Abandoned BC: Mascot Gold Mine

[@johnmolyneux8322]

My Mother graduated from Vancouver General Hospital in 1942. Her first job was the nurse at this mine she started in Jan. 1943. She hated heights but once a month she had to accompany the mine doctor up to the mine. I understand now why she quit after I believe 8 months. Have some pictures of her at mine site. Also when we lived in Summerland B.C. , Bill Barlee was our neighbour for a time. Thanks for posting

[@keithharley9729]

It's too bad he didn't go right up to the top. It's an open pit up there. It looks like a volcano. I was a helicopter pilot and during my mountain training course, we flew all over that place and had some very challenging places to land there. Always wanted to shut down and explore the place. Absolutely amazing and beautiful.

[@therebex23]

Just out of curiosity - did you ever have to land at the Castlegar airport? It's apparently one of the most dangerous/challenging airports and flights in require pilots that are total experts/badasses haha.

[@jp9332]

Barrick gold is the open pit? Looks interesting. Lots of company people up there. Couldn't access either.

[@mc1701-D]

@keithharley9729 I’m wondering with all your piloting experience in that area, did you ever come across the remains of a con-air plane crash?

[@MikeHcan2]

My grandparents lived in Hedley in the early 1980s and during one visit my dad and I hiked up to the mine site and explored the buildings. I remember standing in the window of one of the buildings on the edge of the cliff and looking straight down hundreds of feet. I need to go back and visit again. Thanks for an amazing video and a great memory!

[@lifeofluke]

Ya it's a pretty wild view, thanks Mike!

[@billsoo306]

I grew up in Princeton, 25 miles away. We used to explore the Mascot and the Nickelplate mines back in the late 70s. It was quite a climb to reach the site which contributed to its preservation. There was a fair amount of graffitti but little vandalism. Since then, it has been fixed up a bit, with new metal roofing and elimination of the more dangerous stairs etc. I hope it will be open again one day.

[@12pawsinn]

I lived in Princeton 10 years ago... I never got to visit but its on my list

[@areyouAyumi]

I started to watch Gold Trails and Ghost Towns with Bill Barlee and videos about the mines themselves and really started to become interested in in exploring BC. There is so much to see. Later I learned from my dad that Bill Barlee was a guest of my Grandmas in Osoyoos. My dad said he drank a whole bottle of rye and kept them enraptured with stories of the old cities for the whole night into the early morning.

[@lifeofluke]

I love Gold Trails and Ghost Towns! Haha, and that is a great story!

[@dantrisevic]

He is one guy I would love to set around a camp fire with a drink beer and rye with! And listen to his stories. The other would be Jesus! Lol

[@exploringabandonedmines]

Some great drone work. I have been extensively exploring this and many other mines underground. The Mascot and adjoining Nichol Plate mine had 138 km of underground workings!

[@lifeofluke]

Thanks Frank, I have been watching your videos for a while now! It's incredible how much there is to explore.

[@TechOttawa]

I thought of Franks tour of this place as soon as I saw the drone shot. Spectacular site. Thanks for the stunning overhead views, both of you!

[@Rhythm911]

Dang !!! During my time in the Okanagan Valley 2002 - 2007.... In 2004 I lived for a few months Feb to May/June on the Lower Similk. Valley Reserve about halfway between Keremeos and Hedley on the Similk. River. The place was originally Chief Ashnola John's homestead. It was being leased by the widow of one of the Family's members. I wish I had been told that tour was available.

[@rudy103069]

@@lifeofluke The Ancient people of Peru would of built a giant sluice box right out of the mountain below the gold and shove all the debris and rubble over that? kzbin.info/www/bejne/fpWtlJpvd8qGrtk

[@DonnyDealer]

I wish more was being done to preserve these heritage sites in British Columbia. For every Barkerville or Britannia Mining Museum there are probably dozens of these long forgotten sites falling into disrepair. I hate to see the day where they become unrecognizable piles of rubble in our forests. Would like to show my children these places one day, if I ever have any. Some of my fondest memories from my childhood were wandering trails finding old steam donkeys from the logging around my community from days gone. Always gave me a sense of discovery and adventure. Thank you for preserving a piece of our history with your video. I hope it will remain here long after Mascot (and the others like it) are gone.

