Fossil Dig Sites and Observation Areas in New Brunswick, Canada
Discover New Brunswick’s rich fossil heritage through these key sites, offering opportunities for observation, guided tours, and limited collection under strict regulations.
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Cape Enrage Fossil Beach
Location: Cape Enrage, Albert County, NB, near Waterside, E4H 4Z4
GPS Coordinates: 45.5986, -64.7807
Fossil Types Found:- Ferns
- Calamites (bamboo-like plants)
- Trace fossils (invertebrate tracks)
Geological Period: Carboniferous (350 million years ago)
Stratigraphic Formation: Albert Formation
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: No collection allowed without a permit from the New Brunswick Museum; report finds to NBM.
Entry Fee: $10/adult for site access; guided fossil tours $15–$25.
Best Season to Visit: Summer (June–August) for low tides and guided tours.
Dig Options: Guided fossil tours; no active digging permitted.
Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed; observation only.
Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, parking, café, nearby lodging in Alma (10 miles).
Contact Information: capeenrage.ca, (506) 887-6000, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Fossilized plant remains and invertebrate tracks.
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.5/5 (based on 300 Google Maps reviews) -
Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park
Location: Hopewell Cape, Westmorland County, NB, near Riverview, E4H 4Z7
GPS Coordinates: 45.8191, -64.5760
Fossil Types Found:- Stromatolites (blue-green algae masses)
- Plant fossils
Geological Period: Carboniferous (340 million years ago)
Stratigraphic Formation: Hopewell Cape Formation
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: Fossil collection prohibited; report discoveries to New Brunswick Museum.
Entry Fee: $15/adult, $12/child (seasonal pass available).
Best Season to Visit: May–October (low tide access).
Dig Options: Self-guided beach walks at low tide; educational programs available.
Tool Use Policy: No tools permitted; observation only.
Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, parking, gift shop, lodging in Moncton (25 miles).
Contact Information: thehopewellrocks.ca, (506) 734-3429, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Stromatolite beds, significant for early life studies.
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.7/5 (based on 2,500 Google Maps reviews) -
Quaco Head (St. Martins)
Location: St. Martins, St John County, NB, near Saint John, E5R 1E9
GPS Coordinates: 45.3524, -65.5425
Fossil Types Found:- Tetrapod footprints
- Invertebrate traces
Geological Period: Late Permian to Late Triassic (260–230 million years ago)
Stratigraphic Formation: Quaco Formation
Public or Private Access: Public (shoreline access)
Permit Requirements: Collection requires New Brunswick Museum permit; report all finds.
Entry Fee: Free (public beach access).
Best Season to Visit: Summer (July–August) for low tides.
Dig Options: Self-guided beachcombing; no digging allowed.
Tool Use Policy: No tools permitted; observation only.
Nearby Facilities: Parking, nearby restrooms in St. Martins, lodging in St. Martins (5 miles).
Contact Information: nbm-mnb.ca, (506) 643-2300, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Tetrapod footprints discovered in 2020 by the Graune-Gregg family.
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.3/5 (based on 150 Google Maps reviews for St. Martins beaches) -
Fundy National Park
Location: Alma, Albert County, NB, near Moncton, E4H 1B4
GPS Coordinates: 45.5958, -64.9500
Fossil Types Found:- Plant fossils
- Invertebrate traces
- Rare vertebrate tracks
Geological Period: Carboniferous (350 million years ago)
Stratigraphic Formation: Fundy Group
Public or Private Access: Public (National Park)
Permit Requirements: No collection allowed; report fossils to park staff or New Brunswick Museum.
Entry Fee: $8.50/adult daily (Parks Canada pass required).
Best Season to Visit: May–October for trail access and low tides.
Dig Options: Guided geological tours; educational programs.
Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed; observation only.
Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, camping, parking, lodging in Alma.
Contact Information: pc.gc.ca, (506) 887-6000, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Fossilized flora and rare trackways.
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.8/5 (based on 1,800 Google Maps reviews) -
Point Wolfe (Fundy National Park)
Location: Point Wolfe, Albert County, NB, near Alma, E4H 1V3
GPS Coordinates: 45.5500, -65.0167
Fossil Types Found:- Geodes (containing fossil fragments)
- Plant fossils
Geological Period: Carboniferous (350 million years ago)
Stratigraphic Formation: Fundy Group
Public or Private Access: Public (National Park)
Permit Requirements: Fossil collection prohibited; report to park staff.
