Wonders of the Earth Gem and Mineral Show

Earth science enthusiasts, rockhounds, and curious families will find plenty to marvel at during the 54th annual Wonders of the Earth Gem and Mineral Show. Hosted at the University of Toronto Scarborough's Highland Hall, this weekend-long gathering brings together geologists, seasoned collectors, lapidary artisans, and university researchers to celebrate the planet's geological wonders.

Co-sponsored by the non-profit Gem and Mineral Club of Scarborough and UTSC's Environmental and Physical Sciences Students Association, the event blends a bustling marketplace with rich scientific programming.

Crystals, Fossils, and Hands-on Discovery

Dozens of specialist vendors line Highland Hall with raw minerals, polished gemstones, rare meteorites, authentic fossils, and handcrafted jewellery. Beyond retail booths, attendees can bid in silent and live auctions, watch lapidary cutting demonstrations, and attend lectures led by club specialists and U of T earth science professors exploring mineralogy and planetary history.

For younger visitors, the Kids' Quarry and crystal-making activity stations provide fun, tactile introductions to geology and paleontology.

Planning Your Visit

Early bird tickets are available online for $5, while general admission at the door is $6 for adults, $1 for youth ages 5 to 17, and free for children under 5. Highland Hall is located at 1265 Military Trail on the UTSC campus in eastern Scarborough. Paid visitor parking is available on-site in Lot G, and the venue is easily reached by TTC via the 38 Highland Creek or 95 York Mills buses from Scarborough Centre and York Mills stations.