Thetford Mines: Mining History and Nature

Thetford Mines tells its story in a distinctive way: through an extensive collection, restored mining buildings, and former open-pit mines whose waters now shimmer turquoise. There are also mountain biking trails, opportunities for snowshoeing, and a lookout with far-reaching views. When planning a stay, you can choose between exploring the mining history and spending time outdoors—or make both the focus of your trip.

Discover the mining history

The Musée Minéro explores the geological and mining history of Thetford Mines, from the discovery of chrysotile to the closure of the mines. A variety of exhibitions and a collection of more than 30,000 objects offer different ways to explore the subject. Visitors can see minerals, fossils, meteorites, and gemstones, as well as mining artifacts. Tools and equipment once used by miners also bring the practical side of the work to life.

The Centre historique de la mine King | KB3 offers a different perspective. Restored mining buildings bring the work of miners to life. Visitors can explore an immersive, sensory presentation of mining history, along with discovery stations about miners’ lives and work. The Centre’s observatory offers 360-degree views. Those especially interested in working life and everyday life in mining will find a different focus here than in the Musée Minéro’s diverse collection.

The former King-Beaver-Bell mining sites are also part of the area’s history. This complex in the center of Thetford Mines specialized in extracting chrysotile asbestos. Operations began in 1878 and ended in 2008 with the closure of the Bell Mine. The complex includes buildings constructed between 1895 and 1975 at three mining sites; two of these sites are connected by underground tunnels.

Virtual experiences offer further highlights. The Musée Minéro offers a virtual reality tour of the former Beaver, British Canadian, Lac d’amiante, and Carey open-pit mines. At KB3, a separate virtual reality experience takes visitors underground into a mine in operation. The two experiences therefore explore different subjects: the former open-pit mines mentioned here, and the working life of an operating mine.

Views and outdoor activities

The mining history also shapes the viewpoints. A platform in the Mitchell district offers a place to observe the landscape and mining history of Thetford Mines. From there, views extend over the district and the turquoise waters of Beaver Mine. From the lookout at Mine BC, you can see a former open-pit mine that has transformed into a turquoise lake. If you are interested in how mining sites have changed, you can include these two perspectives in your travel plans.

Outdoor activities take center stage at Parc du Sommet de Thetford. The park has more than 20 kilometers of mountain biking trails, some of which are shared with hikers. You can also go snowshoeing in the park. A rest area near the Aqueduc reservoir offers another place to stop in the park.

For families, the Espace des mini-héros at KB3 is another local option. This free family park offers fun and educational activities. Together with the exhibitions and discovery stations at KB3, it offers another way to explore mining history, while the Musée Minéro and the viewpoints appeal to other interests. When planning your vacation, you can weigh whether collections, historic working environments, views, or outdoor activities matter most to you.

Discover more places

More places to discover: Saint-Pierre-De-Broughton and Disraeli.

Go to the main travel overview: L'amiante.