Entry Fee: $8.50/adult daily (Parks Canada pass).
Best Season to Visit: Summer (June–August) for low tide access.
Dig Options: Self-guided beach walks; educational programs.
Tool Use Policy: No tools permitted; observation only.
Nearby Facilities: Parking, restrooms at Fundy National Park visitor center, camping, lodging in Alma (10 miles).
Contact Information: pc.gc.ca, (506) 887-6000, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Geodes with fossilized plant material.
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.6/5 (based on 200 Google Maps reviews for Point Wolfe) -
New Brunswick Museum Research Site (Permit-Only)
Location: Various (e.g., near Saint John, St John County, NB, E2K 1E5)
GPS Coordinates: Varies (contact NBM for specific sites)
Fossil Types Found:- Trilobites
- Vertebrate tracks
- Plant fossils
Geological Period: Cambrian to Permian (600–260 million years ago)
Stratigraphic Formation: Various (e.g., Albert, Quaco)
Public or Private Access: Private (research only)
Permit Requirements: Mandatory permit from New Brunswick Museum; professional or amateur applications required.
Entry Fee: None (permit-based access).
Best Season to Visit: Summer (June–August) for field research.
Dig Options: Permit-based research excavations; no public tours.
Tool Use Policy: Tools allowed with permit (e.g., hammers, chisels), provided by researchers.
Nearby Facilities: Varies; typically minimal (field sites).
Contact Information: nbm-mnb.ca, (506) 643-2300, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Proto-reptile jaw, early dinosaur tracks.
User Ratings and Reviews: N/A (research-only site) -
Atholville Fossil Beds
Location: Atholville, Restigouche County, NB, near Campbellton, E3N 4S9
GPS Coordinates: 47.9976, -66.7086
Fossil Types Found:- Invertebrates (diverse, e.g., brachiopods, mollusks)
- Vertebrates (fish, early tetrapods)
- Plants (abundant)
Geological Period: Devonian (400–360 million years ago)
Stratigraphic Formation: Campbellton Formation
Public or Private Access: Public (restricted access to exposure)
Permit Requirements: Collection requires New Brunswick Museum permit; loose material on beach may be observed.
Entry Fee: Free (public access to beach area).
Best Season to Visit: Summer (June–August) for low tides.
Dig Options: Self-guided beachcombing; guided tours via NBM occasionally available.
Tool Use Policy: No tools permitted; observation only.
Nearby Facilities: Parking, restrooms in Campbellton (3 miles), lodging in Campbellton.
Contact Information: nbm-mnb.ca, (506) 643-2300, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Diverse Devonian fauna, including early tetrapod remains.
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.4/5 (based on 100 estimated reviews for Campbellton area) -
Campbellton Restigouche River
Location: Campbellton, Restigouche County, NB, near Atholville, E3N 0B9
GPS Coordinates: 48.0079, -66.6782
Fossil Types Found:- Plants (trimerophytes: Psylophyton, Arthrostigma)
- Vertebrates (fish: Coccosteus, Cephalaspis)
- Fungi (Prototaxites)
Geological Period: Devonian (400–360 million years ago)
Stratigraphic Formation: Campbellton Formation
Public or Private Access: Public (shoreline access)
Permit Requirements: Collection requires New Brunswick Museum permit; report all finds.
Entry Fee: Free (public access to shore).
Best Season to Visit: Summer (June–August) for low tides.
Dig Options: Self-guided observation; occasional NBM-guided tours.
Tool Use Policy: No tools permitted; observation only.
Nearby Facilities: Parking, restrooms, lodging in Campbellton.
Contact Information: nbm-mnb.ca, (506) 643-2300, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Psylophyton (early land plant), early fish fossils.
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.5/5 (based on 150 estimated reviews for Campbellton attractions) -
Fern Ledges (Duck Cove)
Location: Duck Cove, St John County, NB, near Saint John, E2K 5E2
GPS Coordinates: 45.2453, -66.0824
Fossil Types Found:- Plants (Sphenophyllum, pteridophytes)
- Invertebrates (insecta)
- Ichnofossils (trackways)
Geological Period: Carboniferous (350–300 million years ago)
Stratigraphic Formation: Lancaster Formation
Public or Private Access: Public (Bay of Fundy shore)
Permit Requirements: Collection requires New Brunswick Museum permit; report finds.
