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Fossil Hunting in Canada - as a hobby
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items Introduction to Fossil Hunting in Canada as a Hobby
Fossil hunting in Canada offers a fascinating blend of science, exploration, and outdoor adventure. With its vast and geologically diverse landscape, Canada is one of the world’s richest fossil-bearing countries—home to sites that preserve traces of ...
I have been casually hunting for fossils since I was a little girl - I just find it really fun and a great way to get outdoors and into the fresh air.
Fossil hunting in Canada offers a fascinating blend of science, exploration, and outdoor adventure. With its vast and geologically diverse landscape, Canada is one of the world’s richest fossil-bearing countries—home to sites that preserve traces of ...
I have been casually hunting for fossils since I was a little girl - I just find it really fun and a great way to get outdoors and into the fresh air.
Sections
11
Tools needed for the Fossil Hunting hobby
British Columbia
Alberta
Saskatchewan
Manitoba
Ontario
Tools needed for the Fossil Hunting hobby
Whether you are new to starting fossil hunting, or you're a pro - we all need the proper tools to help us find our fossils.
One of the main things I would like to point out is wearing the proper clothing and sun protection.
What I usually wear/bring:
wide brimmed hat
sunscreen
long sleeved light colored shirt
tank top
tshirt
shorts
long pants
long socks (just in case you're walking through long grass.
First aid kit
I also make sure to bring plenty of water and snacks.
One of the main things I would like to point out is wearing the proper clothing and sun protection.
What I usually wear/bring:
wide brimmed hat
sunscreen
long sleeved light colored shirt
tank top
tshirt
shorts
long pants
long socks (just in case you're walking through long grass.
First aid kit
I also make sure to bring plenty of water and snacks.
Basic Field Tools- A Starter Guide - Collecting Gear
British Columbia
Oh man do I love it here in BC. I have found a ton of clam fossils in BC but I yearn to find other types of fossils
Oh man! This has got to be one of THE best sites for fossils in BC. However please note that going here does not allow you to keep any fossils found. As well as it's not public so you have to access the various areas/hikes through a booked tour.
Collecting of fossils is not permitted and no disturbance or damage to any natural object is allowed. The hikes are not research expeditions and consequently no one may break rocks at any time or location on the guided hike. These fossil sites are lo...
Collecting of fossils is not permitted and no disturbance or damage to any natural object is allowed. The hikes are not research expeditions and consequently no one may break rocks at any time or location on the guided hike. These fossil sites are lo...
Burgess Shale Geoscience Foundation - Guided Fossil Hikes - Yoho Park
Going up the logging roads - especially up past Weaver lake and creek, you can find an absolute TONNE of clam fossils.
I have gone up here multiple times and I have so many clam fossils and huge chunks of rock full of clam fossils lol 😂
I have hea...
Harrison Lake | Harrison Hot Springs & The Harrison River Valley
The McAbee Fossil beds are really cool to see in the Thompson-Nicola area of the Oakanagan in BC.
These are also only available through guided tours and as such, no removal of fossils is allowed.
The admission is really cheap too which is nice $8 for Adults, $6 for Seniors, $5 for kids and any kids under 5 get in for free.
What fossils can you see?
The site is notable for its exceptionally well-preserved fossils, which include a wide variety of plants, insects, fish, spiders, crayfish, and even birds.
This diversity makes the McAbee site one of the most significant fossil localities in British Columbia and Canada, providing invaluable insights into Eocene biodiversity and ecosystem.
These are also only available through guided tours and as such, no removal of fossils is allowed.
The admission is really cheap too which is nice $8 for Adults, $6 for Seniors, $5 for kids and any kids under 5 get in for free.
What fossils can you see?
The site is notable for its exceptionally well-preserved fossils, which include a wide variety of plants, insects, fish, spiders, crayfish, and even birds.
This diversity makes the McAbee site one of the most significant fossil localities in British Columbia and Canada, providing invaluable insights into Eocene biodiversity and ecosystem.
McAbee Fossil Beds
Muir Creek fossils are found on Vancouver Island.
Muir Creek fossils can be found at Muir Creek Beach, located just a short drive west of Sooke along the scenic Juan De Fuca Strait.
Muir Creek Beach is a treasure trove of ancient fossils, with the beach revealing 25 million-year-old fossils and geological history. The beach's cliffs and ocean rocks have been eroded over millions of years, revealing a web of ancient life.
The most common fossils found here are invertebrates such as clams and snails, but a diverse range of fossils, including vertebrate bones and marine fossils, can be discovered.
The beach is also a hotspot for whale bones, which have been found in the sandstone cliffs after strong winter storms.
Visitors can explore the beach, observe wildlife, and take in the stunning coastal views, all while respecting the natural beauty and importance of the site for outdoor recreation and paleontological research.
