Fossil Observation Sites in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
Discover Newfoundland and Labrador’s ancient fossil heritage through these key sites, offering opportunities for observation, guided tours, and educational programs under strict regulations.
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Mistaken Point Ecological Reserve
Location: Portugal Cove South, Avalon South, NL, near Trepassey, A0A 4B0
GPS Coordinates: 46.6325, -53.1478
Fossil Types Found:- Ediacaran biota (soft-bodied organisms)
- Rangeomorphs (e.g., Fractofusus)
Geological Period: Ediacaran (565–541 million years ago)
Stratigraphic Formation: Mistaken Point Formation
Public or Private Access: Public (guided access only)
Permit Requirements: No collection allowed; UNESCO World Heritage Site, fossils protected.
Entry Fee: $12/adult for guided tour (reservations required).
Best Season to Visit: Summer (June–August) for guided tours.
Dig Options: Guided tours only; no digging permitted.
Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed; observation only.
Nearby Facilities: Visitor center at Edge of Avalon Interpretive Centre, restrooms, parking, lodging in Trepassey (15 miles).
Contact Information: gov.nl.ca, (709) 438-1011, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Oldest complex multicellular fossils (Fractofusus misrai, 565 Ma).
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.8/5 (based on 200 Google Maps reviews) -
Manuels River Hibernia Interpretation Centre
Location: Conception Bay South, Avalon South, NL, near St. John’s, A1W 3A5
GPS Coordinates: 47.5236, -52.9494
Fossil Types Found:- Trilobites (Paradoxides, Olenellus)
- Trace fossils
Geological Period: Cambrian (541–485 million years ago)
Stratigraphic Formation: Manuels River Formation
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: No collection allowed without permit; report finds to centre.
Entry Fee: $8/adult, $4/child for centre access; guided tours $10–$15.
Best Season to Visit: May–October for trails and tours.
Dig Options: Guided fossil tours; educational programs.
Tool Use Policy: No tools permitted; observation only.
Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, parking, café, lodging in St. John’s (10 miles).
Contact Information: manuelsriver.ca, (709) 834-2099, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Giant trilobite fossils (Paradoxides davidis).
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.7/5 (based on 300 Google Maps reviews) -
Fortune Head Ecological Reserve
Location: Fortune, Burin Peninsula, NL, near Burin, A0E 1P0
GPS Coordinates: 47.0717, -55.8317
Fossil Types Found:- Trace fossils (Treptichnus pedum)
- Small shelly fossils
Geological Period: Ediacaran-Cambrian boundary (541 million years ago)
Stratigraphic Formation: Chapel Island Formation
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: No collection allowed; protected as GSSP site.
Entry Fee: Free (self-guided access); guided tours $10/adult.
Best Season to Visit: Summer (June–August) for weather and visibility.
Dig Options: Self-guided observation; guided tours via Burin Peninsula Geopark.
Tool Use Policy: No tools permitted; observation only.
Nearby Facilities: Visitor center at Fortune Head Geology Center, restrooms, parking, lodging in Burin (20 miles).
Contact Information: fortunehead.com, (709) 832-3569, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Global Stratotype Section and Point (GSSP) for Cambrian boundary.
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.5/5 (based on 100 Google Maps reviews) -
Gros Morne National Park
Location: Rocky Harbour, Northern Peninsula, NL, near Corner Brook, A0K 4N0
GPS Coordinates: 49.6200, -57.9300
Fossil Types Found:- Stromatolites
- Microfossils
Geological Period: Precambrian to Ordovician (1000–443 million years ago)
Stratigraphic Formation: Tablelands Peridotite
Public or Private Access: Public (National Park)
Permit Requirements: No collection allowed; report fossils to park staff.
Entry Fee: $10/adult daily (Parks Canada pass required).
Best Season to Visit: May–October for trails and tours.
Dig Options: Guided geological tours; educational programs.
Tool Use Policy: No tools permitted; observation only.
Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, camping, parking, lodging in Rocky Harbour.
Contact Information: pc.gc.ca, (709) 458-2417, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Evidence of plate tectonics in Tablelands fossils.
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.9/5 (based on 2,000 Google Maps reviews) -
Johnson Geo Centre
Location: St. John’s, Avalon South, NL, A1B 4J6
GPS Coordinates: 47.5817, -52.6847
Fossil Types Found:- Ediacaran fossils (Haootia quadriformis)
- Trilobites (display only)
Geological Period: Ediacaran (560 million years ago)
Stratigraphic Formation: Signal Hill Group
Public or Private Access: Public (museum)
Permit Requirements: No collection; museum-based observation.