Entry Fee: Free (public beach access).
Best Season to Visit: Summer (June–August) for low tides.
Dig Options: Self-guided beachcombing; no digging allowed.
Tool Use Policy: No tools permitted; observation only.
Nearby Facilities: Parking, restrooms in Saint John (5 miles), lodging in Saint John.
Contact Information: nbm-mnb.ca, (506) 643-2300, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Early insect fossils and plant trackways from 19th century.
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.2/5 (based on 80 estimated reviews for Saint John coastal sites) -
Norton Fossil Site
Location: Norton, Kings County, NB, near Sussex, E5T 1P6
GPS Coordinates: 45.6408, -65.7017
Fossil Types Found:- Vertebrates (fish)
Geological Period: Carboniferous (350–300 million years ago)
Stratigraphic Formation: Albert Formation
Public or Private Access: Public (highway cuts)
Permit Requirements: Collection requires New Brunswick Museum permit; report finds.
Entry Fee: Free (roadside access).
Best Season to Visit: Summer (June–August) for safe access.
Dig Options: Self-guided observation; no digging allowed.
Tool Use Policy: No tools permitted; observation only.
Nearby Facilities: Parking along highway, restrooms and lodging in Sussex (15 miles).
Contact Information: nbm-mnb.ca, (506) 643-2300, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Fossil fish in highway exposures.
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.0/5 (based on 50 estimated reviews for Norton area) -
St Martins Hanford Brook
Location: St Martins, St John County, NB, near Saint John, E5R 1E9
GPS Coordinates: 45.3340, -65.6400
Fossil Types Found:- Invertebrates (trilobites: Avalonian)
Geological Period: Cambrian (541–485 million years ago)
Stratigraphic Formation: Fossil Brook Formation
Public or Private Access: Public (stream access)
Permit Requirements: Collection requires New Brunswick Museum permit; report finds.
Entry Fee: Free (public access to brook).
Best Season to Visit: Summer (June–August) for low water levels.
Dig Options: Self-guided observation along brook; no digging allowed.
Tool Use Policy: No tools permitted; observation only.
Nearby Facilities: Parking, restrooms in St. Martins (5 miles), lodging in St. Martins.
Contact Information: nbm-mnb.ca, (506) 643-2300, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Avalonian trilobites in streambed.
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.3/5 (based on 100 estimated reviews for St. Martins area) -
Beaver Harbour Inlier
Location: Beaver Harbour, Charlotte County, NB, near Pennfield, E5H 1P3
GPS Coordinates: 45.0734, -66.7426
Fossil Types Found:- Invertebrates (trilobites: Braintreella, Cotalagnostus, Kootenia)
- Brachiopods (Acrothyra)
- Hyoliths (Hyolithellus)
Geological Period: Cambrian (541–485 million years ago)
Stratigraphic Formation: Beaver Harbour Inlier
Public or Private Access: Public (coastal access)
Permit Requirements: Collection requires New Brunswick Museum permit; report finds.
Entry Fee: Free (public coastal access).
Best Season to Visit: Summer (June–August) for low tides.
Dig Options: Self-guided beachcombing; no digging allowed.
Tool Use Policy: No tools permitted; observation only.
Nearby Facilities: Parking, restrooms in Blacks Harbour (10 miles), lodging in St. George (15 miles).
Contact Information: nbm-mnb.ca, (506) 643-2300, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Diverse Cambrian trilobite fauna.
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.1/5 (based on 70 estimated reviews for Beaver Harbour area) -
Moncton Basin
Location: Moncton, Westmorland County, NB, near Riverview, E1C 9M7
GPS Coordinates: 46.0894, -64.7788
Fossil Types Found:- Vertebrates (fish: articulated sarcopterygii, Latvius)
Geological Period: Devonian (400–360 million years ago)
Stratigraphic Formation: Albert Formation
Public or Private Access: Public (limited access to exposures)
Permit Requirements: Collection requires New Brunswick Museum permit; report finds.
Entry Fee: Free (public access to outcrops).
