One the the stop off places on our Trans-Canadian adventure was the Amethyst Mine Panorama. We stopped here on our way to Thunder Bay.

If you have children (especially those who enjoy digging and exploring and all things shiny), or love of amethyst yourself, this is an absolute must stop off place.

How to find the mine

It is a little way off the main route into Thunder Bay, but I promise it is worth it.

Follow the signs to the mine. It will become quite a rough dirt track that seems never ending, but just keep going. You eventually arrive at the mine, where there is lots of free parking.

Opening hours and admission

The mine is open between May 15th and June 30th, 10am-5pm; July 1st until August 31st, 10am-6pm; and September 1st until October 15th, 10am-5pm.

Make sure you use the bathroom before you head inside as that is the only one. You will see it in the trees over your left shoulder once parked.

Admission is CA$10 per person, under fives go free. Please note that the admission fee does not include your amethyst. This is priced at CA$4 per pound, plus tax.

You can also purchase a number of items made from the amethyst in the gift shop, including: necklaces, earrings, bracelets, pen set and clocks.

About the mine

Amethyst Mine Panorama is a family run business, passed on through generations and run by the owners, who you will see around the attraction.

You will be guided initially and given a ton of fascinating facts and information about the mine. Following this, it’s a self-guided tour at your leisure, where you can dig for amethyst, spend time sorting and cleaning your discoveries and deciding what you would like to purchase to take home.

What to expect

This is an interesting, engaging and fun activity for people of all ages. A unique pick-your-own activity for all the family.

The amethyst is easily available, you don’t especially have to hunt too far for it. The hard part is choosing the bits you want to take home. Pails, digging tools and running water are provided on site to help you.

Our children brought home some gorgeous souvenirs and this was one of their highlights of our trip – look at this happy little face! They love hunting for things, especially ‘treasure’, so this really was an ideal stop off for us.

If you are in the area during the winter months, whilst you won’t be able to visit the mine, you can check out the amethyst at their shop in Thunder Bay. This is open Monday-Friday 10am-5pm.

Exceptional samples of amethyst are taken from the mine to the lapidary workshop located in the Amethyst Gift Centre.

Jewellery, light catchers, clocks, pen sets, bookends, beads and amethyst crystals are just some of the unique items.

Also available at the Amethyst Gift Centre are fine amethyst carvings handcrafted by world renowned craftsmen using specially selected Canadian amethyst from Amethyst Mine Panorama.

We really enjoyed our short time at the mine and would highly recommend it as a family activity.