Muir Creek fossils can be found at Muir Creek Beach, located just a short drive west of Sooke along the scenic Juan De Fuca Strait.
Muir Creek Beach is a treasure trove of ancient fossils, with the beach revealing 25 million-year-old fossils and geological history. The beach's cliffs and ocean rocks have been eroded over millions of years, revealing a web of ancient life.
The most common fossils found here are invertebrates such as clams and snails, but a diverse range of fossils, including vertebrate bones and marine fossils, can be discovered.
The beach is also a hotspot for whale bones, which have been found in the sandstone cliffs after strong winter storms.
Visitors can explore the beach, observe wildlife, and take in the stunning coastal views, all while respecting the natural beauty and importance of the site for outdoor recreation and paleontological research.
Explore 24 Million Year Old Fossils At Muir Creek Beach
Goodspeed Fossil bed is on Vancouver Island.
To access this fossil bed you will need to do a drive on the road to San Josef Bay near Vancouver Island’s most northern point, WARNING! the road is really bumpy and I have heard steep in some places.
The site is pretty nondescript, but the local rotary club has placed a sign to let you know where to go. Don't worry went you start climbing up a short and partly overgrown, bumpy gravel road. Once you arrive, there are fossils everywhere!
I have not been to this location but it is on my list to visit the next time I go to Vancouver Island.
The fossils you find at the Goodspeed Fossil Beds include thin-shelled clams and ammonites.
To access this fossil bed you will need to do a drive on the road to San Josef Bay near Vancouver Island’s most northern point, WARNING! the road is really bumpy and I have heard steep in some places.
The site is pretty nondescript, but the local rotary club has placed a sign to let you know where to go. Don't worry went you start climbing up a short and partly overgrown, bumpy gravel road. Once you arrive, there are fossils everywhere!
I have not been to this location but it is on my list to visit the next time I go to Vancouver Island.
The fossils you find at the Goodspeed Fossil Beds include thin-shelled clams and ammonites.
Goodspeed Fossil Bed, Holberg B.C. Can't wait to head back upisland this ...
Alberta
Alberta has one of the coolest Dinosaur museums and great places to look for fossils including the beautiful Ammonites in the south
I add Royal Tyrell Museum because it's got a lot of different areas outside that you can explore.
Please note you are not allowed to take any fossils home if you happen to find any.
This is one of my favorite places to visit as they're constantly adding new fossils they have uncovered from the surrounding areas.
Please note you are not allowed to take any fossils home if you happen to find any.
This is one of my favorite places to visit as they're constantly adding new fossils they have uncovered from the surrounding areas.
Royal Tyrrell Museum
Dinosaur Provincial Park is on the outskirts of Drumheller.
It has areas where you can camp - RV, tent or van camping with electrical hookups and bathrooms.
Hiking trails: there are self-guided interpretive trails. Walking in the badlands off-trail is not allowed (for safety and to protect fossils).
Dinosaur Provincial Park is a provincial park in southeastern Alberta, about 220 km (137 mi) east of Calgary, and roughly 48 km northeast of Brooks.
**It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site (since 1979), recognized both for its unique geology / landscape beauty and its global significance for paleontology.**
The area is part of Alberta’s badlands — a rugged terrain shaped by river erosion, wind, and the semi-arid climate. Deep gullies, hoodoos (those tall, thin spire‐like rock formations), coulees, mesas, and exposed sediment layers are common.
It has areas where you can camp - RV, tent or van camping with electrical hookups and bathrooms.
Hiking trails: there are self-guided interpretive trails. Walking in the badlands off-trail is not allowed (for safety and to protect fossils).
Dinosaur Provincial Park is a provincial park in southeastern Alberta, about 220 km (137 mi) east of Calgary, and roughly 48 km northeast of Brooks.
**It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site (since 1979), recognized both for its unique geology / landscape beauty and its global significance for paleontology.**
The area is part of Alberta’s badlands — a rugged terrain shaped by river erosion, wind, and the semi-arid climate. Deep gullies, hoodoos (those tall, thin spire‐like rock formations), coulees, mesas, and exposed sediment layers are common.
Dinosaur Provincial Park
East of Grande Prairie in northern Alberta’s Peace Region you will find a world class Dinosaur Museum and palaeontology research facility.
The Philip J Currie Dinosaur Museum brings a unique hands on experience to the public.
The bonebed is one of the densest mass fossil sites in the world. The size of a football field, hundreds of dinosaurs were frozen in time here. With the sheer size and scale of fossils the creek was nicknamed the River of Death.
As usual you are not allowed to remove any fossils nor visit this place unguided.
The Philip J Currie Dinosaur Museum brings a unique hands on experience to the public.
The bonebed is one of the densest mass fossil sites in the world. The size of a football field, hundreds of dinosaurs were frozen in time here. With the sheer size and scale of fossils the creek was nicknamed the River of Death.
