can you pan for gold in bc

Where can you pan for gold in British Columbia?

You can pan for gold (with just a pan and shovel) anywhere in BC except for placer claims, private property, First Nations land and parks. Placer areas have the best known ground, of course.

Do you need a permit to pan for gold in BC?

Anyone may pan for gold, using only a hand shovel and a gold pan, in any watercourse in BC except in or on a... ... without permission. The government has established a number of Recreational Panning Reserves for hand panning.

Can you still find gold in BC?

The British Columbia Geological Survey's MINFILE database lists over 3,380 occurrences for which gold is identified as the primary commodity. Of these, approximately 700 have recorded gold production (400 lode producers and 300 placer).

Is gold dredging legal in BC?

In general, suction dredges cannot be used in any creek, river or lake in BC. If you are caught using one, it will be confiscated and you may be subject to other penalties. It is theoretically possible to get permission to use a suction dredge in a closed pond that you have excavated.

How much does a gold claim cost in BC?

Mineral & Placer Title FeesMineral & Placer ClaimsFeeThird and fourth anniversary years$20.00 per hectare per yearFifth and sixth anniversary year$30.00 per hectare per yearSubsequent anniversary years$40.00 per hectare per yearPlacer - Required Payment Amount$40.00 per hectare per year13 more rows

Can I pan for gold on the Fraser River?

We offer Sturgeon, Salmon, and Trout Fishing day trips and multi day all inclusive fishing packages as well as Gold Panning and Rock Hounding. We offer comfortable riverside glamping in our yurts and rustic cabins, or you can bring your own RV, or stay in a hotel in the small historic towns of Lillooet or Lytton BC.

Is there any lost treasure in BC?

Pitt Lake's Lost Gold Mine is a legendary lost mine said to be near Pitt Lake, British Columbia, Canada, the supposed wealth of which has held the imagination of people worldwide for more than a century.

What is the biggest gold nugget found in BC?

The Turnagain Nugget. In 1937 Alice Shea found this nugget wedged in a boulder while walking along Turnagain Creek to her husband's claim in northern British Columbia. It is the largest existing gold nugget found in the province, weighing 1642 grams or 52 troy ounces.

Is metal detecting legal in British Columbia?

For metal detecting in BC, all places are allowed for metal detecting which are not legally prohibited by metal detecting laws in BC. The most fun activity to pursue for hobby enthusiasts is prospecting, of course. Prospecting is possible in the streams and rivers, and also near historic mines.

Can you find gold nuggets in BC?

Today gold is recovered through panning or placer mining, and the Port Alberni area and the Oyster River offers places to hunt for gold. Vancouver Island also offers guided gold-panning excursions on the Nanaimo River, if that is something that appeals to you.

Where can you metal detect for gold in BC?

Saxe Point Park – An Off the Coast Provincial Park (Saxe Point Park, Victoria, British Columbia) Saxe Point Park is another park that holds historical relevance. If you go metal detecting along with its waterfront access, you're sure to find a coin or two.

Can I camp on my placer claim in BC?

It is important to note that a placer claim or lease can only be used for the purpose of placer exploration and mining. This is not to say that you can't do a little fishing after working on your claim that day, but a placer claim cannot be used as a recreation site.

Where can you metal detect for gold in BC?

Saxe Point Park – An Off the Coast Provincial Park (Saxe Point Park, Victoria, British Columbia) Saxe Point Park is another park that holds historical relevance. If you go metal detecting along with its waterfront access, you're sure to find a coin or two.

Where can I pan in BC?

Panning Reserves In British ColumbiaCayoosh Creek.Erickson.Goldstream River.Hope.Kennedy River.Kettle River.Lytton Site 1.Lytton Site 2.More items...

Can I camp on my placer claim in BC?

It is important to note that a placer claim or lease can only be used for the purpose of placer exploration and mining. This is not to say that you can't do a little fishing after working on your claim that day, but a placer claim cannot be used as a recreation site.

Where can I pan for gold in Canada?

Gold is mined in nine provinces and territories including out west in British Columbia, to the north in Nunavut, and in the east on the island of Newfoundland. Gold was first discovered in Canada in the 1820s along the shores of the Rivière Chaudière in the Eastern Townships of Quebec.