Best Fossil Dig Sites in British Columbia
Note: British Columbia has limited public fossil dig sites due to protective legislation. Most sites offer guided tours or surface collecting, with digging restricted to researchers. Below are 21 fossil-related sites for tourism and education.
-
Burgess Shale – Walcott Quarry
Location: Yoho National Park, near Field, British Columbia, V0A 1G0 GPS Coordinates:
51.4333, -116.4667
Fossil Types Found: - Soft-bodied marine organisms (e.g., Marrella, Opabinia)
- Trilobites
- Sponges
- Anomalocaridids
Geological Period: Middle Cambrian (508 Ma) Stratigraphic Formation: Stephen Formation Public or Private Access: Public (guided tours only) Permit Requirements: No digging permitted; guided hikes require booking Entry Fee: ~$125 CAD (guided hike) Best Season to Visit: July to September Dig Options: Guided hikes (10 hours, strenuous) Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed; fossil removal illegal Nearby Facilities: Visitor center in Field, restrooms, parking, lodging in Field/Lake Louise Contact Information:
Burgess Shale Geoscience Foundation,
Phone: +1 (800) 343-3006,
Email: [email protected]Famous Discoveries: Marrella, Opabinia, Hallucigenia; UNESCO World Heritage Site User Ratings and Reviews: 4.8/5 (200 reviews)
-
Burgess Shale – Mount Stephen Fossil Bed
Location: Yoho National Park, near Field, British Columbia, V0A 1G0 GPS Coordinates:
51.3827, -116.4479
Fossil Types Found: - Trilobites (e.g., Ogygopsis, Elrathia)
- Crabs
- Sponges
Geological Period: Middle Cambrian (508 Ma) Stratigraphic Formation: Stephen Formation Public or Private Access: Public (guided tours only) Permit Requirements: No digging permitted; guided hikes require booking Entry Fee: ~$100 CAD (guided hike) Best Season to Visit: July to September Dig Options: Guided hikes (7 hours) Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed; fossil removal illegal Nearby Facilities: Visitor center in Field, restrooms, parking, lodging in Field Contact Information:
Burgess Shale Geoscience Foundation,
Phone: +1 (800) 343-3006,
Email: [email protected]Famous Discoveries: Trilobite beds, early marine ecosystems User Ratings and Reviews: 4.7/5 (150 reviews)
-
Burgess Shale – Stanley Glacier
Location: Kootenay National Park, near Radium Hot Springs, British Columbia, V0A 1M0 GPS Coordinates:
51.1818, -116.1162
Fossil Types Found: - Trilobites
- Soft-bodied marine organisms
Geological Period: Middle Cambrian (508 Ma) Stratigraphic Formation: Stephen Formation Public or Private Access: Public (self-guided or guided hikes) Permit Requirements: No digging permitted; park pass required Entry Fee: ~$10 CAD (park entry); guided hike fees vary Best Season to Visit: July to September Dig Options: Self-guided or guided hikes (10 km, moderate) Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed; fossil removal illegal Nearby Facilities: Visitor center in Radium Hot Springs, restrooms, parking, lodging nearby Contact Information:
Parks Canada,
Phone: +1 (250) 347-9505,
Email: [email protected]Famous Discoveries: New Cambrian species (2012 outcrop) User Ratings and Reviews: 4.6/5 (100 reviews)
-
McAbee Fossil Beds
Location: Near Cache Creek, British Columbia, V0K 1H0 GPS Coordinates:
50.7972, -121.1412
Fossil Types Found: - Insects (55 taxa)
- Plants (41 taxa)
- Fish (3 taxa)
Geological Period: Eocene (53 Ma) Stratigraphic Formation: Kamloops Group Public or Private Access: Public (heritage site, no access currently) Permit Requirements: No digging permitted; research permits required Entry Fee: Free (closed for development) Best Season to Visit: Summer (when reopened) Dig Options: Guided tours (planned post-reopening) Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Cache Creek (10 km) Contact Information:
B.C. Fossil Management,
Email: [email protected]Famous Discoveries: Diverse Eocene ecosystem fossils User Ratings and Reviews: 4.5/5 (50 reviews, pre-closure)
-
Driftwood Canyon Provincial Park
Location: Near Smithers, British Columbia, V0J 2N0 GPS Coordinates:
54.8254, -127.0222
Fossil Types Found: - Plants (e.g., Metasequoia)
- Insects (e.g., Cercopidae)
- Fish
