Rockhounding & Fossil Hunting in Kamloops
Gold panning
As a city once covered by water, Kamloops is rich in minerals, fossils, and precious stones left behind as the waters receded through geographical changes. Search for fossils, gold, opals, agates, zeolites, geodes and many other precious gemstones right here in Kamloops! Let a local knowledgeable and qualified guides take you to treasured places where you can dig to your hearts content.
Finishing and polishing
After you find your prize, why not have it polished and created into a ring, necklace, or simply left in its original form to take home with you as a souvenir of your digging expedition in Kamloops. There are skilled shops here in Kamloops with geological professionals to help you interpret the artifact you found and help you get it ready for you to take home.
· Kamloops Coins & Rock Shop PH# 250-372-1377
Geo Tour Guide
For Kamloops, British Columbia
Our Land, Our Community
Free Downloads available at: Kamloops Exploration Group or the City of Kamloops homepage.
Receive a copy by mail for $15 by calling 1-604-666-0529
Recommended Areas for Rockhounding and Fossil Hunting in Kamloops
- Minerals
Datolite, Geode, Calcite, Ferrierite, Agate: Monte Lake – Follow Hwy 97 South until you come to the Lake, the area for rockhounding can be found on the left hand side of the highway at the far end of the lake (park on the right). **Anyone wishing to rock-hound in Monte Lake must obtain permission from Nick Leontowick (376-4912)
Agate: Duck Range Road - off Hwy 97 South just before Monte Lake. You can turn right or left off the highway onto the gravel road.
Chabazite Crystals: Twig Creek Road - at the north end of Monte Lake, turn right off Hwy 97 south. **Anyone wishing to rock-hound in Monte Lake must obtain permission from Nick Leontowick (376-4912)
Gold, Agate: Tranquille Creek - follow Ord Road, turn left on dirt road just past the gravel pit. Follow trail along Tranquille River for 1 mile. Gold panning supplies available for purchase or rent at Kamloops Coin & Rock Shop (see below).
Agate, Geode: Robins Range Road – Exit off Hwy 1East onto Barnhartvale Road and follow the road approximately 10-15 minutes until you come to Robins Range Road on the right. Exit here and follow along the road, looking for a safe place to park and explore.
Quartz Crystals, Pyrite: McGillivray Lake - 24 km from Pritchard bridge off Hwy 1 East, or continue past Sun Peaks Resort on the main road until you come to the lake.
Agate, Petrified Wood, Opal: Deadman River - follow Hwy 1 west past Savona and turn right on Deadman Creek Road, the road turns to gravel and continues up the valley for many kilometers. You will also see the famous Hoodoos, unique and colourful rock formations.
Amethyst Crystals, Agate: Scottie Creek Road – Turn right off Hwy 97, just north of Cache Creek.
- Fossils
Crenoide: Pinantan Lake - follow Paul Lake Road off Hwy 5 north to Pinantan Lake
Amber: Hat Creek - North of Cache Creek at the junction of Hwy 99 and Hwy 97
Fossils, Rhodonite: Little Fort at the junction of Hwy 5 North and Hwy 24
Information
Visitor Centre - 1-800-662-1994
Kamloops Coins & Rock Shop - 250-372-1377
Rob the Rock Guy - 250-554-0765 (or 250-574-5293)
Kamloops Geology & Fossil Tours - 250-554-2401 (or 250-574-1059)
McAbee Fossil Beds - 250-374-7164 (or 250-453-9587)