Canada's First Gold Rush — 1866

Madoc Real Estate

Gold in the bedrock, farms in the valley — Hastings County crossroads with a gilded past

~2,300

Population

~$430K

Avg Home Price

Village

Municipality Type

Hastings County

Region

In 1866, gold was discovered near Madoc — and before the Klondike, before the Porcupine Rush, before any of Ontario's northern mining booms, this Hastings County crossroads hosted Canada's first true gold rush. Thousands of prospectors descended on what became Richardson Mine, making Madoc briefly the most exciting address in the Dominion. The rush faded quickly — the deposit was smaller than the hysteria suggested — but Madoc kept its position as the county crossroads at the junction of two historic routes north into the Shield and south toward Belleville and the Bay of Quinte.

Today Madoc is a service and supply village for the surrounding Hastings County agricultural and cottage country community. Moira Lake is just north, Bancroft and the mineral country are 45 minutes up Highway 62, and Belleville's full urban services are about 50 km south. Housing here is genuinely affordable by Ontario standards — a full family home on a village lot in the $300,000–$500,000 range — making Madoc attractive to buyers who want Hastings County character without the premium of the Bancroft or Marmora markets.

Village Family Homes

Detached homes in Madoc's residential streets — a mix of 19th-century character architecture and 20th-century family homes on full lots. Good value at Hastings County price points.

~$320K–$520K

Moira Lake & Waterfront

Moira Lake and surrounding Hastings lakes offer waterfront properties at prices well below Kawartha or Muskoka comparable water. Cottage and year-round options on quiet northern lakes.

~$420K–$750K

Rural Acreages

Farmland and Shield-fringe properties in the Madoc area — hay, grain, and mixed operations on productive Hastings County land with Shield rock outcrops beginning as you drive north.

~$400K–$700K

Madoc Real Estate — FAQ

What is the average home price in Madoc?

Homes in Madoc average around $430,000, offering solid affordability within Hastings County. Village homes and rural properties remain accessible compared to more touristed areas of the county.

Was there really a gold rush near Madoc?

Yes — Canada's first gold rush. In 1866, gold was discovered at Richardson Mine near Madoc, triggering a rush of thousands of prospectors. The deposit proved smaller than hoped, but the event predates the Klondike Rush by over 30 years and is genuinely the opening chapter of Canadian gold mining history.

What is Madoc's location relative to Belleville and Bancroft?

Madoc sits at the junction of Highways 7 and 62 — about 50 km north of Belleville and 45 km south of Bancroft. This crossroads position makes it a natural service and supply hub for the surrounding rural and cottage country area.

What outdoor activities are near Madoc?

Moira Lake fishing and boating, Hastings County trail networks for snowmobiling and ATVing, hunting in surrounding townships, and access to Bancroft's mineral-rich geological country to the north. Algonquin Park's eastern access points are about 2 hours north.

What services does Madoc have?

Madoc has elementary school, medical centre, grocery, hardware, and local businesses. Belleville (50 km south) provides hospital, secondary school, and full retail access. Bancroft (45 km north) provides regional services for the northern Hastings County area.

Does Ontario's Land Transfer Tax apply in Madoc?

Yes. Ontario's provincial LTT: 0.5% on the first $55,000; 1.0% on $55,001–$250,000; 1.5% on $250,001–$400,000; 2.0% on $400,001–$2,000,000. On a $430,000 purchase that's approximately $4,975. No municipal LTT outside Toronto. First-time buyers may claim the FTHB rebate up to $4,000.

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