Marmora Mine
DID YOU KNOW….that Marmora and Lake has a breathtaking gem, with stunning turquoise water, hiking trails, and rich in history; the Marmoraton Mine!
Rising molten gabbro intruded marbles here. A chemical reaction took place at the contact between the marbles and the gabbro, producing a very large deposit of iron ore called magnetite. This important economic mineral deposit was buried under hundreds of feet of limestone and went undetected until the early 1950s, when New York-based mining company Bethlehem Steel purchased 1,900 acres of land and began the process of removing more than 120 feet of limestone to uncover the rich iron ore underneath. The site would be mined for more than 20 years, creating a huge open pit that is more than half a mile long and 700 feet deep.
Swimming or access to the mine area/pit is not permitted due to safety concerns for the public, but there is a great lookout area for the public to view this picturesque beauty.
To learn more about the history of the mine, please visit the Marmora Historical Foundation website: https://www.marmorahistory.ca/the-mighty-marmoraton-mine
To learn more about the Miner’s Loop, a popular self-guided tour that is a combined walking/driving tour to four amazing geological sites around Marmora & Lake! Each site provides information about the mining and geological history in the area. Please visit the Visit Marmora and Lake website for more information: https://visitmarmoraandlake.ca/miners-loop-tour
The Municipality of Marmora and Lake is located conveniently on Highway 7, between Ottawa and Toronto. This former mining village offers pristine waters, spectacular hiking trails, friendly faces, unique shops, fantastic eateries, and an unparalleled way of life. Come and discover the richness and vibrancy of what this great community offers.
Adventure awaits you and yours in Marmora and Lake, one of Eastern Ontario’s finest places to live, work, play, or visit!