Entry Fee: $12/adult, $6/child.
Best Season to Visit: Year-round (indoor facility).
Dig Options: Educational programs; no field digging.
Tool Use Policy: No tools; museum-based learning.
Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, parking, gift shop, lodging in St. John’s.
Contact Information: geocentre.ca, (709) 737-7880, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Haootia quadriformis, early muscular animal.
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.6/5 (based on 500 Google Maps reviews) -
Port Union (Murphy’s Cove)
Location: Port Union, Bonavista Peninsula, NL, near Bonavista, A0C 2J0
GPS Coordinates: 48.4967, -53.0833
Fossil Types Found:- Ediacaran fossils (Haootia quadriformis)
Geological Period: Ediacaran (560 million years ago)
Stratigraphic Formation: Fermeuse Formation
Public or Private Access: Public (trail access)
Permit Requirements: No collection allowed without permit; report finds.
Entry Fee: Free (public trail access).
Best Season to Visit: Summer (June–August) for trail conditions.
Dig Options: Self-guided observation on Murphy’s Cove to Lodge’s Pond Trail.
Tool Use Policy: No tools permitted; observation only.
Nearby Facilities: Parking, restrooms in Port Union, lodging in Bonavista (10 miles).
Contact Information: bonavistageopark.com, (709) 468-7373, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Haootia quadriformis, displayed at The Rooms.
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.4/5 (based on 80 estimated reviews for Port Union trails) -
Bonavista Peninsula (Elliston)
Location: Elliston, Bonavista Peninsula, NL, near Bonavista, A0C 1N0
GPS Coordinates: 48.6250, -53.0333
Fossil Types Found:- Ediacaran fossils (soft-bodied organisms)
Geological Period: Ediacaran (565–541 million years ago)
Stratigraphic Formation: Catalina Dome Formation
Public or Private Access: Public (coastal access)
Permit Requirements: No collection allowed without permit; report finds.
Entry Fee: Free (public coastal access).
Best Season to Visit: Summer (June–August) for low tides.
Dig Options: Self-guided observation; guided tours via Bonavista Geopark.
Tool Use Policy: No tools permitted; observation only.
Nearby Facilities: Parking, restrooms in Elliston, lodging in Bonavista (5 miles).
Contact Information: bonavistageopark.com, (709) 468-7373, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Ediacaran fossil assemblages.
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.5/5 (based on 120 estimated reviews for Elliston area) -
St. Lawrence Fluorite Deposits
Location: St. Lawrence, Burin Peninsula, NL, near Burin, A0E 2V0
GPS Coordinates: 46.8833, -55.3833
Fossil Types Found:- Microfossils (associated with fluorite)
Geological Period: Devonian (419–359 million years ago)
Stratigraphic Formation: St. Lawrence Granite
Public or Private Access: Public (museum and mine tours)
Permit Requirements: No fossil collection; museum-based observation.
Entry Fee: $5/adult for Miner’s Museum tour.
Best Season to Visit: Summer (June–August) for tours.
Dig Options: Guided museum tours; no field digging.
Tool Use Policy: No tools; museum-based learning.
Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, parking, lodging in Burin (25 miles).
Contact Information: burinpeninsulachamber.com, (709) 873-2222, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Microfossils in fluorite deposits.
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.3/5 (based on 90 estimated reviews for St. Lawrence museum) -
Torngat Mountains National Park
Location: Nain, Labrador-North Coast, NL, near Goose Bay, A0P 1L0
GPS Coordinates: 58.4500, -62.5000
Fossil Types Found:- Microfossils
- Stromatolites
Geological Period: Precambrian (3.8 billion years ago)
Stratigraphic Formation: Ramah Group
Public or Private Access: Public (National Park, remote access)
Permit Requirements: No collection allowed; report fossils to park staff.
Entry Fee: $12/adult daily (Parks Canada pass required).
Best Season to Visit: Summer (July–August) for accessibility.
Dig Options: Guided geological tours; remote expeditions.
Tool Use Policy: No tools permitted; observation only.
Nearby Facilities: Limited; base camp facilities, lodging in Nain (remote).
Contact Information: pc.gc.ca, (709) 922-1290, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Ancient microfossils in Labrador’s oldest rocks.