As usual you are not allowed to remove any fossils nor visit this place unguided.
Pipestone Creek Bonebed Tour
Devil’s Coulee Dinosaur and Heritage Museum, located in the village Warner is Canada’s first dinosaur nesting site, founded in 1995.
Home of North America’s most complete embryotic dinosaur, Devil’s Coulee also offers guided tours where you can have a hands-on experience with this piece of history.
Both hadrosaurs (duckbill dinosaurs) and theropods (carnivorous dinosaurs) have been found nesting near each other.
Home of North America’s most complete embryotic dinosaur, Devil’s Coulee also offers guided tours where you can have a hands-on experience with this piece of history.
Both hadrosaurs (duckbill dinosaurs) and theropods (carnivorous dinosaurs) have been found nesting near each other.
Devil's Coulee Dinosaur Museum
I personally LOVE ammolite - it's what my engagement ring stone is and it has all the colors in it.
**Please Note: You cannot access the ammonite sites without express permission and guided by people from the Blood reserve in southern Alberta.
Alberta is renowned for its rich deposits of ammonite fossils, which are a testament to the region's geological history.
These fossils, particularly from the Bearpaw Shale, provide insights into the climate, geography, and biodiversity of ancient Alberta.
The ammonite fossils found in Alberta are not only significant for paleontological study but also for their cultural and recreational value.
They are often used in jewelry and as decorative items, and they hold special significance in the practice of feng shui.
The unique iridescence of ammolite, a gemstone derived from these fossils, is a result of the mineral aragonite, a form of calcium carbonate.
Alberta is the only place in the world where ammolite is mined commercially, and it is primarily used to make jewelry and collectibles.
**Please Note: You cannot access the ammonite sites without express permission and guided by people from the Blood reserve in southern Alberta.
Alberta is renowned for its rich deposits of ammonite fossils, which are a testament to the region's geological history.
These fossils, particularly from the Bearpaw Shale, provide insights into the climate, geography, and biodiversity of ancient Alberta.
The ammonite fossils found in Alberta are not only significant for paleontological study but also for their cultural and recreational value.
They are often used in jewelry and as decorative items, and they hold special significance in the practice of feng shui.
The unique iridescence of ammolite, a gemstone derived from these fossils, is a result of the mineral aragonite, a form of calcium carbonate.
Alberta is the only place in the world where ammolite is mined commercially, and it is primarily used to make jewelry and collectibles.
Unique Canadian Colorful Ammonite Fossils
Saskatchewan
You can find both ancient marine fossils like crinoids, trilobites, and brachiopods in sedimentary rocks, and more recent dinosaur fossils such as Centrosaurus and others like Tyrannosaurus rex, Edmontosaurus, and Triceratops in areas like Saskatchew...
Eastend, Saskatchewan, is renowned for its significant fossil discoveries, particularly the T. rex skeleton named Scotty, which was found in 1994.
This discovery has been the cornerstone of the T. rex Discovery Centre, which opened on May 30, 2003. The centre is home to Scotty, the world's largest T. rex skeleton, and features interactive exhibits, a Paleo Lab Experience, and a natural history-...
I have heard from family and friends in Saskatchewan that people find tiny fossils in the surrounding areas as well.
This discovery has been the cornerstone of the T. rex Discovery Centre, which opened on May 30, 2003. The centre is home to Scotty, the world's largest T. rex skeleton, and features interactive exhibits, a Paleo Lab Experience, and a natural history-...
I have heard from family and friends in Saskatchewan that people find tiny fossils in the surrounding areas as well.
T.rex Discovery Centre
ANCIENT ECHOES INTERPRETIVE CENTRE - this is a really cool place 🤗 and is nestled at the junction of the Coalmine Ravine and the Eagle Creek at Herschel, Saskatchewan and offers both indoor and outdoor tours of:
Indigenous History -petroglyphs, roc...
Ancient Echoes Interpretive Centre
Manitoba
Manitoba is rich in marine fossils from the Cretaceous period, including mosasaurs, plesiosaurs, and Tusoteuthis (a giant squid), as well as fossils from older rocks, such as corals, brachiopods, trilobites, and ancient armored fish.
Significant fo...
The largest collection of marine reptile fossils in Canada is less than 90 minutes south of Winnipeg at the Canadian Fossil Discovery Centre in Morden, Manitoba and it’s your opportunity to see some of the most amazing and ferocious toothed beasts to...
Canadian Fossil Discovery Centre
🦖Pembina Paleontology 🦕
The company is based out of Manitoba's picturesque Pembina Valley!
Fossil excursions centre around the Manitoba Escarpment primarily in the Cretaceous rocks dating to 80 million years ago.
The company is named after the...
Pembina Paleontology
The Tyndall and Garson quarries in Manitoba are known for producing Tyndall Stone, a fossil-rich limestone from the Late Ordovician period (around 450 million years ago).
