
Diamond Willow Amethyst Mine
Dig for your own amethyst crystals at this unique open-pit mine in Thunder Bay, Ontario. A hands-on adventure for all ages!

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds

Diamond Willow Amethyst Mine
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Dig for your own amethyst crystals at this unique open-pit mine in Thunder Bay, Ontario. A hands-on adventure for all ages!
"This was a highlight of a very fun birthday trip in Canada...truly remarkable and so hands-on and fun!"

Wear Long Sleeves
Protect your arms when using hammers for digging.
Rent Extra Gear
Enhance your mining experience with rented equipment.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Amethyst Digging
Open pit mine
Unearth your own amethyst crystals! A truly unique and hands-on adventure for all ages.

Wash Station
On-site
Clean your freshly dug amethyst treasures and admire your finds.

Gift Shop Finds
On-site
Browse a selection of pre-mined amethyst, jewelry, and refreshments.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Dig Your Own Amethyst Treasures
Getting to the Mine
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Long Sleeves
Protect your arms when using hammers for digging.
Rent Extra Gear
Enhance your mining experience with rented equipment.
Embrace the Gravel Road
The final stretch is unpaved but manageable for most vehicles.
Pay for Your Finds
Admission is free; you only pay for the amethyst you choose to keep.
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Long Sleeves
Protect your arms when using hammers for digging.
Rent Extra Gear
Enhance your mining experience with rented equipment.
Embrace the Gravel Road
The final stretch is unpaved but manageable for most vehicles.
Pay for Your Finds
Admission is free; you only pay for the amethyst you choose to keep.
Family Fun Guaranteed
Kids love it – it's like a real-life Minecraft adventure!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Diamond Willow Amethyst Mine for its hands-on, family-friendly experience and great value. The ability to dig for your own amethyst and only pay for what you keep is a major highlight. Staff are often noted as friendly and knowledgeable, enhancing the overall visit. While the final road is unpaved, it's generally manageable and doesn't detract from the positive experiences.
"Free admission and you only pay for what you take home! We had a great time digging even though we only had about an hour and found some AWESOME pieces. Owners were super nice and shared a lot of history/information with us! You can rent additional equipment if you really want to get into the mining aspect. Gift shop also has a great selection of lovely items. We would definitely come here again!"
Emily B
"This was a highlight of a very fun birthday trip in Canada… we (my friends and I) LOVE looking at cool rocks, gems and all things interesting. Needless to say, this was truly remarkable and so hands-on and fun! One of my favorite activities, getting a pail full of rocks… checking this off my bucket list for sure!
If you’re speeding through, you find gems. If you’re taking time, you find gems… if you borrow a hammer, you’ll find gems!
It’s easy and family friendly and worth the trip! We went to the Sleeping Giant after, and it was a great way to end our adventures! Thank you for telling us the history of the (now third generation) shop! We’ll be back ❤️"
Casey Cakes
"I didn't see it mentioned anywhere else but thought it might be important to note that the last ~2.6km is unpaved, gravel, sometimes bumpy; we didn't have any issues getting here though.
The owner is very nice and we had a great time. The value for the bucket and finding your own Amethyst is great as well. You get to go find your own rocks, break them if you want, clean them, then choose the ones you want to keep!
There is also plenty of pre-mined and pre-cleaned Amethyst for you to buy as well. Theres also jewelry and some refreshments there. Great place, highly recommend visiting."
Glenn Splendid
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Public transport options are very limited. Uber/Lyft may not be readily available for the ~60km trip. It's best to arrange a private car service or consider a guided tour if available.
The last approximately 2.6 kilometers are unpaved gravel and can be bumpy. However, most standard vehicles can navigate it without issue.
While the road is unpaved, it's generally manageable for most cars. Larger RVs or vehicles with very low clearance might find it more challenging.
Taxis might be an option, but it's advisable to pre-book and confirm their willingness to travel the unpaved section. Ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft are less reliable for this route.
The mine is located north of Thunder Bay. It's recommended to use GPS and follow signs for the mine once you are in the general vicinity. The final approach is on a gravel road.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, admission to the mine itself is free! You only pay for the amethyst you choose to dig up and take home.
The cost is based on the weight or size of the amethyst you find and decide to keep. This pay-as-you-go model makes it very accessible.
