Dive into the history of mining at the Minéro Museum

Lights Below Ground: an immersive, multisensory experience

This year’s exciting new attraction, Lights Below Ground, offers a glimpse into the lives of miners who once worked in the dark, damp depths of the mine. Presented at the King Mine Historical Centre | KB3, this immersive show blends sound and visual effects with narration to vividly convey the harsh realities these miners faced.

After the show, visit the discovery stations to uncover the miners’ long-buried secrets about their everyday lives and work. You’ll also have the chance to tour the carefully restored heritage buildings to learn more about the day-to-day operations of a former mine.

The Ville de Thetford Observatory and a family-friendly park

Continue your adventure by making your way to the top of the headframe at the Ville de Thetford Observatory. Accessible by elevator or stairs, this spectacular lookout offers stunning views of the city and the mining landscape from more than 40 metres high.

Outside, kids can let their imaginations run wild at the Espace des mini-héros, a family-friendly park filled with fun and educational activities. A mini backhoe loader, floating sieve, barrels, adventure course, restored locomotives, and a truck cab—everything your kiddos need for an interactive mining experience. Parents can relax in the shaded areas while little ones explore the self-serve toy box. It’s a win-win for everyone!

A virtual exploration of the mining world

Why not round off your visit with a one-of-a-kind virtual reality experience? Put on the VR headset and step into Thetford’s former open-pit mines. Explore surreal landscapes where moon-grey tones of the mining residue contrast with the turquoise waters that now occupy these craters. Along the way, you’ll visit the once-bustling Beaver, British Canadian, Lac d’amiante, and Carey mines. It’s an experience you won’t want to miss!