The stone contains a high concentration of fossils from a sea that once cover...
Fossil hunting in Tyndall stone- areas to try? : r/Winnipeg
Ontario
Ontario's fossil record includes marine life from the Paleozoic era, such as trilobites, brachiopods, crinoids, and corals.
You can also find rarer fossils like gastropods, cephalopods (including nautiloids and ammonites), and even larger mammal bo...
This area is one of the most concentrated fossil beds in southern Ontario and is known for 400-million-year-old Devonian-era fossils, such as fossilized shells and other marine life.
400-million-year-old fossils, primarily from the Paleozoic Era, a...
Rock Glen Conservation Area
You can find fossils on Manitoulin Island by visiting locations like the Fossil Hill Loop and the shores of Goat Island.
These areas are rich in marine fossils from the Paleozoic era and are known for containing fossils of corals, crinoids, and oth...
Fossil Hill Nature Preserve
Georgetown, Ontario:
Hungry Hollow is a trail that runs along the Silver Creek branch of the Credit River, south of Georgetown.
The area was once a small settlement called Hungry Hollow before Georgetown was officially founded.
Geology:
The Hung...
Hungry Hollow: Southwestern Ontario's Important Little Treasure
Quebec
Fossils found in Quebec include ancient fish, early land vertebrates, and invertebrates like trilobites.
The Miguasha National Park is famous for Devonian-era fossils, such as Eusthenopteron foordi and Elpistostege watsoni, which show the transitio...
Located on the southern shore of the Gaspé Peninsula, this park is famous for its exceptionally well-preserved fossils from the Devonian period, including fish, invertebrates, and plants.
It's considered one of the most outstanding fossil sites in ...
Miguasha National Park
Situated in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Anticosti Island has a complete and well-preserved record of marine life from the Upper Ordovician to the Lower Silurian periods, including trilobites, cephalopods, and giant sea scorpions.
It is also a key loc...
Anticosti
Newfoundland and Labrador
Newfoundland and Labrador is rich in fossils, including unique Ediacaran biota like Charnia at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Mistaken Point.
Other common fossils include trilobites (found at Manuels River), brachiopods, and graptolites, along w...
A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring the world's largest and oldest collection of large, soft-bodied marine fossils, some more than 560 million years old.
Access is restricted and requires joining a guided tour to preserve the delicate fossils.
Mistaken Point Ecological Reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site
Located near Conception Bay, this site is known for trilobite fossils from the Cambrian period.
Visitors can sift through loose sediment to find fossil fragments and sometimes trilobites, but are not allowed to dig into or remove any fossils from t...
Manuels River Trails
New Brunswick
New Brunswick's fossil record includes ancient plant fossils like those from the Devonian period found near Campbellton, as well as Carboniferous fossils such as giant horsetails (Calamites) and various plant leaves found at locations like Cape Enrag...
The Joggins Fossil Centre is situated on the reclaimed site of the Old Joggins No. 7 Coal Mine overlooking the Joggins Fossil Cliffs.
The Centre provides an exceptional learning experience, featuring an extensive fossil specimen collection, exhibit...
Joggins Fossil Cliffs & Centre
This area has been the site of significant fossil discoveries, including tetrapod footprints from the early Pennsylvanian period.
The Cape Enrage Visitor Centre has fossils on display and offers advice.
They also do guided tours as well.
Fossil Tours
Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia offers diverse fossils, including ancient marine life like brachiopods, crinoids, trilobites, and nautiloids, found in Silurian rocks at Arisaig.
You can also find trace fossils such as footprints and burrows, especially in the Bay of F...
This is a really good article that quickly breaks down where the best place to find fossils and places to see them on guided tours.
Best fossil hunting in Nova Scotia - Atlantic Destinations
This location is known for its 350-million-year-old fossils, which are even older than those at Joggins. 🌊🐟🐠
You can find wave fossils, worm fossils, and plant fossils here.
Blue Beach Fossil Museum
Prince Edward Island
You can find numerous types of fossils on Prince Edward Island, including plant fossils like ancient conifers and ferns, and animal fossils such as footprints, worm trails, and remains of ancient reptiles and amphibians like the Dimetrodon.
These f...
Where to find fossils:
Shorelines:
Certain shorelines with loose pieces of rock are good for finding fossils.
Some popular beaches for beachcombing include Souris Beach, Sally's Beach, Panmure Island Beach, Argyle Shore, and West Point Beach.
PEI...
Artifacts and Fossils Discovery in PEI
Prince Edward Island records the best example of the Permian Period anywhere in Canada.🇨🇦
The rusty bedrock that makes Prince Edward Island so unique records stories of life and land at the centre of the Pangea supercontinent 60 million years bef...
Prehistoric Island Tours