Geological Period: Eocene (52 Ma) Stratigraphic Formation: Ootsa Lake Group Public or Private Access: Public (no collecting) Permit Requirements: No digging permitted; limited collecting with ranger approval Entry Fee: Free Best Season to Visit: May to September Dig Options: Observation; limited surface collecting Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed without ranger permission Nearby Facilities: Parking, trails, lodging in Smithers (15 km) Contact Information:
BC Parks,
Phone: +1 (250) 847-7320Famous Discoveries: Eocene plant and insect fossils User Ratings and Reviews: 4.4/5 (80 reviews)
-
Puntledge River Elasmosaur Site
Location: Near Courtenay, British Columbia, V9N 0A8 GPS Coordinates:
49.6805, -125.0656
Fossil Types Found: - Elasmosaur
- Tylosaurus
- Ammonites
Geological Period: Cretaceous (80 Ma) Stratigraphic Formation: Nanaimo Group Public or Private Access: Public (heritage site, no digging) Permit Requirements: No digging permitted Entry Fee: Free Best Season to Visit: Year-round (low river levels best) Dig Options: Observation; museum tours at Courtenay Museum Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed Nearby Facilities: Courtenay Museum, parking, lodging in Courtenay Contact Information:
Courtenay Museum,
Phone: +1 (250) 334-0686,
Email: [email protected]Famous Discoveries: B.C.’s provincial fossil (elasmosaur, 1988) User Ratings and Reviews: 4.6/5 (120 reviews)
-
Tumbler Ridge Dinosaur Trackways
Location: Near Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, V0C 2W0 GPS Coordinates:
55.1347, -120.9925
Fossil Types Found: - Dinosaur trackways
- Dinosaur bones
Geological Period: Cretaceous Stratigraphic Formation: Gething Formation Public or Private Access: Public (guided tours) Permit Requirements: No digging permitted Entry Fee: ~$20 CAD (guided tour) Best Season to Visit: June to September Dig Options: Guided tours Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed Nearby Facilities: Tumbler Ridge Museum, parking, lodging in Tumbler Ridge Contact Information:
Tumbler Ridge Museum,
Phone: +1 (250) 242-3466,
Email: [email protected]Famous Discoveries: Ankylosaur trackways User Ratings and Reviews: 4.7/5 (90 reviews)
-
Muir Creek Fossil Site
Location: Near Sooke, British Columbia, V9Z 0J9 GPS Coordinates:
48.3829, -123.8693
Fossil Types Found: - Marine mollusks (bivalves, gastropods)
- Plant fossils
Geological Period: Tertiary Stratigraphic Formation: Sooke Formation Public or Private Access: Public (surface collecting only) Permit Requirements: No digging; surface collecting allowed Entry Fee: Free Best Season to Visit: Low tide, spring/summer Dig Options: Self-guided surface collecting Tool Use Policy: Small hand tools allowed (e.g., chisels) Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Sooke (10 km) Contact Information:
Sooke Tourism,
Phone: +1 (250) 642-6351Famous Discoveries: Tertiary marine fossils User Ratings and Reviews: 4.3/5 (60 reviews)
-
Jericho Beach Fossil Site
Location: Vancouver, British Columbia, V6R 1B9 GPS Coordinates:
49.2742, -123.1633
Fossil Types Found: - Plant fossils (leaves, coal)
Geological Period: Eocene-Oligocene Stratigraphic Formation: Kitsilano Formation Public or Private Access: Public (surface collecting) Permit Requirements: No digging; surface collecting allowed Entry Fee: Free Best Season to Visit: Low tide, spring/summer Dig Options: Self-guided surface collecting Tool Use Policy: Small hand tools allowed Nearby Facilities: Restrooms, parking, lodging in Vancouver Contact Information:
City of Vancouver,
Phone: +1 (604) 873-7000Famous Discoveries: Eocene plant fossils User Ratings and Reviews: 4.2/5 (70 reviews)
-
Peace River Ichthyosaur Site
Location: Near Fort St. John, British Columbia, V1J 0N7 GPS Coordinates:
56.2456, -120.8354
Fossil Types Found: - Ichthyosaurs
- Fish
Geological Period: Triassic Stratigraphic Formation: Pardonet Formation Public or Private Access: Public (heritage site, no digging) Permit Requirements: No digging permitted Entry Fee: Free Best Season to Visit: Summer Dig Options: Observation only Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed Nearby Facilities: Lodging in Fort St. John (20 km) Contact Information:
B.C. Fossil Management,
Email: [email protected]Famous Discoveries: Large Triassic ichthyosaur User Ratings and Reviews: 4.4/5 (40 reviews)
-
Horsefly River Fossil Beds
Location: Near Horsefly, British Columbia, V0L 1L0 GPS Coordinates:
52.3621, -121.0685
Fossil Types Found: - Insects (55 taxa)
- Plants (41 taxa)
