Burns Lake Historic & Heritage Sites
Historic site, Tourism BC/JF Bergeron photo
Burns Lake is an enticing destination for rock hounds as potential finds include opal, agates, fossils, and semi-precious stones. Especially exciting is the chance to find precious opal.
While common opal and agates are plentiful around Burns Lake, the Eagle Creek area west of Burns Lake has one of BC's only precious opal deposits. The area is protected from claim staking and reserved for the public for rock hounding.
Finding Gem and Rock Sites
About 15 different sites (most west of town) are of interest. Try to hook up with the local gem and rock club group that shares the same passion and are familiar with the area and venture to these spots regularly.
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Ask at the Burns Lake Visitor Centre to get in touch with this group, or visit the local rock shop, Treasure Island, on the west side of town on Hwy 16. The shop sells stones and minerals from here and afar, including a variety of jewelry. Also at the Visitor Centre, pick up Opal Bed Trails pamphlet.
Practical Points
- Rock hounding sites are often found in quite steep locations. Visitors should be in good physical shape, able to hike intermediate trails of varying distances.
- Wear appropriate attire.
- The best months to search for these treasures are June to September. The rest of the year, the ground is usually covered in snow or frozen.
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