(Thunder Bay) Amethyst Mine Panorama was discovered in 1949 when an Ontario Department of Lands & Forest crew was building a forest access road north of Loon Lake. This road was made to bring in the supplies needed to build McTavish Fire Tower and the McTavish Towerman’s cabin. McTavish Tower is visible from the mine site. The Towerman’s cabin is located near the West end of the mine on the shore of Elbow Lake.

The mine produces 40% useable amethyst by volume. A large digging area, open to the public, contains 20% useable amethyst and is the main source of “pick your own” amethysts.
Large amounts of amethyst are mined each year to replenish the digging area, provide landscape and garden stone and to supply the Amethyst Gift Centre, located in Thunder Bay. Amethyst Mine Panorama has 60-70 years of reserves and will be providing amethyst for years to come. The exceptional variety of amethyst crystals makes Amethyst Mine Panorama well worth visiting

Complete History of Mine
Self-Guided and Guided Tours & Other Links

Amethyst Mine Panorama commissioned a series of interpretative panels that highlight the history, geology and mineralogy of Amethyst Mine Panorama. A series of 6 interpretative panels are located within the Welcome Centre. Amethyst exhibit stones, with accompanying signs / descriptions are located outside of the Welcome Centre. Visitors are encouraged to read the interpretative panels and signs and view the amethyst stones at their leisure. Guided walking tours take place on an as-needed basis. The guided tour time and length vary.

Location

Amethyst Mine Panorama is located approximately 45 minutes northeast of the City of Thunder Bay.
Follow Highway 11-17 and turn North onto East Loon Road. Then follow the signs. Enter 500 Bass Lake Rd. (Visit this link to see the route on a map.)

Links To Photography

Content the property of Amethyst Mine Panorama & Linked Resources. Photography the property of Amethyst Mine Panorama

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