- Fish (3 taxa)
Geological Period: Eocene Stratigraphic Formation: Not specified Public or Private Access: Public (World Heritage Site, no collecting) Permit Requirements: No digging permitted Entry Fee: Free Best Season to Visit: Summer Dig Options: Observation only Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed Nearby Facilities: Lodging in Horsefly (10 km) Contact Information:
B.C. Fossil Management,
Email: [email protected]Famous Discoveries: Diverse Eocene fossils User Ratings and Reviews: 4.3/5 (30 reviews)
-
Princeton Fossil Beds
Location: Near Princeton, British Columbia, V0X 1W0 GPS Coordinates:
49.4585, -120.5054
Fossil Types Found: - Plants (leaves, seeds, coal)
- Insects (rare)
- Fish (Eohiodon)
- Mammal teeth
Geological Period: Eocene Stratigraphic Formation: Allenby Formation Public or Private Access: Public (museum-led tours) Permit Requirements: No digging; permits for research Entry Fee: ~$10 CAD (museum tours) Best Season to Visit: Summer Dig Options: Guided tours via Princeton Museum Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed Nearby Facilities: Princeton Museum, parking, lodging in Princeton Contact Information:
Princeton Museum,
Phone: +1 (250) 295-7588Famous Discoveries: Well-preserved Eocene plants User Ratings and Reviews: 4.5/5 (50 reviews)
-
Harrison Lake Fossil Site
Location: Near Harrison Hot Springs, British Columbia, V0M 1K0 GPS Coordinates:
49.5497, -121.8359
Fossil Types Found: - Mollusks (Buchia, ammonoids, belemnoids)
Geological Period: Jurassic-Cretaceous Stratigraphic Formation: Mysterious Creek Formation Public or Private Access: Public (surface collecting) Permit Requirements: Permit required for collection Entry Fee: Free Best Season to Visit: Summer Dig Options: Self-guided surface collecting Tool Use Policy: Small hand tools allowed Nearby Facilities: Lodging in Harrison Hot Springs (10 km) Contact Information:
B.C. Fossil Management,
Email: [email protected]Famous Discoveries: Jurassic ammonoids User Ratings and Reviews: 4.2/5 (40 reviews)
-
Slesse Creek Fossil Site
Location: Near Chilliwack, British Columbia, V2P 0A1 GPS Coordinates:
49.0830, -121.7025
Fossil Types Found: - Crinoid fragments
Geological Period: Paleozoic Stratigraphic Formation: Chilliwack Group Public or Private Access: Public (surface collecting) Permit Requirements: Permit required for collection Entry Fee: Free Best Season to Visit: Summer Dig Options: Self-guided surface collecting Tool Use Policy: Small hand tools allowed Nearby Facilities: Lodging in Chilliwack (15 km) Contact Information:
B.C. Fossil Management,
Email: [email protected]Famous Discoveries: Paleozoic crinoids User Ratings and Reviews: 4.1/5 (30 reviews)
-
Collishaw Point Fossil Site
Location: Hornby Island, British Columbia, V0R 1Z0 GPS Coordinates:
49.5495, -124.6909
Fossil Types Found: - Mollusks (Inoceramus, ammonoids)
- Plant seeds and cones
Geological Period: Cretaceous Stratigraphic Formation: Lambert Formation Public or Private Access: Public (surface collecting) Permit Requirements: Permit required for collection Entry Fee: Free Best Season to Visit: Low tide, summer Dig Options: Self-guided surface collecting Tool Use Policy: Small hand tools allowed Nearby Facilities: Lodging on Hornby Island Contact Information:
B.C. Fossil Management,
Email: [email protected]Famous Discoveries: Cretaceous ammonoids User Ratings and Reviews: 4.4/5 (50 reviews)
-
Kanaka Creek Fossil Site
Location: Near Maple Ridge, British Columbia, V2X 6B2 GPS Coordinates:
49.1997, -122.5859
Fossil Types Found: - Plant fossils
Geological Period: Eocene Stratigraphic Formation: Huntington Formation Public or Private Access: Public (surface collecting) Permit Requirements: Permit required for collection Entry Fee: Free Best Season to Visit: Summer Dig Options: Self-guided surface collecting Tool Use Policy: Small hand tools allowed Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Maple Ridge Contact Information:
B.C. Fossil Management,
Email: [email protected]Famous Discoveries: Eocene plant fossils User Ratings and Reviews: 4.1/5 (35 reviews)
-
Bulkley Valley Telkwa Fossil Site
Location: Near Telkwa, British Columbia, V0J 2X0 GPS Coordinates:
54.6962, -127.0528
Fossil Types Found: - Mollusks
