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Led by renowned local storyteller and historian, Gerry Stephenson, this mine tour highlights the story of mining in Canmore. In this program, the late Gerry Stephenson will lead you to the No. 1 and No. 2 Canmore Mines and the reclaimed strip mine, now a popular recreation spot Gerry was responsible for creating. Gerry worked as chief engineer and assistant general manager at the Canmore Mine from 1968 to 1974, having spent his life working in gold and coal mines. His tours of the Canmore Mine for the Canmore Museum attracted over 1,000 residents, students and visitors and were always sold out. This program is made possible with the financial support of the estate of Gerry Stephenson and his close friend Kay Anderson as a tribute to this remarkable individual.
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The Rock Cut
The geology in the Canmore area has some unique features. At the Rock Cut, Gerry explains folding and faulting and how it has contributed to having easy access to the coal found in the local strata. -
Canmore #1 Mine
Very few remnants of the coal mine still exist in the Canmore area. At this stop on Gerry’s Tour, he explains the various features of the #1 Mine. With the addition of some creative animation the viewer is able to get a glimpse of what existed on the site over 100 years ago. -
The Lamp House
Before each shift, miners would grab their lamps at the lamp house, first the Davey safety lamp then the much improved battery-powered light., each with the miner's number on it. After the mine closed in 1979, almost everything was demolished and the land reclaimed. The Lamphouse is the only mine building still standing. Gerry explains the mine operation that existed at the time and the role that the Lamphouse played for the miners. -
Quarry Lake
Quarry Lake is a well-loved and well used area for recreation in Canmore today. Very few know people using the site realize that it was once an open-pit coal mine. One of Gerry’s proudest accomplishments was the work he did on the site to reclaim and restore it to what we see today. Today, Quarry Lake Park is a popular summer spot for both locals and visitors, offering views of Mount Rundle, Ha Ling Peak, and the Fairholme Range.
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