Digging down to learn about the past: NCC opens public archeological site

Visitors can mine for pieces of history on NCC land on a prime spot on the Quebec side of the Ottawa River.

On select dates throughout August, the NCC is opening the doors for the curious to get their hands dirty to check it all out for free.

“This is one of 14 Indigenous archaeological sites within Lac Leamy Park,” said Maika. “This is one of the ones under the most threat from climate change, active erosion and changing water levels on the Ottawa River, so we’re trying to learn as much as possible about this site before it’s completely gone into the river.”

Last August, Maika says about 1,000 people showed up for the 20 days the site was open. During last week’s heat wave, the daily count was around 20, slightly higher on the weekend. Crowds are largest around the noon hour.