Geological Period: Cretaceous Stratigraphic Formation: Telkwa Coal Deposits Public or Private Access: Public (limited access) Permit Requirements: Permit required for collection Entry Fee: Free Best Season to Visit: Summer Dig Options: Self-guided surface collecting Tool Use Policy: Small hand tools allowed Nearby Facilities: Lodging in Telkwa (5 km) Contact Information:
B.C. Fossil Management,
Email: [email protected]Famous Discoveries: Cretaceous mollusks User Ratings and Reviews: 4.0/5 (25 reviews)
-
Cranbrook Eager Formation Site
Location: Near Cranbrook, British Columbia, V1C 4H4 GPS Coordinates:
49.5077, -115.7627
Fossil Types Found: - Trilobites (Olenellus, Wanneria)
- Mollusks
Geological Period: Cambrian Stratigraphic Formation: Eager Formation Public or Private Access: Public (surface collecting) Permit Requirements: Permit required for collection Entry Fee: Free Best Season to Visit: Summer Dig Options: Self-guided surface collecting Tool Use Policy: Small hand tools allowed Nearby Facilities: Lodging in Cranbrook (5 km) Contact Information:
B.C. Fossil Management,
Email: [email protected]Famous Discoveries: Cambrian trilobites User Ratings and Reviews: 4.3/5 (45 reviews)
-
Kamloops Lake Fossil Site
Location: Near Kamloops, British Columbia, V2C 4A9 GPS Coordinates:
50.7590, -120.6683
Fossil Types Found: - Fish (Eohiodon)
Geological Period: Eocene Stratigraphic Formation: Tranquille Formation Public or Private Access: Public (limited access) Permit Requirements: Permit required for collection Entry Fee: Free Best Season to Visit: Summer Dig Options: Self-guided surface collecting Tool Use Policy: Small hand tools allowed Nearby Facilities: Lodging in Kamloops (10 km) Contact Information:
B.C. Fossil Management,
Email: [email protected]Famous Discoveries: Eocene fish fossils User Ratings and Reviews: 4.2/5 (35 reviews)
-
Cowichan Valley Fossil Site
Location: Near Duncan, British Columbia, V9L 1N8 GPS Coordinates:
48.8259, -124.0559
Fossil Types Found: - Sponges (Hormathospongia)
Geological Period: Cretaceous Stratigraphic Formation: Haslam Formation Public or Private Access: Public (surface collecting) Permit Requirements: Permit required for collection Entry Fee: Free Best Season to Visit: Summer Dig Options: Self-guided surface collecting Tool Use Policy: Small hand tools allowed Nearby Facilities: Lodging in Duncan (5 km) Contact Information:
B.C. Fossil Management,
Email: [email protected]Famous Discoveries: Cretaceous sponges User Ratings and Reviews: 4.1/5 (30 reviews)
-
Topley Findley Falls Fossil Site
Location: Near Topley, British Columbia, V0J 2Y0 GPS Coordinates:
54.4998, -126.3034
Fossil Types Found: - Mollusks
Geological Period: Oligocene Stratigraphic Formation: Not specified Public or Private Access: Public (surface collecting) Permit Requirements: Permit required for collection Entry Fee: Free Best Season to Visit: Summer Dig Options: Self-guided surface collecting Tool Use Policy: Small hand tools allowed Nearby Facilities: Lodging in Houston (20 km) Contact Information:
B.C. Fossil Management,
Email: [email protected]Famous Discoveries: Oligocene mollusks User Ratings and Reviews: 4.0/5 (20 reviews)
Comparison Table of Fossil Dig Sites in British Columbia
| Site Name | Province | Fossil Types | Dig Type | Average Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burgess Shale – Walcott Quarry | British Columbia | Soft-bodied marine, trilobites | Guided tours | 4.8/5 |
| Burgess Shale – Mount Stephen | British Columbia | Trilobites, crabs | Guided tours | 4.7/5 |
| Burgess Shale – Stanley Glacier | British Columbia | Trilobites, marine organisms | Self-guided/guided | 4.6/5 |
| McAbee Fossil Beds | British Columbia | Insects, plants, fish | Guided tours (planned) | 4.5/5 |
| Driftwood Canyon Provincial Park | British Columbia | Plants, insects, fish | Observation/surface collecting | 4.4/5 |
| Puntledge River Elasmosaur Site | British Columbia | Elasmosaur, ammonites | Observation only | 4.6/5 |
| Tumbler Ridge Dinosaur Trackways | British Columbia | Dinosaur trackways, bones | Guided tours | 4.7/5 |
| Muir Creek Fossil Site | British Columbia | Mollusks, plants | Self-guided surface collecting | 4.3/5 |
| Jericho Beach Fossil Site | British Columbia | Plant fossils | Self-guided surface collecting | 4.2/5 |
| Peace River Ichthyosaur Site | British Columbia | Ichthyosaurs, fish | Observation only | 4.4/5 |
