This Archaeology Month, we invite you to take part in our public archaeological digs. Help us recover artifacts at Leamy Lake Park and learn more about the pre-contact (before the arrival of Europeans) history of the region.
NCC archeologists Ian Badgley and Monica Maika will supervise the digs in partnership with Anishinàbe Odjìbikan, the archaeological field school of the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First nation and Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn First Nation.
Leamy Lake Park contains the largest complex of pre-contact archaeological sites currently known in the Ottawa River drainage basin. Used continuously for more than 6,000 years by Indigenous groups, the main occupation dates to 1,000 to 2,000 years ago. The artifact collections recovered from these sites provide important information about Anishinabe Algonquin history in the National Capital Region.
Schedule
Drop by anytime between 8 am and 5 pm on these dates.
Cost
Free (admission and activity)
Getting there
Parking
Free parking in the parking lot of the former Gatineau Boom (space is limited: first come, first serve). Carpooling is suggested. Please plan a 15-to-20-minute walk to the Leamy Lake Park dig site. The parking lot gate is locked every day at 5:30 pm.
80 Fournier Boulevard
Gatineau, Quebec
Parking is also available at Leamy Lake Beach. Please plan a 20-to-30-minute walk to the Leamy Lake Park dig site.
Public transit
There are bus stops near the Voyageurs Pathway that lead to the dig site. Use the STO’s travel planner to plan your route.
Information
While most of the digs are geared toward adults and children aged 10 and up, we also offer a simulated archaeological dig for families with children under 10 years old.
We recommend that you bring water and insect repellent, and wear a hat, long pants, gloves and closed-toe shoes with good treads, as a section of the trail to the dig site includes rough terrain.