Diamond Willow Amethyst Mine
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Diamond Willow Amethyst Mine

4.7
·278 reviews·, Canada

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdMedium
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Diamond Willow Amethyst Mine

Diamond Willow Amethyst Mine

Best Time

Summer mornings

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdMedium
Highlights

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!

4.7
(278 reviews)

"This was a highlight of a very fun birthday trip in Canada...truly remarkable and so hands-on and fun!"

Vertical photo
TIP

Wear Long Sleeves

Protect your arms when using hammers for digging.

Rent Extra Gear

Enhance your mining experience with rented equipment.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Amethyst Digging

Amethyst Digging

Open pit mine

Unearth your own amethyst crystals! A truly unique and hands-on adventure for all ages.

TikTokInstagram
Wash Station

Wash Station

On-site

Clean your freshly dug amethyst treasures and admire your finds.

Instagram
Gift Shop Finds

Gift Shop Finds

On-site

Browse a selection of pre-mined amethyst, jewelry, and refreshments.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Dig Your Own Amethyst Treasures

This is a hands-on experience where you can dig for your own amethyst! You only pay for what you take home, making it a great value. Renting equipment is an option if you're serious about mining. Wear long sleeves for protection when using hammers. TikTokReddit

Getting to the Mine

The last 2.6km to the mine is an unpaved, gravel road that can be bumpy, but most vehicles can handle it. Public transport is limited, so consider ride-sharing or a private vehicle. TikTokReddit

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Beat the heat and crowds
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer visitors, more space
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

have you ever been to an amethyst mine?! 💎 💜 #amethyst #ontariocanada #bucketlist #canada #adventuregirl #activity
@yourmatiekatie
435.6K likes • 4.4M views

Wear Long Sleeves

Protect your arms when using hammers for digging. Reddit

Rent Extra Gear

Enhance your mining experience with rented equipment. Reddit

such a cool experience! #amethystmine #northernontario #thunderbay #bucketlist #canadiandestinations #ontariocanada
@yourmatiekatie
94.4K likes • 1.3M views
Getting excited as the new season approaches 💜🇨🇦💜🔨💎🇨🇦💥💥#diamondwillowamethystmine #thunderbayamethyst #familybusiness #rockshop #lakesuperiorcircletour
diamond_willow_amethyst_mine
26 likes • 449 views

Embrace the Gravel Road

The final stretch is unpaved but manageable for most vehicles. Reddit

Pay for Your Finds

Admission is free; you only pay for the amethyst you choose to keep. Reddit

An adventure weekend, so exciting! A little sneak peek of what we did this weekend- travelling to the Diamond Willow Amethyst Mine and amethysts "hunting" 💜💜💜 Look at the landscape!!! Breathtaking, isn't it? And the specimen we have collected, just GORGEOUS 😍 💫💫💫 #jewellerydesign #jewelry #jewellery #silverjewellery #sterlingsilver #mystylebeke #wearableart #studiojewellery #oneofakindjewelry ...
beke.ca
27 likes • 951 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Wear Long Sleeves

Protect your arms when using hammers for digging. Reddit

Rent Extra Gear

Enhance your mining experience with rented equipment. Reddit

Embrace the Gravel Road

The final stretch is unpaved but manageable for most vehicles. Reddit

Pay for Your Finds

Admission is free; you only pay for the amethyst you choose to keep. Reddit

Family Fun Guaranteed

Kids love it – it's like a real-life Minecraft adventure! Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.7
(278 reviews)

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. TikTokReddit

"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

Hands-on digging experience
Great value for money
Friendly and knowledgeable staff

What People Dislike

Bumpy gravel road access

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. Reddit

The last approximately 2.6 kilometers are unpaved gravel and can be bumpy. However, most standard vehicles can navigate it without issue. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, admission to the mine itself is free! You only pay for the amethyst you choose to dig up and take home. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. Reddit

🎫 💎 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. TikTokReddit

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. TikTokReddit

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. InstagramReddit

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. TikTok

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. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. Reddit

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. TikTok

Refreshments usually include bottled water, juices, and possibly some light snacks. It's not a full-service restaurant, but enough to keep you going. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, photography is generally allowed and encouraged! Capture your digging adventures and beautiful amethyst finds. Instagram+1

The open pit mine itself offers dramatic landscapes. Don't forget to photograph your unearthed treasures, the wash station, and the surrounding natural beauty. Instagram+1

Drone usage policies can vary. It's always best to check with the mine management beforehand to ensure you comply with any regulations. Instagram

While generally permitted, be mindful of other visitors and avoid intrusive photography. Respect any areas that might be marked as off-limits. Instagram

Visitors often share photos of their amethyst finds, the digging process, family fun, and the scenic landscape of the mine. TikTokInstagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Diamond Willow Amethyst Mine is a fantastic destination for families. Kids often describe the experience as being like a real-life Minecraft adventure, digging for treasures! Instagram The hands-on nature of the activity keeps them engaged for hours. It's a great way to introduce children to geology and the natural world in a fun, interactive setting. TikTok

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. Reddit

💎 Rock & Crystal Enthusiasts

For serious rockhounds and crystal collectors, Diamond Willow Amethyst Mine is a must-visit. The opportunity to dig for your own amethyst, especially specimens with unique inclusions like Hematite, is a major draw. Instagram+2 The mine is known for producing quality amethyst that appeals to collectors. Reddit

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. Reddit

🚗 Road Trippers

If you're on a road trip through Northern Ontario, Diamond Willow Amethyst Mine is a perfect stop. It offers a unique break from driving and a memorable activity that breaks up the journey. TikTokInstagram The mine is easily accessible from Thunder Bay and can be combined with other local attractions like Sleeping Giant Provincial Park. Reddit

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. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Amethyst Mining Experience

Diamond Willow Amethyst Mine offers a truly hands-on adventure where visitors can dig for their own amethyst crystals. The process is straightforward: you're given access to the open pit mine, where you can search for promising rocks. Many visitors recommend renting tools like hammers and shovels to help unearth your treasures. TikTokInstagram

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. InstagramReddit

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. TikTokInstagram

Planning Your Visit: What to Know

Before heading to Diamond Willow Amethyst Mine, it's wise to prepare. The final stretch of the road leading to the mine is unpaved gravel, which can be bumpy but is generally manageable for most vehicles. Reddit Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes as you'll be walking on uneven ground. Long sleeves are also highly recommended, especially if you plan to use hammers, to protect your arms from scrapes. Reddit

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. Reddit The mine also features a gift shop with pre-mined amethyst, jewelry, and refreshments, making it a comprehensive stop. Reddit

Many visitors emphasize the family-friendly nature of the mine, with children often comparing the experience to playing Minecraft. Instagram It's a fantastic way to spend a few hours, offering both adventure and the chance to take home a unique, natural souvenir. TikTokInstagram

Amethyst Varieties and Inclusions

The amethyst found at Diamond Willow Mine is primarily Quartz var. Amethyst. Many specimens are noted for their beautiful inclusions, particularly Hematite. These inclusions can create unique patterns and add to the visual appeal of the crystals. Instagram+2

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. Instagram+1

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. Reddit

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