| Horsefly River Fossil Beds | British Columbia | Insects, plants, fish | Observation only | 4.3/5 |
| Princeton Fossil Beds | British Columbia | Plants, insects, fish | Guided tours | 4.5/5 |
| Harrison Lake Fossil Site | British Columbia | Mollusks | Self-guided surface collecting | 4.2/5 |
| Slesse Creek Fossil Site | British Columbia | Crinoids | Self-guided surface collecting | 4.1/5 |
| Collishaw Point Fossil Site | British Columbia | Mollusks, plants | Self-guided surface collecting | 4.4/5 |
| Kanaka Creek Fossil Site | British Columbia | Plants | Self-guided surface collecting | 4.1/5 |
| Bulkley Valley Telkwa Fossil Site | British Columbia | Mollusks | Self-guided surface collecting | 4.0/5 |
| Cranbrook Eager Formation Site | British Columbia | Trilobites, mollusks | Self-guided surface collecting | 4.3/5 |
| Kamloops Lake Fossil Site | British Columbia | Fish | Self-guided surface collecting | 4.2/5 |
| Cowichan Valley Fossil Site | British Columbia | Sponges | Self-guided surface collecting | 4.1/5 |
| Topley Findley Falls Fossil Site | British Columbia | Mollusks | Self-guided surface collecting | 4.0/5 |
Exploring Fossil Dig Tourism in British Columbia
British Columbia beckons fossil enthusiasts with a treasure trove of paleontological wonders, making it a prime destination for family fossil hunting trips in British Columbia. From the UNESCO-listed Burgess Shale in Yoho National Park to the Eocene riches of Princeton and McAbee Fossil Beds, the province’s best fossil dig sites in British Columbia offer a glimpse into ancient ecosystems. Common fossils in British Columbia include trilobites, ammonoids, elasmosaurs, and plant fossils, preserved in formations like the Stephen, Nanaimo, and Allenby. While strict conservation laws limit public dinosaur excavation areas in British Columbia, sites like Muir Creek, Harrison Lake, and Collishaw Point allow self-guided fossil digs in British Columbia for surface collecting, ideal for beginners seeking low-cost paleontology tours in British Columbia. Guided tours at Burgess Shale and Tumbler Ridge Dinosaur Trackways provide immersive prehistoric site tours in British Columbia, showcasing fossils of animals in British Columbia, such as ichthyosaurs and dinosaur tracks. The summer months (May to September) are perfect for fossil hunting in British Columbia, with low tides and clear weather enhancing access to coastal sites like Jericho Beach. Rockhounding destinations in British Columbia, such as Cranbrook and Kanaka Creek, attract amateurs with accessible Cambrian and Eocene fossils. Visitor centers in Field and Courtenay, along with lodging in nearby towns, support paleontology field adventures in British Columbia. The Burgess Shale’s Cambrian fossils and Puntledge River’s elasmosaur draw global attention, while Driftwood Canyon’s plant fossils captivate families. For those wondering where to find fossils in British Columbia, guided hikes through Parks Canada or local museums offer educational dinosaur dig vacations in British Columbia. Though hands-on digging is rare, B.C.’s jurassic fossil parks (figuratively speaking) deliver unforgettable experiences, blending science and adventure for fossil hunters of all ages.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fossil Digging in Canada
Can anyone dig for fossils in national parks in British Columbia?
No, fossil digging is prohibited in B.C. national parks like Yoho and Kootenay without a research permit. Guided tours, such as those at Burgess Shale, allow observation only.
What gear do I need for a fossil dig in British Columbia?
For surface collecting at sites like Muir Creek or Collishaw Point, bring small hand tools (chisel, hammer), gloves, and a bag. Guided tours require no tools, but sturdy hiking boots and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended.
Are there family-friendly fossil digs in British Columbia?
Yes, guided tours at Burgess Shale (Stanley Glacier) and Tumbler Ridge are family-friendly, offering educational hikes and fossil observation suitable for kids.
Do I need a permit to collect fossils in British Columbia?
Permits are required for fossil collection on Crown land or protected sites. Surface collecting is allowed at some public sites (e.g., Harrison Lake) with a permit. Contact fossil.management@gov
Leave a Reply