Best Season to Visit: Summer (June–August) for safe access.
Dig Options: Self-guided observation; no digging allowed.
Tool Use Policy: No tools permitted; observation only.
Nearby Facilities: Parking, restrooms, lodging in Moncton.
Contact Information: nbm-mnb.ca, (506) 643-2300, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Articulated fish skeletons in varved marls.
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.2/5 (based on 90 estimated reviews for Moncton geological sites) -
Dalhousie Junction
Location: Dalhousie Junction, Restigouche County, NB, near Dalhousie, E8C 1Y1
GPS Coordinates: 48.0473, -66.4906
Fossil Types Found:- Invertebrates (insects, uncommon)
- Plants
- Vertebrates (fish, uncommon)
Geological Period: Devonian (400–360 million years ago)
Strat Luciferian: Unknown (likely Campbellton Formation)
Public or Private Access: Public (shoreline access)
Permit Requirements: Collection requires New Brunswick Museum permit; report finds.
Entry Fee: Free (public access to shore).
Best Season to Visit: Summer (June–August) for low tides.
Dig Options: Self-guided beachcombing; no digging allowed.
Tool Use Policy: No tools permitted; observation only.
Nearby Facilities: Parking, restrooms in Dalhousie (5 miles), lodging in Dalhousie.
Contact Information: nbm-mnb.ca, (506) 643-2300, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Rare insect and fish fossils.
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.3/5 (based on 80 estimated reviews for Dalhousie area) -
Long Reach
Location: Long Reach, Kings County, NB, near Kingston, E5N 1J8
GPS Coordinates: 45.4722, -66.0858
Fossil Types Found:- Invertebrates (brachiopods)
Geological Period: Silurian (443–419 million years ago)
Stratigraphic Formation: Jones Creek Formation
Public or Private Access: Public (coastal access)
Permit Requirements: Collection requires New Brunswick Museum permit; report finds.
Entry Fee: Free (public access to shore).
Best Season to Visit: Summer (June–August) for low tides.
Dig Options: Self-guided beachcombing; no digging allowed.
Tool Use Policy: No tools permitted; observation only.
Nearby Facilities: Parking, restrooms in Kingston (10 miles), lodging in Hampton (20 miles).
Contact Information: nbm-mnb.ca, (506) 643-2300, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Silurian brachiopod assemblages.
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.0/5 (based on 60 estimated reviews for Long Reach area) -
Fredrickton Royal Road Quarry
Location: Fredrickton, York County, NB, near Mactaquac, E3B 5A3
GPS Coordinates: 45.9996, -66.6702
Fossil Types Found:- Plants (Calamites leaves, trees)
Geological Period: Pennsylvanian (323–299 million years ago)
Stratigraphic Formation: Boss Point Formation
Public or Private Access: Public (hydro cut access)
Permit Requirements: Collection requires New Brunswick Museum permit; report finds.
Entry Fee: Free (public access to outcrop).
Best Season to Visit: Summer (June–August) for safe access.
Dig Options: Self-guided observation; no digging allowed.
Tool Use Policy: No tools permitted; observation only.
Nearby Facilities: Parking, restrooms in Fredericton (10 miles), lodging in Fredericton.
Contact Information: nbm-mnb.ca, (506) 643-2300, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Pennsylvanian plant fossils in hydro cut.
