Yale Town Recreational Panning Reserve

Yale Town Recreational Panning Reserve encompasses approximatley 600 m of the town’s riverfront along the Fraser River. The panning reserve technically includes much of the town itself, you’re unlikely to find any of the residents of this quaint historic town willing to let you dig up their yards.

The panning reserve is easy to get to. There’s public parking in a small park along Front Street and trails down the hillside to the water. The more adventurous of you may try driving your vehicle down.

The Yale Town Recreational Panning Reserve doubles as a community beach. There is sand here, though it is rittled with large rocks. Additionally, an assortment of extremely large chunks of mountain reside in the beach and water. These are popular with panners as they form eddies that can accumulate gold.

On nice days, you’ll likely find panners and sunbathers both enjoying this small “beach”. Be cognizant of garbage as you dig around and beware that broken bottles and such can hide in the ground.

Yale Town is very popular and well known as a gold bearing panning reserve. It’s easy access and proximity to the Lower Mainland undoubtedly contributes to this. Gold is fairly plentiful but unlikely to be big. Expect mulitple colours per pan rather than pickers or nuggets. Garnets will also colour your pan which is also cool.