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. Members of the NCC Archaeology Program (Monica Maika and Bob Clark) will supervise the digs.
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 Indigenous history in the National Capital Region.
Schedule
Drop by anytime between 9 am and 5 pm on the following dates.
Cost
Free (admission and activity)
Getting there
The dig site is located on the Ottawa River waterfront in Leamy Lake Park. In all cases, you will need to walk a little to get there (rough terrain to the dig site; the beach can be rocky).
- Public Transit: Bus stops near the Voyageurs Pathway. Use STO’s travel planner for your route.
- By foot or by bike: Accessible from Leamy Lake multi-use pathway.
- By car: Parking lots close at 5:30 pm daily. Carpooling is recommended.
- Primary parking lot: Former Gatineau Boom parking lot, 80 Fournier Boulevard, Gatineau, Quebec (15–20 minute walk; space is limited)
- Alternate parking lot: Leamy Lake Beach parking lot (20–30 minute walk)
Special activities
Flintknapping demonstration
Learn about how stone tools were made
- Dates: Friday, August 2 and Monday, August 26
- Time: 10 am - 2 pm
- Presenter: Bradley Drouin, local archaeologist
What to bring
- Water
- Snacks
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Hat
- Long pants
- Gloves
- Closed-toe shoes with good treads
- Knee pads or gardening pad (optional)
- Lunch (spend the day with us!)
More information
For families: Simulated archaeological dig for children under 10 available.
Weather advisory: Public digs may be cancelled in case of heavy rain, thunderstorms, or excessive heat. Check this page for updates.