Gem & Mineral Club
(GTA)
- Toronto - YTMC ~ Young Toronto Mineralogists Club - for kids 9 to 15
(GTA) This is the best club for really keen kids.
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| The Internet is a great way for people to meet other people who have
similar interests. There are several really great web sites whose focus
is on Ontario and
Canadian Rockhounds. Through these
web sites, your family can meet other families that like rocks and
perhaps they can give you tips about where to go and what to do.
CanadianRockHound.com
http://canadianrockhound.com/ This web site helps
rockhounds connect with each other by having a members section where
people can post about their rockhounding experiences. Members also share
their photos of rocks that they have collected.
Mindat
http://www.mindat.org/ This
web site is excellent. Find local collecting places by using the
database.
OntarioMinerals.com
http://ontariominerals.com/
Rockwatching: Caves,
Minerals & Gems http://rockwatching.wordpress.com/
A Blog on Rockhounding & Travel
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Lapidary Classes
| Haliburton School of the Arts
www.hsta.ca
Georgian College, Barrie
Scarborough Gem & Mineral Club Workshops
contact us
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