Virtual Guidebook to Northern British Columbia
The Rock Cutting Area Behind the Souvenir Store
Jade City, on the Cassiar Highway, British Columbia, Canada
 
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The Cassiar Highway was named for the Cassiar Asbestos Mine and its company town, closed down since 1992. Associated with asbestos is jade, and jade mines are scattered throughout this area, from Dease Lake north to the Yukon line.

Jade City is really just a few houses and a souvenir shop, specializing in — you guessed it, jade. There are huge boulders of jade out front, and a work area along the side with rock saws and piles of jade. The quality varies, but there is some beautiful stone available, and many really big pieces (they advertise "raw jade by the pound or tonne"). It mostly comes from the Princess Jade Mine, back in the hills to the east of the highway. We loaded up with souvenirs here. I especially like the small jade pendants shaped like a maple leaf.


Next: Cottonwood River