Abandoned mines somewhere between here and Fernie?

[nolan34]

Hey guys, I have always wanted to explore an abandoned mine-yes I know there's going to be people telling me how dangerous or stupid it is, that's not what I made this thread for, I'm just wondering if anyone knows of any abandoned mines between here and fernie? I've made the drive many times and I always see a bunch of mines right off the highway near the Coleman area, but I'm sure those a sealed up super good, I'm sure there has to be some off the beaten path you'd have to hike or something? Any info would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks :thumbsup:

[nobb]

Awesome idea, subscribed for details. Some abandoned towns or whatnot would be cool to explore as well if anyone knows of any.

[Env-Consultant]

http://www.bellevueundergroundmine.org

Have you done this before? I have and I thought it was incredible! Probably your best bet.

I'm not even going to get into gases, stability, legalities, etc - you're an adult and free to make your own decisions. I'll only say, in my opinion, trying to find a random old mine to go exploring in has terrible idea written all over it.

For an abandon town, check out Lille in Crowsnest Pass.

http://www.meetup.com/Calgary-Nature-Lovers-Hiking-Meetup/events/46216702/#description-tab

Good luck!

[vengie]

Terrible idea... They're sealed off for a reason. But if you do find one I would HIGHLY recommend wearing a gas monitor, plenty of toxic gasses will be present.

[nonofyobiz]

...or bring a canary :nut:

[nolan34]

Thanks, I have access to a gas monitor.

[nolan34]

I've had this planned for a long time, done a lot of research, planned for different common dangers, only thing left is to find a mine! Time to put it all into action and do something IMO will be super sweet!

[BigShow]

Who pays for the emergency services to come rescue you?

[rob the knob]

how much std clinic you family ?





Originally posted by BigShow
Who pays for the emergency services to come rescue you?

[Env-Consultant]

^ yeah, what he said.

Haha wtf?

[GTS4tw]

Originally posted by nolan34
I've had this planned for a long time, done a lot of research, planned for different common dangers, only thing left is to find a mine! Time to put it all into action and do something IMO will be super sweet!

This has been a long time hobby of mine, I guess one good hint would be to look in the area of well known mines, but off the beaten track and you never know what you'll find, look at google maps and topo maps and use common sense. There are some old publications which you might be able to find copies of at the library, which have some great information on stuff that a lot of people around now have forgotten about. I don't want to get any more specific as this is surprisingly frowned upon, and people go to great lengths to shut these sites down. You might also have to be fairly.... creative...in finding an entrance to some places.

[nolan34]

Originally posted by GTS4tw


This has been a long time hobby of mine, I guess one good hint would be to look in the area of well known mines, but off the beaten track and you never know what you'll find, look at google maps and topo maps and use common sense. There are some old publications which you might be able to find copies of at the library, which have some great information on stuff that a lot of people around now have forgotten about. I don't want to get any more specific as this is surprisingly frowned upon, and people go to great lengths to shut these sites down. You might also have to be fairly.... creative...in finding an entrance to some places.

Thanks a lot! I'll for sure take the advice! This summer if you have any day trips planned and don't mind hanging out with new people I would be down to meet up when the warm weather comes out !

[davidI]

If you're interested in collecting then it's often easiest to just look through the tailings. I've been to dozens of abandoned mines throughout BC/Alaska but have never taken the risk of entering the abandoned shafts.

[n1zm0]

Take some pics if you make it out!

[speedog]

Certainly not near Calgary but still an abandoned gold mine that is quite accessible (some gravel/logging roads) - Windpass Mine (link (http://www.mindat.org/loc-18829.html) and link (http://www.mindat.org/maps.php?id=18829)). Been up there several times in the past few years, someone still owns the property and core samples from withing the past 10-15 years are scattered all over in which you can see quartz and gold. A few old buildings and numerous shafts - didn't really venture into any of the shafts because I am just not that crazy/adventurous. Worth a look-see if you ever poking around a couple of hours north of Kamloops.

[speedog]

Another web site (link (http://www.mindat.org/typelocs-8188.html)) that may be interest.

[nolan34]

Originally posted by speedog
Certainly not near Calgary but still an abandoned gold mine that is quite accessible (some gravel/logging roads) - Windpass Mine (link (http://www.mindat.org/loc-18829.html) and link (http://www.mindat.org/maps.php?id=18829)). Been up there several times in the past few years, someone still owns the property and core samples from withing the past 10-15 years are scattered all over in which you can see quartz and gold. A few old buildings and numerous shafts - didn't really venture into any of the shafts because I am just not that crazy/adventurous. Worth a look-see if you ever poking around a couple of hours north of Kamloops.

Awesome! Thanks a lot!

[davidI]

Originally posted by speedog
core samples from withing the past 10-15 years are scattered all over in which you can see quartz and gold.

Quartz and pyrite perhaps?

[speedog]

Originally posted by davidI


Quartz and pyrite perhaps?
Not according to old miners I showed them to but who really knows. The adventure itself was worth it to us and it was quite a scenic drive up ther.

[ipeefreely]

This (http://mapview.ercb.ca/coalmines) might help you... share any pics you get! :)


Originally posted by Env-Consultant

http://www.bellevueundergroundmine.org (http://www.bellevueundergroundmine.org)

For an abandon town, check out Lille in Crowsnest Pass.


I checked both those out about five years ago. They're pretty cool and worth checking out! :thumbsup:

Went for an office field trip a couple of years ago to the Atlas Coal Mine (http://www.atlascoalmine.ab.ca/) outside of Drumheller too! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[nolan34]

Originally posted by ipeefreely
This (http://mapview.ercb.ca/coalmines) might help you... share any pics you get! :)



I checked both those out about five years ago. They're pretty cool and worth checking out! :thumbsup:

Went for an office field trip a couple of years ago to the Atlas Coal Mine (http://www.atlascoalmine.ab.ca/) outside of Drumheller too! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

Thanks! I appreciate any info guys!

[AndyL]

I wouldn't hit the abandoned mines down there personally...

But:
http://www.simpleasthatblog.com/2012/09/gargantua-caves-crowsnest-pass-alberta.html

Gargantua caves - is an awesome hike in (don't go on a overcast/cloudy day - especially if you have members who get a little freaked out looking down into clouds). And it's safer than any mine shaft. You'll find some quartz/pyrite on the walls here and there. Even fun without the spelunking gear. But bring lots of light.

[Rat Fink]

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