Generally, advance booking is not required for individuals or small groups. It's a walk-in experience, but it's always a good idea to check their official website or social media for any seasonal changes or special events.
Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check their official website or social media pages for the most up-to-date information, especially during the spring, summer, and fall months.
Yes, the mine has a gift shop where you can purchase pre-mined and cleaned amethyst specimens, as well as jewelry and other related items.
🎫 💎 Onsite Experience
Comfortable, sturdy shoes are a must as you'll be walking on uneven terrain. Long sleeves are highly recommended, especially if you plan to use hammers for digging, to protect your arms.
Basic digging tools like small shovels and hammers are often provided or can be rented on-site. You can bring your own if you prefer.
Absolutely! Kids find it incredibly fun, comparing it to a real-life Minecraft experience. It's a hands-on activity that engages them for hours.
Most visitors spend at least 1-2 hours, especially if they are actively digging. You can spend longer if you wish to explore different areas or browse the gift shop.
After digging, you can clean your finds at the wash station and then choose which pieces you want to purchase. Many visitors take them home as unique souvenirs.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The mine typically offers some refreshments for sale, such as drinks and snacks. For a full meal, it's best to plan for dining in Thunder Bay before or after your visit.
Bringing your own water and snacks is generally a good idea, especially if you plan to spend a significant amount of time digging. Check with the mine staff if you have specific questions about outside food.
Refreshments usually include bottled water, juices, and possibly some light snacks. It's not a full-service restaurant, but enough to keep you going.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed and encouraged! Capture your digging adventures and beautiful amethyst finds.
The open pit mine itself offers dramatic landscapes. Don't forget to photograph your unearthed treasures, the wash station, and the surrounding natural beauty.
Drone usage policies can vary. It's always best to check with the mine management beforehand to ensure you comply with any regulations.
While generally permitted, be mindful of other visitors and avoid intrusive photography. Respect any areas that might be marked as off-limits.
Visitors often share photos of their amethyst finds, the digging process, family fun, and the scenic landscape of the mine.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to dress kids in comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes. Long sleeves are a good idea for protection while they're enthusiastically digging. The wash station provides a fun way for them to clean their finds, and choosing which pieces to keep is an exciting part of the process.
💎 Rock & Crystal Enthusiasts
Beyond the digging, the gift shop often features a selection of curated mineral specimens, providing a chance to acquire rare or particularly beautiful pieces. The knowledgeable staff can also offer insights into the geology of the area.
🚗 Road Trippers
Be prepared for the unpaved road leading to the mine, but most vehicles can handle it. It's a chance to stretch your legs, get your hands dirty, and find a unique souvenir to remember your trip by.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Amethyst Mining Experience
Once you've found pieces you like, you bring them to the on-site wash station to clean them up. This is where the true beauty of the amethyst is revealed. You then select the pieces you wish to purchase, with pricing typically based on size or weight. This pay-for-what-you-keep model makes it an accessible and rewarding experience for everyone.
Social media content often highlights the excitement of discovery, with creators sharing their finds and the joy of the digging process. It's frequently described as a unique and memorable activity, perfect for families and anyone interested in geology or unique souvenirs.
Planning Your Visit: What to Know
While admission to the mine is free, you'll pay for the amethyst you collect. This pay-as-you-go system is a significant draw, offering great value. You can rent additional equipment if you want to delve deeper into the mining aspect. The mine also features a gift shop with pre-mined amethyst, jewelry, and refreshments, making it a comprehensive stop.
Many visitors emphasize the family-friendly nature of the mine, with children often comparing the experience to playing Minecraft. It's a fantastic way to spend a few hours, offering both adventure and the chance to take home a unique, natural souvenir.
Amethyst Varieties and Inclusions
These unique characteristics make the amethyst from this mine particularly sought after by collectors. The combination of the vibrant purple amethyst with the dark, often feathery or dendritic Hematite inclusions creates striking mineral specimens.
While the primary activity is digging for your own amethyst, the gift shop also offers a selection of these specially curated specimens, allowing visitors to purchase unique pieces even if they don't find them themselves.



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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit