Crystal Cave Mineral Exhibit & Crystal Shop — Attraction in Strong Township

Extremely disappointed with lack of current health and safety measures, and unprofessional staff! I have been here a few times over the years since the opening, and have found it so interesting. So, when I had the opportunity to visit once again, I was excited to bring my 6yr old to explore; as he was too little to remember the last time we were there. My family and I have been very careful and selective of places we go due to the risks involved with Covid-19. So, I was cautiously optimistic when we arrived,. There were very few people in the museum portion- and everyone was masked. We had an amazing time in there, with a wonderful women taking her time with my wide-eyed, curious son. She was terrific!

However, I was appalled and felt extremely unsafe after entering the gift shop area! My son had wanted to purchase some “gems”, and after being there for a few minutes, I realized that there were absolutely NO safety measures in place. This is an extremely small space, and there was no visible signage for means of social distancing. But the most frustrating and scary part, is the fact that they do not enforce face coverings of any sort. Once I realized how cramped the space was, we tried to leave, but were blocked by multiple people at the cash counter-which was also the only way out. I would have normally squeezed my way through. However, I realized that this group of 6 people, including what looked/sounded like the owner?, and the 2 girls behind the counter were not wearing masks! We waited way too long for them to finish their discussion and pleasantries. When they finally all dispersed, we had the clear to leave. On the way out, I asked the girls behind the counter, “are masks not mandatory here?” The answer shocked me.I was told “No. It is a personal choice”. ???Is it not mandatory for all businesses in Ontario to follow health regulations/guidelines?, including and not limited to mask wearing indoors? I am extremely disappointed, saddened- and disgusted at the blatant disregard for the health and well-being of others; especially children. When walking away from the counter, I heard the 2 girls snickering and ridiculing me for my safety concerns. Extremely unprofessional, and uncalled for! I will not be returning to support this...

Found this gem of a place by accident while out driving around on a beautiful Sunday afternoon. Honestly I was shocked when we walked in the door. We quickly met Julia, the resident geologist and proprietor. She and her staff have created a gorgeous display to show off her extensive personal collection. Make no mistake, this is not some amateur exhibition, this is a museum quality showroom.

Julia and her husband have spent a lifetime amassing an impressive mineral collection. When visiting give yourself a good amount of time to really immerse yourself and check out the stunning specimens from all over the world. Much of the minerals on display were collected by Julia and her husband in their travels. She has a true passion for sharing her treasure and the stories behind each piece as it was collected.

If that isn't enough of a reason to check out Crystal Cave, wait until you see the gift shop. One would expect to find various crystals and minerals for sale in a gift shop such as this, and they do not disappoint with their quality, variety or prices, but what we didn't expect was the deeply moving atmosphere created by Braylin, the young woman working in the gift shop.

Using mostly found materials she has crafted an enchanted fairy forest, complete with the sound of running water and little fairies living among the fauna and crystals. Definitely check out the hand crafted magic wands and the mossy terrariums hanging in the windows. Braylin is a very creative and engaging person, and her work is amazing.

All in all our experience with Crystal Cave was wonderful. Next time we visit we'll plan more time to really soak in all they have to offer. A great find, I hope...

This place is a must see! Incredible mineral exhibit of the owners private collection that they have obtained over the years while traveling our beautiful earth! Their names are John and Julia Breckenridge and they are some of the most incredible human beings I have ever met! For most of thier season they volunteer their time to educate the masses and absolutely incredible facts and personal experiences with some of the most beautiful minerals or combination of such that I have ever seen. From fossils to meteorites and interactive technologies that are as simple as downloading the app, the educate anyone that's willing and lucky enough to make it to their donation only exhibit. A floating rock? Really? Blacklight room with uv sensitive elements? I think they have also began thier new fossil/underwater exhibit in the basement now too! (Or hopefully very soon!) I've learned so much in a few conversations with them and am so grateful for the opportunity to do so. They talk so much that poor Julia will lose her voice quite frequently by the end of the day. That's just the beginning... James and Braelynn have work so hard creating this absolutely magical Crystal shop/photography studio right next door that will blow your mind... Not to mention the artisian village with more captivating work and incredible people. There's so much more to tell but I guess you're just going to have to go and check it out for yourself. It's absolutely free but I would recommend leaving a donation at the mineral...