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.7/5 (based on 50 estimated reviews for Torngat Mountains) -
Newfoundland and Labrador Research Site (Permit-Only)
Location: Various (e.g., near St. John’s, Avalon South, NL, A1B 4J6)
GPS Coordinates: Varies (contact government for specific sites)
Fossil Types Found:- Ediacaran biota
- Trilobites
- Trace fossils
Geological Period: Ediacaran to Cambrian (565–485 million years ago)
Stratigraphic Formation: Various (e.g., Mistaken Point, Manuels River)
Public or Private Access: Private (research only)
Permit Requirements: Mandatory permit from Department of Industry, Energy and Technology.
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: gov.nl.ca, (709) 729-3017, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: New Ediacaran species, Cambrian trilobites.
User Ratings and Reviews: N/A (research-only site) -
Bell Island
Location: Bell Island, Avalon South, NL, near Conception Bay South, A1W 5A1
GPS Coordinates: 47.6477, -52.9407
Fossil Types Found:- Trilobites
- Brachiopods
- Trace fossils
Geological Period: Cambrian to Ordovician (541–443 million years ago)
Stratigraphic Formation: Bell Island Group
Public or Private Access: Public (coastal access)
Permit Requirements: No collection without permit; report finds to Department of Industry, Energy and Technology.
Entry Fee: Free (public coastal access); ferry fee $4/adult.
Best Season to Visit: Summer (June–August) for low tides.
Dig Options: Self-guided observation; guided tours via local operators.
Tool Use Policy: No tools permitted; observation only.
Nearby Facilities: Parking, restrooms at ferry terminal, lodging in Conception Bay South (10 miles).
Contact Information: newfoundlandlabrador.com, (709) 729-7000, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Cambrian trilobites in oolitic hematite deposits.
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.4/5 (based on 150 estimated reviews for Bell Island) -
Branch Cove
Location: Branch, Avalon South, NL, near St. Mary’s, A0B 3E0
GPS Coordinates: 46.8832, -53.9481
Fossil Types Found:- Trilobites (Paradoxides)
Geological Period: Cambrian (541–485 million years ago)
Stratigraphic Formation: Brigus Formation
Public or Private Access: Public (coastal access)
Permit Requirements: No collection without permit; report finds.
Entry Fee: Free (public coastal access).
Best Season to Visit: Summer (June–August) for low tides.
Dig Options: Self-guided observation at low tide.
Tool Use Policy: No tools permitted; observation only.
Nearby Facilities: Parking, restrooms in Branch, lodging in Placentia (30 miles).
Contact Information: newfoundlandlabrador.com, (709) 729-7000, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Well-preserved Cambrian trilobites.
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.2/5 (based on 70 estimated reviews for Branch area) -
Flowers Cove Thrombolite Trail
Location: Flowers Cove, Northern Peninsula, NL, near St. Anthony, A0K 2N0
GPS Coordinates: 51.3019, -56.7127
Fossil Types Found:- Thrombolites (microbial fossils)
Geological Period: Precambrian (650 million years ago)
Stratigraphic Formation: Unknown (dolostone beds)
Public or Private Access: Public (trail access)
Permit Requirements: No collection allowed; report finds.
Entry Fee: Free (public trail access).
Best Season to Visit: Summer (June–August) for trail conditions.
Dig Options: Self-guided observation on Thrombolite Trail.
Tool Use Policy: No tools permitted; observation only.
Nearby Facilities: Parking, restrooms in Flowers Cove, lodging in St. Anthony (30 miles).
Contact Information: townofflowerscove.com, (709) 456-2124, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Rare Precambrian thrombolites.
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.5/5 (based on 100 estimated reviews for Flowers Cove) -
Table Head Ecological Preserve
Location: Table Head, Northern Peninsula, NL, near Daniel’s Harbour, A0K 1X0
GPS Coordinates: 50.3636, -57.5360
Fossil Types Found:- Graptolites
- Mollusks (gastropods)
Geological Period: Ordovician (485–443 million years ago)
Stratigraphic Formation: Table Head Group
Public or Private Access: Public (ecological reserve)
Permit Requirements: No collection allowed; report finds.
Entry Fee: Free (public access).
Best Season to Visit: Summer (June–August) for accessibility.
Dig Options: Self-guided observation.
Tool Use Policy: No tools permitted; observation only.
Nearby Facilities: Parking, restrooms in Daniel’s Harbour (10 miles), lodging in Port au Choix (40 miles).
