Cité de l'Or facts for kids
Bourlamaque mining village
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| Established | 1995 |
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| Location | Val-d'Or, Abitibi region of Quebec, Canada |
| Type | Gold mining |
The Cité de l'Or (which means "The City of Gold") is a cool place to visit in Val-d'Or, Quebec, Canada. It's like stepping back in time to see how gold was mined! Since 1995, visitors can explore the old Lamaque gold mine deep underground. You can also walk through the historic Bourlamaque mining village. This village is so important that it became a provincial historic site in 1979 and a National Historic Site in 2012.
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Discovering Gold and Mining History
Gold was first found in this area way back in 1923. The Lamaque mine started digging for gold in 1935. For many years, it was a busy place, bringing up lots of gold. But by 1985, all the gold that could be easily reached was gone. So, the mine closed down.
What You Can See at Cité de l'Or
Today, the Cité de l'Or lets you experience what life was like for miners. You can go on a guided tour deep into the mine. It's a unique chance to see the tunnels and learn about the hard work of gold mining.
The Bourlamaque Mining Village
The Bourlamaque village is right next to the mine. It's a special place because it shows how mining communities lived. The buildings and streets are preserved, giving you a real feel for history.
Underground Bike Race
Since 2000, something really exciting happens at the mine! One part of the Tour de l'Abitibi bike race takes place underground. Cyclists ride about 300 feet below the surface. They race through the mine's tunnels. Then, they have to cycle up a very steep ramp. After that, they burst out into the streets of Val-d'Or to finish the race. It's a truly unique challenge for the riders!
Training for New Miners
Since 2007, the Cité de l'Or has also been used for training. New miners learn important skills here. It's a safe place for them to practice before working in active mines. This helps keep mining traditions alive and teaches future generations.
Images for kids
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Bourlamaque mining village
