The discovery of a gold vein in 1923 led mining explorers to the site of this future mine. Lamaque Gold Mines took over the project in 1932 and began exploiting the deposit as of 1935. For several decades, it was the richest gold mine in Québec. Closed in 1985, the Lamaque mine has been converted into an interpretation centre called La Cité de l'Or (the city of gold). In authentic miner's gear, you can tour a real mine 300 ft. underground. This subterranean experience is complemented by a tour of the surface buildings, including the analysis laboratory, where you can learn about gold processing.