North of the Border: Where to Pan for Gold in Canada

Recycling and RefiningRecycle and Refine GoldSmelting and Refining
Written By Barry Lenson

Canada is the fifth largest producer of mined gold in the world, following behind China, Russia, Australia, and the United States. A trip to Canada to look for gold in streams could be a good idea or, at the very least, a profitable and fun adventure. 

Here’s some information that will add to your adventure and possibly your profits too.

A Little History: Canada Had a Gold Rush Too 

You know about the great California gold rush that took place in the U.S. in 1849. But you might not know that Canada had a gold rush of its own, often referred to as the Cariboo Gold Rush. It began in 1858, when gold was found in the Fraser River in British Columbia. Then in about 1900, a second gold rush took place in the Yukon, commonly called the Klondike Gold Rush. Big Canadian and international mining companies moved in and started large-scale gold mining operations in our neighbor to the north. 

Gold Mines Are Still Operating in Canada. 

They include:

  • The Eskay Creek and Myra Falls mines in British Columbia

  • The Garson and Stobie mines in Ontario

  • The Mouska and Sleeping Giant mines in Quebec

  • The Thompson Mill and Rice Lake Gold mines in Manitoba

The grounds of these mines are not open for prospectors to explore. However, the regions where they are found offer streams and parks where you can go prospecting for gold. Be sure to check them out. 

If you are traveling to any of the Canadian Provinces, it is worth doing some online research to determine where you can find a stream with a history of yielding gold to prospectors. 

The Yukon Is Still a Paradise for Prospectors Who Pan for Gold

But if you plan a vacation that centers on panning for gold in Canadian streams, it is probably best to go to the Yukon. The Yukon, in fact, has a website that is dedicated to people who want to travel there to pan for gold in the Klondike, Kluane, and Whitehorse and other regions. It’s a fun website with videos and basic information on panning for gold. 

How Much Gold Can U.S. Citizens Bring Back into the United States?

You have probably heard – and it is true – that you do not have to pay duties on gold bullion and coins that you bring back. However, what if you strike it rich and find hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of gold in Canada that you would like to tote home with you?

In that case, you should take things seriously. Speak with a customs broker in the U.S., and then declare what you have before attempting to carry or ship any gold back home. 

And What Should You Do to Recycle Your Gold Nuggets and Other Discoveries?

Simple answer. Call Specialty Metals Smelters and Refiners at 800-426-2344 and speak with our gold recycling experts. We are here to offer you our expert advice on testing gold-bearing sand and other mineral-based sources of gold. Call us at 800-426-2344. 

Barry Lenson
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