News Release
August 5, 2025
Celebrate Archaeology Month by uncovering artifacts during the National Capital Commission’s (NCC) public archaeological digs at Leamy Lake Park. Discover the pre-contact period (before the arrival of Europeans) under the guidance of members of the NCC Archaeology Program.
Our free public digs offer a hands-on learning experience for residents and visitors of all ages. Simulated digs will also be available for children under 10.
This year’s digs will take place over 13 days (weather permitting), between August 7 and August 28. Registration is required. While this event is very popular, we will do our best to accommodate a small number of walk-ins.
We encourage participants to come prepared with water, insect repellent, a hat, long pants, gloves and closed-toe shoes with good treads, as a section of the trail to the dig site is on rough terrain.
About the site
Leamy Lake Park is home to the largest complex of pre-contact archaeological sites currently known in the Ottawa River drainage basin. This area is known to local Anishinabe communities as Kabeshinàn in Anishinaabemowin, meaning “campsite,” or “gathering place.” Indigenous groups have used the area for more than 6,000 years, and more intensively from 1,000 to 2,000 years ago. Artifacts recovered from these sites offer valuable insights about Indigenous history in the National Capital Region.
Map of dig site and surrounding area, showing the nearest STO bus stops and parking lot for vehicles coming from Fournier Boulevard. The site can also be accessed from the Leamy Lake multi-use pathway.
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