Treasure hunters storm Skaha Lake beach in Penticton

Treasure hunters from far and wide are scanning their metal detectors at Skaha Lake beach in Penticton to find out what’s buried today, Sept. 11.

The beach is being used for the Okanagan Treasure Hunters Club’s Treasures in the Sand event, which allowed many of the enthusiasts to see each for the first time since the start of the pandemic.

One of the hunters to make the furthest trip to the Okanagan was Ed Heilman from Spiritwood, Saskatchewan.

“I like coming to these types of events,” he said. ‘It’s a vacation.”

The event’s main attraction is the seeded hunts that take place throughout the day. Organizers hide coins and those who find them redeem them for prizes.

Heilman, who drove more than 12 hours to reach the event, said treasure hunting is hard work and he’s not quite as spry as he used to be in his young age.

But it’s worth it because of the friendships and events like Treasures in the Sand are about the camaraderie and socializing.

Heilman has been treasure hunting with friends from as early as 1972, he said.

“Its a lot like fishing – never know what you’re going to find,” he said.

Outside of seeded events, Heilman’s most memorable finds include a golden Celtic coin dated to 50 BC, and also mid-1300s half noble of Edward III. Both were found during a trip to England.

“The half noble was about the size of a loonie – probably the most valuable coin I’ve found. It was a big thrill to find that one, made me jump.”

There were roughly 38 treasure hunters patrolling the beach Saturday afternoon.

READ MORE: Man with metal detector finds 222-year-old coin near church

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