Top ideas Impressive mining panoramas

The belvedere in the Mitchell district is a platform for observing the landscape and mining history of the city of Thetford. It is accessible to people with restricted mobility.

GO FOR IT

The particularly revealing view of the city’s past, featuring the Mitchell district and its builders from the English-speaking community, on the edge of the turquoise waters of the Beaver mine.

The mine, which opened in 1908 and suspended operations from 1928 to 1936, closed permanently on November 1, 1997. The lookout is located on Rue du Lac Noir (opposite the General O’Brien store at 4233 Rue du Lac Noir).

WE GO THERE FOR

The lookout offers a remarkable panorama of the BC Mine shaft, which has been transformed into a turquoise lake reminiscent of the tropics.

Mined for chrysotile asbestos, the deposit was discovered in 1886 following prospecting. The mine’s open pit is 610 meters long and 61 meters wide. Mining ended on December 31, 1971.

IT’S ALL ABOUT

Its clear turquoise water. The exceptional clarity of the water in this former mine makes it an ideal site for scuba diving.

Its name comes from the fact that a lake stood on this site until 1950. The waters of Lac Noir had to be pumped out to make way for the mine. Prior to 2009, the road passed on the other side of the huge quarry of the Lac d’Amiante mine, but major subsidence occurred, necessitating reconstruction of the road to the right of the mine shaft.

GETTING THERE

From Thetford Mines, on the way to the Sentiers Pédestres des 3 Monts reception area, you’ll pass through huge mining pits from which you can see the excavation shaft next to Route 112.

The mine operated from 1958 to 1986, leaving behind an excavation 600 metres long, 100 metres wide and 90 metres deep.

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A bike outing, as it’s only accessible via the bike path between the Pontbriand and Roberstonville sectors of Thetford. But the ride is well worth it, as the mine is now filled with turquoise water.

As the region’s first underground mine, this museum is a must for discovering the mining history of the Thetford region.

WHY VISIT?

An immersive tour using real mining equipment, highlighting the hard work of several generations of mining industry workers. The tour begins in the forge, continues in the winch building and ends at the headframe. The 360-degree view from the observatory is breathtaking!

It’s the perfect place to learn more about Thetford Mines’ geological and mining past! From the discovery of chrysotile asbestos in the region in 1876 to the closure of the mines in the early 2000s, immerse yourself in a fascinating and unique history.

WE GO THERE TO

Visit 4 of the region’s former mines as if you were there, thanks to VR headsets! Fly over these geological marvels and take in the lunar gray of the mine tailings and the turquoise blue of the water that fills the old mines!