Categories: Things To Do

Ontario has an amethyst mine that lets you pick-your-own crystals

Photo via @diamond_willow_amethyst_mine on Instagram

Get ready for a special kind of treasure hunt! Fill up a bucket with sparkling stones straight from the source at Diamond Willow Amethyst Mine in Ontario. This unique experience is now open for the season, and it’s a popular experience every year.

Family-run for years

This family-owned amethyst mine dates back to the 1960s when the owner, Gunnard Noyes, started prospecting and mining in the area. Though the mine closed in 2007 for several years, it was reopened by Noyes’ granddaughter in 2015.

Since then, it remains open, welcoming visitors every spring season from mid-May to October.

Pick your own crystals

The amethyst mine is located in northeastern Ontario, just near Thunder Bay. So if you’re looking to embark on a long road trip, this is a great place to start.

Eager to do your own amethyst-hunting? You can head into the Rock Shop on-site, pick up a two-gallon pail and fill it right up. If you only fill a portion of the pail, no worries, it will be prorated.

You can fill it with as many stones as you wish at designated picking areas throughout the mine.

The best part is that you can visit for free! There is no admission fee to enter, and a two-gallon pail is $40.

There are also a ton of gems for sale, which you’ll find on display at the Rock Shop.

There are both garden stones and polished pieces available, which range in price from $5 to $1,000. Prices vary based on quality and rarity, of course.

You can also browse a variety of amethyst jewellery and glittering stones of all kinds.

Diamon Willow Amethyst Mine is now open for the season, so now all you have to do is plan a date and book your next adventure up north.

We see some crystals in your future!