GOLDPANNING AT GOLD PANNER

Aerial view of a creek winding through a forest - the gold panning area at Gold Panner Campground, Cherryville, BC

Gold Panning at Gold Panner

Strike gold. Respect the claim. Experience something real.

There’s something timeless about standing in a creek, swirling gravel, and watching for that first flash of gold.

At Gold Panner, this isn’t a staged attraction, it’s the real thing.

Our property sits on active, registered placer mining claims, giving you rare access to pan in a legitimate gold-bearing environment shaped by history, geology, and time.

What Makes This Different

Gold panning here isn’t just an activity, it’s participation in a working landscape.

You’re not sifting decorative sand.
You’re standing in a creek that still produces gold.

That’s exactly why access is structured the way it is.

How It Works

Getting started is simple:

  1. Check in at the Apothecary (required)
  2. Purchase your gold panning pass
  3. Pick up any rental equipment if needed
  4. Head down to the creek and start exploring

If it’s your first time, we’ll point you in the right direction and show you what to look for - no experience needed!

Gold Panning Pass Options

  • Drop-In Day Pass — $20
  • Registered Guests Day Pass — $15
  • Punch Card - Purchase 9 day passes, your 10th day is free
  • Family Pass — $100 (up to 6 people, includes rentals + parking)

All passes are issued through the Apothecary.

Equipment & “Pay Dirt”

If you don’t have your own gear, we’ve got you covered:

  • Gold pan + spade rentals available
  • “Pay dirt” with guaranteed gold (perfect for kids or first-timers!)

Everything is picked up and returned at the Apothecary.

Understanding the Rules (And Why They Exist)

Gold Panner operates under British Columbia’s Mineral Tenure Act, which governs all mineral claims in the province.

In plain terms:

  • Recreational hand panning is allowed in BC
  • However, you cannot pan on an active mineral claim without permission from the claim holder

We are the recorded holders of the claims on this property.

What This Means for You

To legally and respectfully pan here:

  • You must obtain a Gold Panning Pass before entering the creek
  • All check-ins and permissions are handled through the Apothecary
  • Panning without permission is considered claim jumping under provincial law

This isn’t just a campground rule; it’s how mineral rights are protected across BC.

Equipment Restrictions

To keep the experience accessible and environmentally low-impact:

  • Hand panning is allowed
  • No sluice boxes
  • No high bankers
  • No dredging or motorized equipment
  • No metal detecting on the claim

This ensures the creek remains a shared, recreational experience for everyone.

A Better Way to Experience It

We’ve intentionally designed this to feel less like regulation, and more like stepping into something real.

By checking in, getting oriented, and starting from the right place, you:

  • Increase your chances of actually finding gold
  • Avoid wandering into unproductive or sensitive areas
  • Become part of a system that respects both the land and its history

Built With Intention

Gold Panner has returned to local ownership, and we’re building this place for the long term.

Revenue from passes, rentals, and the Apothecary goes directly back into:

  • Maintaining access to the creek
  • Improving trails and infrastructure
  • Creating better experiences for guests

Start at the Apothecary

Before heading down to the creek, stop by the Apothecary storefront.

It’s where your experience begins:

  • Get your pass
  • Pick up gear
  • Learn where to go
  • Explore goods from local makers

From there, follow the path to the creek, and see what you can find!

Gold has a way of slowing people down.

It forces patience. Focus. Curiosity.

And every once in a while, if you’re paying attention, it rewards you.

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