Contact Information: gov.nl.ca, (709) 637-4066, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Diverse Ordovician graptolite assemblages.
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.3/5 (based on 80 estimated reviews for Table Head area) -
Pistolet Bay
Location: Pistolet Bay, Northern Peninsula, NL, near St. Anthony, A0K 4S0
GPS Coordinates: 51.6012, -55.8409
Fossil Types Found:- Trilobites (Isoteloides, Strigigenalis)
- Graptolites
- Corals
Geological Period: Ordovician (485–443 million years ago)
Stratigraphic Formation: Catoche Formation, Goose Tickle Formation
Public or Private Access: Public (coastal access)
Permit Requirements: No collection without permit; report finds.
Entry Fee: Free (public coastal access).
Best Season to Visit: Summer (June–August) for low tides.
Dig Options: Self-guided observation.
Tool Use Policy: No tools permitted; observation only.
Nearby Facilities: Parking, restrooms in St. Anthony (20 miles), lodging in St. Anthony.
Contact Information: newfoundlandlabrador.com, (709) 729-7000, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Ordovician trilobite fauna.
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.4/5 (based on 90 estimated reviews for Pistolet Bay) -
Deer Arm
Location: Deer Arm, Northern Peninsula, NL, near Rocky Harbour, A0K 4N0
GPS Coordinates: 49.5433, -57.8316
Fossil Types Found:- Trilobites (Bonnia, Olenellus)
- Small shelly fossils (Salterella, Yochelcionella)
- Brachiopods
Geological Period: Cambrian (541–485 million years ago)
Stratigraphic Formation: Forteau Formation
Public or Private Access: Public (roadside access)
Permit Requirements: No collection without permit; report finds.
Entry Fee: Free (public roadside access).
Best Season to Visit: Summer (June–August) for accessibility.
Dig Options: Self-guided observation along NL-430.
Tool Use Policy: No tools permitted; observation only.
Nearby Facilities: Parking, restrooms in Rocky Harbour (12 miles), lodging in Rocky Harbour.
Contact Information: newfoundlandlabrador.com, (709) 729-7000, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Cambrian trilobite and shelly fossil assemblages.
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.3/5 (based on 80 estimated reviews for Deer Arm area) -
Cape Norman
Location: Cape Norman, Northern Peninsula, NL, near St. Anthony, A0K 4S0
GPS Coordinates: 51.6310, -55.9000
Fossil Types Found:- Trilobites
- Mollusks (gastropods, cephalopods)
- Corals
Geological Period: Ordovician (485–443 million years ago)
Stratigraphic Formation: Catoche Formation
Public or Private Access: Public (coastal access)
Permit Requirements: No collection without permit; report finds.
Entry Fee: Free (public coastal access).
Best Season to Visit: Summer (June–August) for low tides.
Dig Options: Self-guided observation.
Tool Use Policy: No tools permitted; observation only.
Nearby Facilities: Parking, restrooms in St. Anthony (25 miles), lodging in St. Anthony.
Contact Information: newfoundlandlabrador.com, (709) 729-7000, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Ordovician mollusk and trilobite fauna.
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.4/5 (based on 90 estimated reviews for Cape Norman) -
Glenwood Salmon Pond Road
Location: Glenwood, Central, NL, near Gander, A1V 1S7
GPS Coordinates: 49.0039, -54.8875
Fossil Types Found:- Trilobites (Calymene)
- Brachiopods
- Bryozoans
Geological Period: Silurian (443–419 million years ago)
Stratigraphic Formation: Indian Islands Formation
Public or Private Access: Public (roadside access)
Permit Requirements: No collection without permit; report finds.
Entry Fee: Free (public roadside access).
Best Season to Visit: Summer (June–August) for accessibility.
Dig Options: Self-guided observation along Salmon Pond Road.
Tool Use Policy: No tools permitted; observation only.
Nearby Facilities: Parking, restrooms in Gander (10 miles), lodging in Gander.
Contact Information: newfoundlandlabrador.com, (709) 729-7000, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Silurian trilobite and brachiopod assemblages.
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.2/5 (based on 70 estimated reviews for Glenwood area) -
Port au Port Peninsula (The Gravels)
Location: Port au Port, West Coast, NL, near Stephenville, A0N 2Y0
GPS Coordinates: 48.5571, -58.7250
Fossil Types Found:- Trilobites (Isoteloides, Strigigenalis)
Geological Period: Ordovician (485–443 million years ago)
Stratigraphic Formation: Unknown (limestone beds)
Public or Private Access: Public (coastal access)
Permit Requirements: No collection without permit; report finds.
