Discover Asbestos: Mining, Art and Views

Val-des-Sources can be explored through several distinct themes. The open-pit mine shapes the view of the town; alongside it are art, minerals and attractions related to the area’s historical heritage. Val-des-Sources is also part of the Chemin des Cantons (Townships Trail) tourist route. If you’re looking for hotels in Asbestos, you can first consider whether your trip will focus more on mining history, culture or a mix of both.

Open-pit mining and views in Val-des-Sources

The open-pit mine in Val-des-Sources is one of the largest in the world. Its crater is two kilometres in diameter and was formed through more than 120 years of mining. The long history of extraction and the size of the crater are two distinct aspects of the same place. Place de la Traversée is a public area offering panoramic views of the open-pit crater. The viewpoint adds a landscape perspective to the mining theme.

The Observatoire du puits minier et sentier is the starting point for a trail about 800 metres long along the open-pit crater. The trail passes by Halte VR and continues to Place de la Traversée. It is open seasonally; check in advance whether it will be accessible on your visit date. Its approximate length makes it easy to include as a separate section in your travel plans.

Art and minerals

The Espace Galerie at the Espace Culturel in Val-des-Sources presents visual art by artists from the region and elsewhere. Both solo and group exhibitions are shown. The annual program includes six exhibitions, each lasting two months. The artists’ origins and the exhibition format offer distinct perspectives on the program.

Minerals also offer a way to explore the area’s mining history. A wide variety of catalogued minerals from the Jeffrey Mine are displayed at the Val-des-Sources library. The Vitrine minéralogique at the Espace Culturel also provides information about local mining history. Alongside art, the town’s cultural offerings therefore include both minerals and mining history.

Historic routes and a self-guided stop

The Géorallye de Val-des-Sources offers three free rally routes exploring different themes related to the area’s historical heritage. The routes explore this heritage through a variety of themes. Another format is the 200 tons Haul truck, set up as a self-guided stop at the entrance to Val-des-Sources, in the parking lot of the Connie-Dion Arena. You can choose between several themed routes and a single, clearly identified stop.

Additional highlights in the wider Asbestos destination

At Lac Trois-Lacs, there is a municipal beach and a boat launch near Centre O3. These places add a lakeside dimension to the wider Asbestos destination; they are separate from the previously mentioned sites in Val-des-Sources.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Joseph-De-Ham-Sud, Saint-Adrien, Danville.

Go to the main travel overview: Asbestos.