[@gilromero1340]

Thank you for the great video of this abandoned gold mine. At 71 years old and in Covid lockdown I really enjoyed watching! Thanks, Gil

[@lifeofluke]

Thanks Gil!

[@jimdiangiroux]

I loved that tour! Did it around 2007. Absolutely amazing guide we had. Telling us stories. I think the little bus driver was the Chief of the Band. Excellent time!

[@jbrisby]

Yeah right, chief of the bus.

[@CharlesHowarth_007]

Grew up in Hedley in the 70's. Spent many hours and days exploring all the old mining history. Loved every moment. Mascot mine is amazing. At that time there was no tours, it was basically untouched..

[@lifeofluke]

sounds awesome!

[@edwardandrews1241]

Been up there in the mid 70s when i was with the one way adventure foundation at camp colonial and camped at the tumblers at the bottom of the mountain.

[@CharlesHowarth_007]

@@edwardandrews1241 My parents were caretakers just prior to the One Way taking over. It was pretty cool place. Coach House, Staff house, hidden vault in the Coach House...great place to grow up

[@barefootanimist]

Bill Barlee was important in helping British Columbians preserve the mining and gold-rush history of the province. I grew-up watching him in Gold Trails and Ghost-Towns.

[@davidwebster3738]

Dog alone in Paradise: Sad Dog deep in a dank, dark abandoned mine with owner: Delighted

[@gregmiller3630]

I went on the tour in 2010, and bought a book about the mine's history from the gift shop. It was one of those "once in a lifetime experiences" I will always cherish.

[@wattyd6867]

Very impressive, I've lived in BC my entire life and never realized how fabulous this province is, the heritage is unreal. I'm in Kamloops and this is easily a day trip! Thanks for the video

[@lifeofluke]

Thanks Darin! That's one of the reasons I make these videos, to show the amazing stuff that exists in BC!

[@darinmckillop6196]

@@lifeofluke I drove truck for years and had friend in bc.theres nothing like the sound of 2 v6 merc outboards on the inland waterways.if I wasn't here I'd be there and we could share some beverages

[@carlosgaspar8447]

not that long ago there was a monthly magazine called beautiful british columbia which highlighted many such places around the province. like a calendar.

[@zachjardine165]

I thank you Sir! for the memories you brought back to me today. When I was 14 me and my family traveled to the mascot mine back in 2013, ill never forget how beautiful the view was and what it must have been like for the miner's.

[@lifeofluke]

Thanks Zach!

[@zachjardine165]

@@lifeofluke you are living my dream my friend keep doing what you are doing!

[@brianlam257]

This site is one hell of a tourist spot. It's such a regret they stopped in 2017.

[@lifeofluke]

Ya. They might start again in the future, there's just some work to be done before then.

[@AB-cw6pu]

❤️ The way you said “There’s gold in them thar hills.”

[@normanmallory2055]

I love old sites like this ! I think this is an amazing site !

[@swnorcraft7971]

Outstanding! Another great video, Luke. Now I want to study up on the history of this mine. How gold was discovered and the original funding, owners etc. Thanks for sharing.

[@lifeofluke]

Thanks SW!

[@44Paws]

I Love BC, I was Born here and will live here the rest of my life. IAM beyond thankful to live here. Love 💙🤍🇨🇦

[@darkdefender1111]

Me too 😁. I'm in the north Thompson

[@jaygray7102]

@Koltin Driver You and so many other Albertans. Welcome. We like it here.

[@mikehunt4797]

ditto BC born and bred Squamish now the Cariboo.

[@gr8light]

Cool video. I was in Hedley a few weeks ago talking with an old timer who told me of the terrible accident in which all the passengers of the trolley down perished as it flew out of control. I looked at this site through a telescope but great to see it up close. Thanks.

[@lifeofluke]

Oh man, that's terrible. Thank you for watching!

[@rugdnit911]

I grew up in the interior of BC. Love these old mining camps. I used to ride my dirt bike all over those old mining roads.

[@peterfrancis2101]

I climbed up there years ago, quite the hike. They used to ride the tram cars back to town too. What amazes me is how they discovered the gold in the first place, what a crazy place to prospect.

