Lakeside Gems Inc..
Bancroft rock shop running geologist-led mineral collecting field trips and selling specimens, tools and books
The brief.
Lakeside Gems Inc. is a rock shop on Highway 28 in South Bancroft, Ontario, the self-styled Mineral Capital of Canada. Beyond its retail stock of mineral specimens, fossils, geological tools, rock tumblers and books, the shop runs guided mineral collecting field trips. These are led by geologist Chris Fouts, author of a guide to mineral collecting in the Bancroft area, who takes participants to sites within a 45-minute drive in convoy formation. A trip begins with waiver signing, a rockhounding presentation and specimen viewing at the shop, then runs into the field until mid-afternoon. The shop rebuilt after a 2014 fire and also hosts seasonal events including a summer Metaphysical Gathering and participation in regional gem and mineral club shows.
1. ways in.
- 01
Geologist-led Mineral Collecting Field Trip
For: All ages (children require adult supervision)When: June–OctoberA roughly 6-hour guided rockhounding trip led by geologist Chris Fouts. Starts at 9:15 a.m. with a waiver, presentation and shop specimen viewing, then a convoy drive to collecting sites near Bancroft until 4 p.m. Operates rain or shine.
Adult $49 / Child $27.50 (mineral club members $5 off)
Book / registerarrow_outward
Worth knowing.
- 01Field trips are led by geologist Chris Fouts, who wrote a guide to mineral collecting in Bancroft.Source ↗
- 02Field trip tickets are $49 adult and $27.50 child, with a $5 discount for mineral club members.Source ↗
- 032026 field trip dates run June 6 through October 3; trips start at 9:15 a.m. and run until 4 p.m.Source ↗
- 04The shop is at 29277 Highway 28 South, Bancroft ON, and rebuilt after a 2014 fire.Source ↗
Outside the door.
27° with 13 km/h wind. Go enjoy it.
Get in
touch.
- Website
- lakesidegems.com
- Phone
- (613) 332-9894
- Address
- 29277 Highway 28 South, Bancroft, ON K0L 1C0, Canada
- www.facebook.com/LakesideGems
- www.instagram.com/lakeside_gems/