Rock Hounding & Fossil Hunting in Kamloops, British Columbia
Rock Hounding & Fossil Hunting in Kamloops
Rock Hounding in KamloopsAs 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 in Kamloops. Local guides can take visitors to treasured places to dig up some timeless keepsakes.
Here are some recommended areas:
McAbee Fossil Beds | made up of shallow lake sediment over 50 million years ago, the McAbee Fossil Beds are a great spot for fossil hunting and rock hounding. Over 50 different plant varieties have been found as well as countless insect and fish species. The area is accessible from May through October and guided tours are available. * NOTE: it is always best to check with a certified guide before heading out to ensure for your safety and that you are not trespassing on private land.
Savona Caves | the caves are home to native legends and culture pertaining to ancient ceremonial rituals. Hiking to the caves is best done by going up to the eroded summit of a shield volcano called Savona Mountain. The caves are quite shallow and rock hounders will be impressed by the fascinating rock formations that hold agates and green opals. * NOTE: it is always best to check with a certified guide before heading out to ensure for your safety and that you are not trespassing on private land.
Painted Bluffs Provincial Park | on the shores of Kamloops Lake, the 100+ hectare park protects and area of geological significance. History abounds and visitors may see first hand native copper digs, historic mine sites and remnants of the Hudson’s Bay Company Fur Brigade Trail, which crossed the northeast corner of the park en route to Carabine Creek. Get more information on the Western Heritage Trails Map * NOTE: it is always best to check with a certified guide before heading out to ensure for your safety and that you are not trespassing on private land.
Rock Identification in Kamloops
The Kamloops Exploration Group (KEG) holds "Ask A Geologist" sessions at the Kamloops Museum & Archives. It's best to call ahead to find out the dates and times of the sessions where visitors can ask Geologists to identify rocks they've found in the Kamloops area and ask questions.
GeoTour Guide
Fossil Hunting in KamloopsBelow is a link to download a report/map of geologically interesting sites where visitors can see the rich geological history of the Kamloops and area valley from ancient volcanic rocks, glacial debris, fossils and mines.
Free Downloads available at: Kamloops Exploration Group
Receive a copy by mail for $15 by calling: 604-666-0529
Information
FIND YOUR KAMLOOPS ACCOMMODATION
CHECK OUT MORE THINGS TO DO IN KAMLOOPS
CHECK OUT THE LATEST KAMLOOPS EVENTS
Kamloops Visitor Centre: 1-800-662-1994
Kamloops Museum & Archives: 250-828-3576
McAbee Fossil Beds: 250-374-7164 (or 250-453-9587)
Kamloops Geology & Fossil Tours: 250-554-2401 (or 250-574-1059)
Rob the Rock Guy: 250-554-0765 (or 250-574-5293)
Kamloops Coins & Rock Shop: 250-372-1377