[@Rhythm911]

I talked to a friend of my friend when i was living there. He was a prospector and he said, he was told by geologists, that they knew where the gold was most likely located throughout the valley by following the trails/courses of the ancient river's that flowed through the Valley centuries before from the time of the last Ice Age, from ancient maps kept by the Native Bands in the region. (I think it's true, but I haven't been able to find if they were made modern public record)

[@VEGAtoronto]

That is a true hidden gem. Lovely drone shots

[@evedarth1]

I went there and toured it many years ago.. It was freaking awesome, got some great pics and felt the immense supernatural presence...especially in the mine.

[@therebex23]

Hedley has always felt a bit spooky to me what with the mountain falling down and the historic buildings/abandoned businesses - it's like it's frozen in time in a way. Especially spooky at night, it's so dark and quiet. We used to stop at the Nickel Plate Diner every summer on our annual road trips between the Kootenays and the Lower Mainland, it's been shut for a few years now unfortunately :(

[@GarrettDerp]

I remember doing this with my family many years ago when I was just a kid. Looks like it's worth an unguided explore this time around.

[@lifeofluke]

Ya, definitely!

[@mikethompson6222]

@@lifeofluke any way you could give me a rough idea as to how to get to that place. I've camped alot along twenty mile creek solo and checked out the old monk cave.

[@katydai]

You're giving your dog the best life! I love it!

[@lifeofluke]

Trying my best!

[@Bobcagon]

When you look at Hedley today it’s hard to fathom that in 1990 there was a music festival held in a field beside the Similkameen River. Headliners such as Dr.Hook, Charlie Pride, Patty Loveless, Lee Greenwood,Gary Fjellgaard,Juice Newton were present. It was called The Hedly Blast.They actually set off a blast atop the mountains above the valley floor. Unbelievable to think these headliners performed in this little spot in a desert valley below Mascot Mine. Glad we attended it. Seems surreal now.

[@lifeofluke]

That's awesome, glad you have those memories!

[@DebbieNobodyneedstoknow1]

I've driven by and always wondered what it was like! I really enjoy your Abandoned BC videos!

[@sarahminer6014]

Incredible beautiful area that Mascot, no words.

[@ErokLobotomist]

I had no idea this was up there. That's so cool. Begging for a movie to be filmed.

[@Destination_Adventure]

coolio. Always wanted to hike up there and check it out.

[@TheLassenman]

Wow just think of all that crazy work or even getting all those materials up to tthat place, must have been an mental task if you ask me...

[@thanhdong4195]

living in Alberta for so long but will go here one day , stay safe Luke

[@Larpy1933]

Superb production. Thanks again.

[@iankavanagh1089]

Was there many years ago. The drive up was something in and of itself. The staff were fantastic. I took many pics and when I show people they find it hard to believe.

[@bigdogpr]

I run a team of 25 cinematographers. You have some pro skills mate. Full stop. Love your video. Great story telling. You capture the attention of the viewer. And, you do this in all the videos I’ve seen of yours. 👍👍

[@lifeofluke]

I truly appreciate that Joe! And I'm always aiming to be better!

[@SilentKnight43]

Those drone shots really add to the perspective. Great video!

[@lifeofluke]

Thanks!

[@martineasson6668]

I haven't been there in over 30 years..thank you for bringing that memory back. Excellent video.😁👍👍👍👍

[@lifeofluke]

Thanks Martin!

[@stewartmack4266]

Loved his shows and got all his books...even got one signed....but even better got to take a gold panning course with him in Nelson and heard more stories. plus he brought some gold nuggets in a Crown Royal bag...what a fantastic guy and always promoted BC.

[@lifeofluke]

That's awesome

[@toxickittn7558]

I am in absolute awe at your life. These videos are so incredible. I live in BC and I love this so much. I wish I was right there beside you ❤️

[@lifeofluke]

Thanks! BC is such an amazing place!

[@jbrobertson6052]

Great video first time watching one of your videos I live on Vancouver Island and I didn't even know about this place thanks for the tour.Liked and Subscribed Cheers

[@lifeofluke]

Thanks JB!

[@meganmarkowski2126]

My grandmother and grandfather worked as doctor's for the miners in Hedley. This is pretty cool to see.

[@edwardandrews1241]

Been up there back in 70s while staying at camp calonial with the one way adventure foundation.