Entry Fee: Free (public coastal access).
Best Season to Visit: Summer (June–August) for low tides.
Dig Options: Self-guided observation.
Tool Use Policy: No tools permitted; observation only.
Nearby Facilities: Parking, restrooms in Stephenville (15 miles), lodging in Stephenville.
Contact Information: newfoundlandlabrador.com, (709) 729-7000, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Ordovician trilobite fossils at The Gravels.
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.3/5 (based on 80 estimated reviews for Port au Port) -
Point Amour
Location: Point Amour, Labrador-Straits, NL, near L’Anse-au-Loup, A0K 3L0
GPS Coordinates: 51.3000, -56.7000
Fossil Types Found:- Archaeocyathids (sponge-like organisms)
Geological Period: Cambrian (541–485 million years ago)
Stratigraphic Formation: Forteau Formation
Public or Private Access: Public (coastal access)
Permit Requirements: No collection without permit; report finds.
Entry Fee: Free (public coastal access).
Best Season to Visit: Summer (June–August) for low tides.
Dig Options: Self-guided observation.
Tool Use Policy: No tools permitted; observation only.
Nearby Facilities: Parking, restrooms in L’Anse-au-Loup (5 miles), lodging in Forteau (10 miles).
Contact Information: newfoundlandlabrador.com, (709) 729-7000, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Cambrian archaeocyathid reefs.
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.5/5 (based on 100 estimated reviews for Point Amour) -
Random Island (Fosters Point)
Location: Random Island, Trinity Bay, NL, near Clarenville, A5A 3A1
GPS Coordinates: 48.1108, -53.8951
Fossil Types Found:- Trilobites (Avalonian)
Geological Period: Cambrian (541–485 million years ago)
Stratigraphic Formation: Fossil Brook Formation
Public or Private Access: Public (coastal access)
Permit Requirements: No collection without permit; report finds.
Entry Fee: Free (public coastal access).
Best Season to Visit: Summer (June–August) for low tides.
Dig Options: Self-guided observation.
Tool Use Policy: No tools permitted; observation only.
Nearby Facilities: Parking, restrooms in Clarenville (15 miles), lodging in Clarenville.
Contact Information: newfoundlandlabrador.com, (709) 729-7000, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Cambrian trilobite fossils in limestones.
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.2/5 (based on 70 estimated reviews for Random Island)
Comparison Table of Fossil Sites in Newfoundland and Labrador
| Site Name | Region | Fossil Types | Dig Type | Average Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mistaken Point Ecological Reserve | Avalon Peninsula | Ediacaran Biota, Rangeomorphs | Guided Tours | 4.8/5 |
| Manuels River Hibernia Centre | Avalon Peninsula | Trilobites, Trace Fossils | Guided Tours | 4.7/5 |
| Fortune Head Ecological Reserve | Burin Peninsula | Trace Fossils, Small Shelly Fossils | Self-Guided | 4.5/5 |
| Gros Morne National Park | Northern Peninsula | Stromatolites, Microfossils | Guided Tours | 4.9/5 |
| Johnson Geo Centre | St. John’s | Ediacaran Fossils, Trilobites | Educational Programs | 4.6/5 |
| Port Union (Murphy’s Cove) | Bonavista Peninsula | Ediacaran Fossils | Self-Guided | 4.4/5 |
| Bonavista Peninsula (Elliston) | Bonavista Peninsula | Ediacaran Fossils | Self-Guided | 4.5/5 |
| St. Lawrence Fluorite Deposits | Burin Peninsula | Microfossils | Guided Tours | 4.3/5 |
| Torngat Mountains National Park | Labrador | Microfossils, Stromatolites | Guided Tours | 4.7/5 |
| NL Research Site | Various | Ediacaran Biota, Trilobites | Permit-Only | N/A |
| Bell Island | Avalon Peninsula | Trilobites, Brachiopods, Trace Fossils | Self-Guided | 4.4/5 |
| Branch Cove | Avalon Peninsula | Trilobites | Self-Guided | 4.2/5 |
| Flowers Cove Thrombolite Trail | Northern Peninsula | Thrombolites | Self-Guided | 4.5/5 |
| Table Head Ecological Preserve | Northern Peninsula | Graptolites, Mollusks | Self-Guided | 4.3/5 |
| Pistolet Bay | Northern Peninsula | Trilobites, Graptolites, Corals | Self-Guided | 4.4/5 |
| Deer Arm | Northern Peninsula | Trilobites, Small Shelly Fossils | Self-Guided | 4.3/5 |
| Cape Norman | Northern Peninsula | Trilobites, Mollusks, Corals | Self-Guided | 4.4/5 |
