We’re thrilled to celebrate the upcoming 61st Annual Rockhound Gemboree, Canada’s largest Gem & Mineral! Held in Bancroft, Hastings County and also known as the Mineral Capital of Canada. This four-day event across 2 locations has been recognized as one of Ontario’s Top 100 Festivals and Events.
Over 80 exhibitors bring fine mineral specimens, perfect for adding to your collection, gemstone jewellery, and lapidary supplies. The beloved speaker sessions has 9 speakers during Saturday and Sunday sessions of the Gemboree, covering topics such as the Princess Sodalite Mine, fossils, geological history in Southwestern Ontario, and what 3D printing can bring us. There is also the opportunity to join in activities such as gold panning and mineral & gem identification found outside the curling club.
Don't miss Steven Loney Creations, a sculptor of Mohawk and Irish/English/Dutch heritage that works primarily with soapstone. Steven will be carving a stone sculpture 'live' during the Gemboree event while also doing carving demos and sharing about First Nations culture. After the event, the sculpture will become a piece of public art in the Town of Bancroft. His presence at the show is provided through The Prince Edward County Arts Council Indigenous Voices Fund Grant, as a recipient for 2025-2026.
Whether you are an avid rockhounder and mineral collector, are interested in learning about recreational geology or just visiting the area over the long weekend, this experience is not to be missed.
Continue your journey through Hastings County’s Recreational Geology experiences with these must-see spots.
Mineral Museum of Bancroft
This truly is a remarkable showcase of the mineral heritage here. It holds over 1000 specimens, a rotating collection exhibit on loan, and a mining diorama. As you walk around, you’ll see just how deep the history of minerals runs through Hastings County and why we’re known as the Mineral Capital of Canada.
Princess Sodalite Mine Rock Shop
A visit is not complete without a stop at Princess Sodalite Mine and Rock Shop. For a small fee, you can head out back to the Rock Farm, which is seeded constantly. You’ll find 75-100 different varieties of rocks, minerals and fossils to dig or rockhound for. The shop is a unique experience offering a diverse range of specimens from beginner to museum quality and specifically, sodalite.
CN Rock Pile
The CN Rock Pile has a long history as a collecting site as it holds materials originally brought in for the building of the town’s railway station from the Golden-Keene Quarry. It’s the perfect spot to get started, suited for all ages and families, and to have fun exploring! The CN Rock Pile is on the Hastings Heritage Trail, located just across the road from the Town of Bancroft Municipal office. Head down the trail and it’s about 200 meters down on the left side.
If you’re close by or in town for a longer stretch, don’t miss out on The 28th Annual Bancroft Gem & Mineral Club show on Sunday, July 26th, 2026, from 10am-4pm with exhibits, displays, demos and more.
After you’ve finished up at the Gemboree, additional recreational geology activities or are all rocked out, here’s 3 other ways to spend your time.
Take in the Arts
The Bancroft Village Playhouse has their Summer Youth Camp are presenting their production of All I Need Is A Pet, a showcasing their new performance skills! Tweed and Co, also a Top 100 Festival and Event winner, puts on spectacular theatre performances in the historic playhouse on main street.
Bancroft and Maynooth are home to 3 art galleries, all with different types, sizes and approaches to collections and exhibits. The Art Gallery of Bancroft is a public, not for profit organization with over 100 pieces in their collection. A Place for the Arts has over 40 members in their Society of Artists that showcase in the gallery each month and often have solo and group exhibitions. Wildwood Gallery in Maynooth showcases visual arts and ceramics produced by artists and makers in rural and regional communities.
Experience the Outdoors
Hastings County is known for being ‘Wildly Authentic’, which includes an abundance of outdoor spaces. Within 30 minutes from the Bancroft Area, we have 9 parks, trails, and conservation spaces calling your name to explore. With all varieties of fitness levels and elevation levels, we have what you’re looking for.
- Parks: Eagle’s Nest Park, Nellie Lunn Park, Lake St. Peter Provincial Park, Silent Lake Provincial Park, Kamaniskeg Lake Lookout
- Trails: The Pinecone Forest Nature Sanctuary
- Conservation Spaces: McGeachie Conservation Area, The Gut Conservation Area
Tip: You can also explore the outdoors with a guided walk or an off-road tour!
Relax with a Good Meal or Sweet Treat
We love food in all forms! While in town, explore some of our favourites. Love a good Food Truck? We have 5 in the area alone, see our map here. Love a casual fare? Try local favourites For the Halibut , The Granite, (both with great views) or Fiesta Flavours. For cafes, Wattle & Daub, The Muse Cafe & Gallery, Virginia Sweets Bakery, McG's Cakes on Main, and the new sandwich shop, Tobi's Grab & Go. And don't forget ice cream! Our Ice Cream Map has all the spots to visit.
We hope the Gemboree sparked your curiosity, and the landscapes left you in awe. Visit our Summer in Hastings County page for more inspiration.