[@thomasw5003]

Great video and narration. B.C. has so many places for exploration. Keep the vids coming !

[@lifeofluke]

Thanks Thomas!

[@thomasw5003]

@@lifeofluke I’m inspired to get out this summer and do some exploring around BC.

Man this is amazing and beautiful!

[@mickyunit]

Wow!!!!! Side note: you reminded me of Yukon Cornelius!! One of my faves. For that reason alone, you have a new sub!

[@lifeofluke]

Thanks!

[@ToyotatechDK]

Superb footage once again. Such an epic location

[@manofsan]

This was a nicely made video - a pleasure to watch. Thanks!

[@jasonflt]

been crushing a few of your video's . I feel there's so much more to tell in each video. make me want more of each place

[@thetoprockproject3314]

Thanks for the video, for anyone reading mining terms are: Adit - Horizontal entry into the side of a mountain Portal - Decline from surface going underground, ramp entrance Winze - Internal shaft (conveyance) Raise - Vertical/Near vertical excavation Manway - Raise with infrastructure for travel "Dynamite Shed" lol - Powder Mag

[@lifeofluke]

Thanks, I always like to learn more terminology and should have included some of these!

[@thetoprockproject3314]

@@lifeofluke All good, some people in the comments were looking a bit lost, cheers!

[@akashbrar-mortgagebroker3435]

Very well presented ! Thanks

[@gerardhiggins1]

What can I say, other that gorgeous. God this should be preserved.

[@lifeofluke]

Definitely!

[@universerebel3638]

Where I live in Gorham New Hampshire is the 1800's galena (lead) mine called "Mascot Mine" next to Mascot Pond.

[@coryhobbs5386]

Love your videos great trips. Reminds me of my Alaska home

[@solomonwoodland6362]

Incredible. Would love to visit this one!

[@TravelWithTats]

So cool! I have this one planned for August this summer. Fingers crossed those forest fires are at bay.

[@alf8211]

Enjoyed your video, how amazing it would have been to work at this mine. It's cool how you're preserving history in film like never before.

[@lifeofluke]

thanks Adrienne!

[@KerryDSC]

I would love camp there for a few days, it must be special watching the sun rise and sun set.

[@jamiesteeves1259]

I saw this through a telescope from a museum right below the mountain!! super cool

[@anitalornie1743]

Lucky dog, gets to go on all these marvellous adventures.

[@bobgillis1137]

Awesome video ! Thanks for sharing.

[@lifeofluke]

Thanks Bob!

[@evedarth]

This was awesome to see... toured years ago

[@chrisdrysdale4311]

Discovered Hedley/Mascot mine accidentally while window-shopping classic cars on Kijiji! I had no idea any of this was here...freakin' crazy. Learning about this place made my day!

[@lifeofluke]

I'm glad you liked it, the Mascot mine is a pretty incredible place!

[@ostapbendervan7874]

Town view straight. I miss traveling thru okanagan

[@jonb8875]

Seen a few mines in my time but that looks amazing. If I ever get that way it’s on the do list.

[@blueman5924]

just announced. Feb 2021. gov funding of $797,480 for revitalization of this heritage site. 👏 (grant amount corrected, from info reported by Castanet news)

[@WCGwkf]

That awesome the tunnels are open. Theres all kinds of old mines in colorado but they're all closed off or caved in on purpose. A place I used to hunt apparently had a mine way up marked on gps but was too far off my path to check it out. There were remnants of rail cart track bits though at the bottom that you cross

[@johnwatson3948]

That’s great - don’t make the same mistake I did for years that “Port Belmont” at the end of the channel was also Surf Inlet. The Surf Inlet town was a few miles inland out in real wilderness - the dam at Port Belmont not only generated hydroelectric power (which was somehow cabled through the forest to the town), but also raised the water level to allow boat access through the lakes to the landing for Surf Inlet.

[@samorayee420]

this is beauty in our land . wish they can rebuild and repair this place for tourist

[@lifeofluke]

There definitely is! I'm fairly sure they will repair it. Thanks!

[@KILLE911]

Very well done! Love that place

[@lifeofluke]

thanks!

[@KILLE911]

@@lifeofluke found your channel the other day. How many spots in BC I have left to see...