| Glenwood Salmon Pond Road | Central | Trilobites, Brachiopods, Bryozoans | Self-Guided | 4.2/5 |
| Port au Port Peninsula | West Coast | Trilobites | Self-Guided | 4.3/5 |
| Point Amour | Labrador | Archaeocyathids | Self-Guided | 4.5/5 |
| Random Island (Fosters Point) | Trinity Bay | Trilobites | Self-Guided | 4.2/5 |
Discover Fossil Hunting in Newfoundland and Labrador
Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, stands as a global treasure for best fossil dig sites in Newfoundland and Labrador, offering unparalleled access to Earth’s earliest life forms along its dramatic coastlines and ancient landscapes. Perfect for family fossil hunting trips in Newfoundland and Labrador, sites like Mistaken Point, Manuels River, and Fortune Head provide public dinosaur excavation areas in Newfoundland and Labrador, showcasing Ediacaran biota, Cambrian trilobites, and Ordovician graptolites. These jurassic fossil parks in Newfoundland and Labrador captivate beginners and seasoned rockhounds with guided tours and educational programs that illuminate the dawn of complex life. The Palaeontological Resources Regulations safeguard these fossils, requiring permits for collection, enhancing the educational depth of paleontology field adventures in Newfoundland and Labrador. Explore self-guided fossil digs in Newfoundland and Labrador at Bell Island, Branch Cove, or Pistolet Bay, where low tides reveal trilobites, thrombolites, and trace fossils. Low-cost paleontology tours in Newfoundland and Labrador ensure affordability, with entry fees from free to $12 at Gros Morne National Park or Johnson Geo Centre. Common fossils include Paradoxides trilobites, Haootia quadriformis, and archaeocyathids, reflecting the province’s pivotal role in paleontology. Nearby facilities, including visitor centers, camping, and lodging in St. John’s, Rocky Harbour, or Burin, support dinosaur dig vacations in Newfoundland and Labrador. From the UNESCO-protected Mistaken Point to the remote Point Amour, rockhounding destinations in Newfoundland and Labrador offer thrilling experiences. Summer is ideal for where to find fossils in Newfoundland and Labrador, with guided tours at Bonavista Geopark or Flowers Cove’s Thrombolite Trail making every visit unforgettable. Whether seeking common fossils in Newfoundland and Labrador or iconic finds like the Cambrian GSSP, this province is a must-visit for prehistoric site tours in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fossil Digging in Newfoundland and Labrador
Can anyone dig for fossils in national parks in Newfoundland and Labrador?
No, digging for fossils in national parks like Gros Morne or Torngat Mountains is prohibited under the Palaeontological Resources Regulations. Fossils must be reported to park staff, but observation and guided tours are allowed.
What gear do I need for a fossil dig in Newfoundland and Labrador?
Most sites prohibit tools, so bring sturdy shoes, a camera, notebook, and tide charts for coastal sites. For permit-based research, professionals may provide tools like hammers and chisels.
Are there family-friendly fossil tours in Newfoundland and Labrador?
Yes, sites like Manuels River, Mistaken Point, and Fortune Head offer family-friendly guided tours and educational programs, ideal for kids and beginners.
Do I need a permit to collect fossils in Newfoundland and Labrador?
Yes, a permit from the Department of Industry, Energy and Technology is required to collect fossils, as mandated by the Palaeontological Resources Regulations. Unauthorized collection is illegal.
What are the best months for fossil hunting in Newfoundland and Labrador?
Summer (June–August) is ideal due to favorable weather, low tides, and availability of guided tours, ensuring safe and productive fossil observation.
What types of fossils are common in Newfoundland and Labrador?
Common fossils include Ediacaran biota (Fractofusus, Haootia), Cambrian trilobites (Paradoxides, Olenellus), Ordovician graptolites, and thrombolites, found at sites like Mistaken Point, Bell Island, and Flowers Cove.
Can I keep fossils I find in Newfoundland and Labrador?
No, fossils cannot be kept without a permit. They must be left in place and reported to authorities for evaluation and potential research.
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