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​Pink Lake Mica Mine

GATINEAU PARK, ​QUÉBEC
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INFORMATION

This mine was first prospected by the Kent Brothers of Kingston in 1903. By 1904, the mine was producing mica, which was being shipped along the Rideau Canal to Kingston, where it was cut and readied for market. This mine consists mostly of surface cuts, most of which were opened (using steampowered machinery) by 1905. By the mid-1910s, the mine had closed down, only to be reopened by the Pink's Lake Mining Company at the end of 1945. This company even ran a tunnel from the edge of the lake to the earlier surface pits, but this was the last gasp for the mine. It was closed by 1946, all the equipment was removed, and now only a keen eye can spot the earlier diggings.

Inside the mine is one to two inches of water during the summer season. The air quality inside the mine is full of floating mica flakes which may be inhaled and may attach itself to clothing and equipment (a mask is recommended). There are three open air shafts to the surface about three to four stories high. The rock structure inside the mine seems stable through out. Several personal items were found inside such as: a sleeping bag, an old camping gas lantern, and hats. This abandoned mine is one of the oldest most fully intact mines in the capital region.

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White Nose Syndrome:

White Nose Syndrome (WNS) has killed more than 5.7 million bats in the U.S. since the winter of 2006/2007. First noted near Albany, New York, it has spread at an astonishingly rapid rate. Little is known about its cause or transmission. A fungus is the causative agent for the disease. If WNS continues to spread, it will greatly affect both subterranean and surface ecosystems and may cause species extinctions. There are indications that people might spread WNS when they visit caves. Therefore, we must take every reasonable precaution to minimize the risk of workshop participants spreading WNS at faster than normal rates, and to keep the syndrome from reaching other countries. ​
mffp.gouv.qc.ca
How to prevent spread

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Help us protect Gatineau Park and leave no trace.


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POTENTIAL RISKS:
Restrictions Are Imposed
KEEP ON TRAIL AND DANGER SIGNS ISSUED BY NCC

Slippery Rocks
​Tight Space


Note:
No one should attempt to explore an abandoned mine as there are many dangers such as cave-ins, bad air, and hidden shafts. Explore at own risk.




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TERRAIN DIFFICULTY:
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FAMILY FRIENDLY:
No

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EQUIPMENT:
Flash Light
Hiking Shoes
Camera

Helmet
Mask - BAD AIR QUALITY

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TOURS:
N/A




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How To Get There:

Drive to the Pink Lake parking lot in Gatineau Park. Then hike on the Pink Lake hiking trail (LEFT SIDE TRAIL IS QUICKER). Walk until you see big openings in the ground ( Approx 1KM IN ). The holes should be all fenced in. WARNING: do not enter through the fenced holes.
UPDATE: Entrance to the Mine has been sealed off.

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Coordinates: 45.469378, -75.806184
DOWNLOAD COORDINATES

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Estimated Travel Time: 20:00 from downtown Ottawa.



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Last Updated:  January 21, 2021
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