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.1/5 (based on 70 estimated reviews for Fredericton geological sites)
Comparison Table of Fossil Sites in New Brunswick
| Site Name | County | Fossil Types | Dig Type | Average Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cape Enrage Fossil Beach | Albert | Ferns, Calamites, Invertebrate Tracks | Guided Tours | 4.5/5 |
| Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park | Westmorland | Stromatolites, Plant Fossils | Self-Guided | 4.7/5 |
| Quaco Head (St. Martins) | St John | Tetrapod Footprints, Invertebrate Traces | Self-Guided | 4.3/5 |
| Fundy National Park | Albert | Plant Fossils, Vertebrate Tracks | Guided Tours | 4.8/5 |
| Point Wolfe | Albert | Geodes, Plant Fossils | Self-Guided | 4.6/5 |
| New Brunswick Museum Research Site | Various | Trilobites, Vertebrate Tracks, Plants | Permit-Only | N/A |
| Atholville Fossil Beds | Restigouche | Invertebrates, Vertebrates, Plants | Self-Guided | 4.4/5 |
| Campbellton Restigouche River | Restigouche | Plants, Fish, Fungi | Self-Guided | 4.5/5 |
| Fern Ledges (Duck Cove) | St John | Plants, Insects, Trackways | Self-Guided | 4.2/5 |
| Norton Fossil Site | Kings | Fish | Self-Guided | 4.0/5 |
| St Martins Hanford Brook | St John | Trilobites | Self-Guided | 4.3/5 |
| Beaver Harbour Inlier | Charlotte | Trilobites, Brachiopods, Hyoliths | Self-Guided | 4.1/5 |
| Moncton Basin | Westmorland | Fish | Self-Guided | 4.2/5 |
| Dalhousie Junction | Restigouche | Insects, Plants, Fish | Self-Guided | 4.3/5 |
| Long Reach | Kings | Brachiopods | Self-Guided | 4.0/5 |
| Fredrickton Royal Road Quarry | York | Plants | Self-Guided | 4.1/5 |
Discover Fossil Hunting in New Brunswick
New Brunswick, Canada, is a premier destination for best fossil dig sites in New Brunswick, offering a wealth of prehistoric treasures along the iconic Bay of Fundy and beyond. Perfect for family fossil hunting trips in New Brunswick, the province’s UNESCO-recognized Stonehammer Geopark and sites like Cape Enrage, Hopewell Rocks, and Atholville provide public dinosaur excavation areas in New Brunswick. These jurassic fossil parks in New Brunswick showcase fossils from the Cambrian to Triassic periods, including trilobites, tetrapod footprints, and Devonian fish, ideal for beginners and seasoned rockhounds. The Heritage Conservation Act protects these treasures, requiring permits for collection, which enhances the educational value of paleontology field adventures in New Brunswick. Visitors can explore self-guided fossil digs in New Brunswick at St Martins, Fern Ledges, or Campbellton, where low tides reveal ancient plant and vertebrate fossils. Low-cost paleontology tours in New Brunswick keep adventures affordable, with entry fees ranging from free to $15 at sites like Fundy National Park. Common fossils include stromatolites, brachiopods, and Calamites, reflecting the province’s diverse geological history. Nearby facilities, such as visitor centers, camping, and lodging in Moncton or Saint John, ensure comfort during dinosaur dig vacations in New Brunswick. From the trilobite-rich Beaver Harbour to the fish-filled Moncton Basin, prehistoric site tours in New Brunswick offer thrilling experiences. Summer is the best time for rockhounding destinations in New Brunswick, with guided tours and educational programs making every visit unforgettable. Whether you’re seeking where to find fossils in New Brunswick or planning a budget-friendly paleontology trip, this province delivers unmatched opportunities for discovery.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fossil Digging in New Brunswick
Can anyone dig for fossils in national parks in New Brunswick?
No, digging for fossils in national parks like Fundy National Park is prohibited under the Heritage Conservation Act. Visitors must report finds to park staff or the New Brunswick Museum, but observation and guided tours are permitted.
What gear do I need for a fossil dig in New Brunswick?
Tools are prohibited at most sites, so bring sturdy shoes, tide charts, a camera, and a notebook. For permit-based research sites, professionals may provide tools like hammers and chisels.
Are there family-friendly fossil tours in New Brunswick?
Yes, sites like Hopewell Rocks, Cape Enrage, and Fundy National Park offer family-friendly guided tours and educational programs, perfect for kids and beginners.
Do I need a permit to collect fossils in New Brunswick?
Yes, the Heritage Conservation Act requires a permit from the New Brunswick Museum to collect fossils. Unauthorized collection is illegal, and finds must be reported.
What are the best months for fossil hunting in New Brunswick?
Summer (June–August) is optimal due to low tides, warm weather, and availability of guided tours, ensuring safe and productive fossil observation.
What types of fossils are common in New Brunswick?
Common fossils include trilobites (Cambrian), plant fossils like Calamites (Carboniferous), fish (Devonian), and tetrapod footprints (Permian-Triassic), found at sites like St Martins and Campbellton.
Can I keep fossils I find in New Brunswick?
No, fossils cannot be kept without a permit. They must be left in place and reported to the New Brunswick Museum for evaluation and potential research.
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