In the mid to late 1800s, the Gold Rush led to mining in the Canadian Rockies. Gold prospectors came to Jasper and Whistler in search of the precious metal. A Gold Rush Trail was created; railroad tours along the original trail are in operation today. The town of Fernie in British Columbia flourished through coal mining in 1897 and used the Canadian Pacific Railroad to move the coal.
Miners in the Canadian Rockies have unearthed gold, ore, zinc, lead and galena from underground mines. Coal is the main natural resource mined in present day. According to the Coal Association of Canada, "Canada holds close to 10 billion tons of coal reserves, more energy than all of our oil, natural gas and oil sands combined." Coal is exported to over 20 countries worldwide.
The Sullivan Mine Interpretative Centre in Kimberely houses a historical site and museum, which features exhibits of mining machinery. Open rail cars take visitors through the underground mine. Fort Steele Heritage Town in the Kootenay Rockies was the site of hydraulic gold mining during the Gold Rush. The nostalgic town now features museum displays, gold panning and historical tours. The Frank Slide Interpretative Centre in Alberta offers presentations and tours related to coal mining history.
