Whitemud Creek Mining Co.

Over 50 years since it closed, Whitemud Creek Mining Co. has returned to Rainbow Valley as a family-friendly activity!

Whitemud Creek Mining Co. is your opportunity to use the water in the sluice to sift through bags of rough as you explore for REAL gemstones and fossils. Oh yeah, and you get to keep everything you find!

Though primarily aimed at younger kids and their families, EVERYONE loves exploring through the sand to see what treatures they can uncover! Find this exciting, all-ages mining sluice in Rainbow Valley, right next to the Aerial Park Tower.

How does it work?

It's as easy as 1, 2, 3!!

  1. Purchase a bag of mining rough on-site from our Campground office.
  2. Head to the mining sluice with your bag of rough where the attendant will show you how to use the panning tray and give you an identification card & bags to take your goodies home in.
  3. HAVE FUN! Pan through the rough and collect your treasures.

Mining Rough Pricing

Check out "What's in the rough" below to see what you will be taking home!

Bags of Mining Rough
"Pay Dirt" - 3lb $15
"Fossil Find" - 3lb $15
"Emerald Strike" - 5lb $20
"Mother Lode" - 10lb $35
"Mega Strike" - 20lb $60
 

Whitemud Creek Mining Co.

June Hours (May 31 - June 30):
  • Monday to Wednesday | CLOSED
  • Thursday & Friday | 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
  • Saturday & Sunday | 10:00 am - 9:00 pm

July & August Hours (to Aug. 31):
  • Monday - Tuesday | 10:00 am - 10:00 pm
  • Wednesday | 1:00 pm - 10:00 pm
  • Thursday - Sunday | 10:00 am - 10:00 pm

September Hours (Sept. 1 - 30):
  • Monday to Wednesday | CLOSED
  • Thursday & Friday | 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
  • Saturday & Sunday | 10:00 am - 9:00 pm
  • Labour Day (Mon, Sept 2) | 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Orange Shirt Day (Sept. 30 ONLY) Proceeds to Spirit North
Last Day of the season: September 30, 2024
 

Other Things To Know

What's In The Mining Rough?

The bags all are filled with a mixture of sand and treasure. All bags have different contents:

  • 3lb. Pay Dirt - Real gemstones
  • 3lb. Fossil Find - Real fossils & shark teeth
  • 5lb. Emerald Strike - Real gemstones & emeralds
  • 10lb. Mother Lode (pictured) - A whole lot of everything! Gemstones, fossils, and more.
  • 20lb. Mega Strike ) - A whole lot MORE of everything!

Do I Need To Book A Time?

Nope! For family-sized groups, the Whitemud Creek Mining Co. is walk-up friendly. We have plenty of panning trays, so all you need to do is show up.

For large groups, please get in touch and we can work with you to ensure your gathering is a success!

 

Groups

Whitemud Creek Mining Co. is the perfect add-on activity for your Aerial Park Tower or Target Golf group visit. Or it can be an attraction all on its own!

We have Mining Group bookings perfect for:

  • Birthday Parties
  • Family Reunions and Outings
  • School Groups, Scouts/Guides Groups, and Youth Groups
  • ...and more!

Please check out our Groups Page for more information.

What Else Is There To Do?

There's way more going on this summer at Snow Valley than just Snow Valley Target Golf!

Snow Valley Aerial Park Tower

The Aerial Park Tower at Snow Valley Aerial Park is Edmonton's most thrilling outdoor adventure!

With over 100 elements on the structure, there is something for everyone! Crawl, climb, swing, and step your way through locally-themed elements up to 15 metres high, including the rainbow wall, ski-bridge, swinging picnic table, and tons of other challenges!

Learn more about the Aerial Park Tower
 

Snow Valley Target Golf

Head across the parking lot, grab a bucket of balls, and take a swing at dozens of fun targets placed up the Snow Valley slopes!

This is a perfect activity for adults and kids alike, plus free clubs to borrow!

Snow Valley Target Golf is located just across the parking lot from Whitemud Creek Mining Co., on the Ski Hill slopes.

Learn more about Snow Valley Target Golf
 

Food, Beverage, and Retail

Creekside Eats | Summer is better outside! Visit Creekside Eats, our food trailer, and treat yourself to delicious eats and snacks, scoops of ice cream, and refreshing drinks on our fully licensed outdoor patio.

This summer, we are serving delicious tacos, paninis, mini donuts, nachos, ice cream, and more. Beverages include an assortment of local delights and international faves, beer, wine, coolers, and seltzers.

See you there!

Rainbow Valley Chalet | The home of our Guest Services team, and are perfect for a quick treat, a small souvenir, or some forgotten supplies. The ice cream freezer is always stocked too!

See the Creekside Eats menu and learn more about the food and beverage options here.

Rainbow Valley Campground

Did you know that Snow Valley is also home to Rainbow Valley Campground?

Turn your visit into a stay! Camp under the treed canopy, explore the river valley walking trails, and set up your base to rest or explore. Tents and RV spots available.

Check out the Rainbow Valley Campground website for more information.

Playgrounds

Just across the parking lot in Rainbow Valley Campground, we have several play structures suitable for kids who still have energy after (or maybe just not interested in) Target Golf, including a jungle gym, merry go round, nature-inspired climbing boulder, and classic playground!

We hope to welcome you to Whitemud Creek Mining Co. soon! If you have any questions, please contact us by phone at 780-434-3991 or by email at aerialpark@snowvalley.ca

Book Tower NOW!