Open-pit mine and mining history
Val-des-Sources is home to one of the world’s largest open-pit mines; its crater is two kilometres in diameter. This scale gives the area a distinctive landscape theme. At the Observatoire du puits minier et sentier, visitors can also find an elevated viewpoint, an interpretation of the open-pit mine, and mining artefacts. Landscape, context, and tangible objects thus come together in one place.
A trail about 800 metres long also starts at the observatory and runs along the open-pit mine. It is open seasonally; check whether it is open during your visit if you plan to go. The trail offers a different way to approach the site than the elevated viewpoint: rather than staying at a single vantage point, it follows the open-pit mine over a short distance. Its approximate length gives you a concrete sense of scale for this part of your stay.
The Vitrine minéralogique at the Espace Culturel Val-des-Sources provides information about local mining history. This means the subject is encountered not only as a major landscape feature, but also as local history. Val-des-Sources is also part of the Chemin des Cantons, a tourist route through the Cantons-de-l’Est. This connection to the route adds a regional tourism perspective to the local one.
Art and places by the water
The Espace Galerie is located in the Espace Culturel in Val-des-Sources and presents visual art by artists from the region and elsewhere. Both solo and group exhibitions are featured. At Lac Trois-Lacs, there is a municipal beach and a boat launch near Centre O3. Art and places by the water therefore stand alongside mining history as distinct focal points: the gallery showcases visual art, while the beach and boat launch are the specifically named spots by the lake.
Regional products and culinary events
The culinary scene is also part of the area’s character. Marché public Val-des-Sources is located at Place de la Traversée and offers a view of the open-pit mine. The market features regional producers, processors, artisans, and a selection of local products. The market is on hiatus in 2026, so do not count on it as an ongoing offering this year. A 2026 description calls the Festival gourmand de Val-des-Sources an annual event that brings together citizens, residents of the MRC, and visitors. For the edition covered, it mentions food stands and four food trucks. The specific program may vary from one edition to another, so check the dates and offerings for the relevant edition before making plans.
Which focus suits your trip?
In Val-des-Sources, the offerings can be grouped by travel theme: the open-pit mine and the vitrine lead into the landscape and mining history, while the gallery and Lac Trois-Lacs provide artistic and waterfront highlights. The market and festival there add regional producers and culinary events to the area’s appeal.
Discover more destinations: Danville, Asbestos, Saint-Joseph-De-Ham-Sud, Saint-Adrien, Beauharnois-Salaberry, Les Laurentides, L'assomption, Lotbinière.
For the main travel overview: Quebec.
