TRAVEL LIKE A LOCAL | Top 10,000 Places to Visit in Canada
Photo by Vlad Umnov
The sculpture is probably the largest Dragonfly in Canada, with its 16-foot wing span. Even if it doesn’t keep all the black flies away, it is definitely a unique sight on Highway 118 at the Cardiff village entrance.
The giant dragonfly was created by artist Andy Hillo and erected in 1998 as a tribute to the Hamlet of Cardiff. It is now a symbol of the village.
Photos: Vlad Umnov
Highlands East Scenic Route
Monck Road (County Road 45, formerly Hwy 503), which runs through the Bancroft district, is one of the oldest provincial roads north of Toronto. Drive from Cardiff to Bancroft and enjoy!
Construction began in 1866, and the road was finished in 1873. Settlement was encouraged by giving free grants of land along the route. The resourceful settlers found additional sustenance and income in hunting, fishing and trapping.
Photos: Vlad Umnov
Join geologist Chris Fouts & Lakeside Gems on a Geologist-led Mineral Collecting Field Trip right here in the heart of the Mineral Capital of Canada – the Bancroft area.
Chris is the author of the book on Mineral Collecting in Bancroft. He has always had a great interest in rocks and minerals, checking out cobbles and stones from a young age.
For the tour, you bring your own vehicle and travel convoy style following the geologist. Check dates and details on the website.
Photos: Vlad Umnov, https://lakesidegems.com/
Unique Rocks for Sale! Amethyst, Jade, Sodalite, Quartz and more! Find what speaks to you.
Established in 1999, Lakeside Gems is located between Cardiff and Bancroft -– which is known as the “Mineral Capital of Canada” and host to Canada’s largest Gem & Mineral Show – the Rockhound Gemboree.
As one of Canada’s few authorized dealers for Estwing Geological Tools and Lortone Rock Tumblers, we have a full line of high-quality North American manufactured equipment. Lakeside Gems has all the tools any prospective or experienced rockhound enthusiast would need.
Photo: https://lakesidegems.com/
The area is rich with minerals, gems and fossils. Since the late 19th century, mineral hunters have been travelling to the area that is now Cardiff in search of mica, phosphate, and feldspar to Cardiff.
Cardiff is located in the geological area of the Grenville Province and has a unique combination of underground minerals.
In 1922, uranium was discovered in the area.
Photo: Google Maps, D Payne
Silver Crater Mine, previously known as the Basin Deposit, is an abandoned mine in Cardiff. It has produced some of the world’s most notable betafite crystals.
The mine has been working since the late 19th century. Industrial mining started in 1927. Uranium was sought in the 1950s, and the mine has been abandoned since 1955.
Photos: Google Maps, Dan Lyons, Capital Gems