[@hugolafhugolaf]

Ever been to Bankhead near Banff? You’d love it. Great vid.

[@bobcohoon9615]

Beautiful scenery

[@ryangemser3290]

Wow crazy I didn’t k ow about this so going up their soon to check it out

[@levizurch9480]

What an amazing video! Thank you

[@danrubin4506]

Above Hedley, yes. Thought I recognized it, from seeing it up there on the side of the mountain as I drove through on the way to the Okanagan.

[@jamesmac7464]

Beautiful British Columbia..😎

[@gursimrathayer9943]

Love you luke thanks for showing such beautiful places around bc

[@lifeofluke]

Thanks Simmu!

[@darinmckillop6196]

Thank you for sharing this I'm from Ontario and seeing something like this would be neat Ps our history is a lot of fun

[@VanManTheVlog]

How did you get up there? Trail or road?

[@errolflynn6150]

Beautiful Supernatural British Columbia.

[@482139482139]

Imagine the beauty of building this place in its prime, banging nails with a view like that priceless

[@fbrewx2560]

Wonderful! Thanks for sharing.

[@caseyn720]

Wow this is amazing. I never even knew this was here. I live in the Okanagan so I’ll definitely be seeing if I can get up there sometime soon.

[@ianrobinson8974]

Who on earth discovered the gold in such a "far out" place? A story worth telling no doubt.

[@dantrisevic]

Bill Barlee explains how they discovered it on his show called Gold trails and Ghost towns. It is on KZbin. Look for the mascot mine episode

[@OccasionallyEvil]

You are right about the wildfire risk. Sadly, it's only a matter of time until a fire will destroy these amazing structures.

[@truckubuddy]

The place has stood majestically for over 100 years. Lightening has not struck. Open that place!

[@qwazert382]

Been to this area a few times, into the French mine on the other side of the other hill....makes me wonder how the heck you accessed this area, but I understand why you wouldn't post it either. Love old mines....

[@Richhookspin]

This is a nice, informative video. Well done.

[@arifhafizamhamzah32]

Buildings scattered on the steep hills is awesome but it also risk of landsliding

[@elkhunter76]

Great video of an amazing place!

[@Mascotal]

I just sold my cabin only a few Kms. from there. Lots of B.C. history in that valley.

[@lifeofluke]

Ya that's for sure!

[@JokerThaToker]

The way they traveled up into the mine reminds me of “The Inclined Plane” in Johnstown, Pa. I don’t live far from there and have traveled up the mountain by the plane a few times.

[@janicem4382]

Such an incredible spot!

[@WoodlandsWorld]

Bill Barlee was the true hero

[@lifeofluke]

Definitely

[@richardhannay4253]

Bill was probably the best thing that happened to BC in the last 60 years. A true hero indeed. He did more for BC heritage than anyone else I can think of. I just wish I could've met him. Thankfully, there's plenty of his "ghost towns and gold trails" videos here on youtube.

[@rorymunroe3771]

@@richardhannay4253 l called Bill just before he passed away and thanked him for all of us..We were so lucky to have him and his rich stories...thx to Mike as well for gold trails and ghost towns...your legacy lives on...

[@southoripper]

My family has lived in Osoyoos since 1985. I remember in the late 80's our grade 6 or 7 teacher had Bill come to class to share with us some history about the local area. He had a big nugget of river gold that was passed around, it was so cool! He really was an awesome guy. At the time he was the local MLA but I didn't know he'd been the minister of tourism, or that the Mascot mines were saved because of him. I'm stoked that some folks have taken the time to put up old VHS episodes of Gold Trails and Ghost Towns here on the tube!

[@SuperGreyWardens]

@@southoripper I'm from Rock Creek and Bill Barlee was one of the only historians of the Boundary.

[@thanhdong4195]

greeting Luke , from Calgary, AB .Canada 🍁

[@vanlifethetravelinfranksho5611]

Wow! Just, wow!

[@TheWolfsnack]

I recall decades back before the building that covered much of the mountain side burned down.

[@lunalunitalunera5832]

love your videos!!!

[@lifeofluke]

Thanks Luna!

[@ipaddlemyowncanoe.7441]

Such a beautiful place why would anybody want to burn it down is beyond me glad they never good video. 👍👍😀