Top Fossil Dig Sites in Nunavut, Canada
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Fossil Creek Trail
Location: Near Coral Harbour (Salliq), Nunavut, X0C 0M0, Canada GPS Coordinates: 64.1730°N, 83.4270°W Fossil Types Found: - Corals
- Crinoids
- Cephalopods
- Gastropods
- Algae
- Ichnofossils
Geological Period: Ordovician Stratigraphic Formation: Unknown (limestone deposits) Public or Private Access: Public (observation only) Permit Requirements: Nunavut Paleontology Permit required for collection Entry Fee: Free Best Season to Visit: Summer (July–August) Dig Options: Self-guided observation trail; digging prohibited Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed; fossils must remain in place Nearby Facilities: Coral Harbour (basic lodging, fuel, airport) Contact Information: Nunavut Parks, Phone: +1-867-975-7700, Email: [email protected] Famous Discoveries: Over 40 fossil species, including corals and cephalopods User Ratings and Reviews: Not available -
Akpatok Island
Location: Ungava Bay, Nunavut, Canada GPS Coordinates: 60.4152°N, 68.1345°W Fossil Types Found: - Mollusks
- Trilobites (Pseudogygites)
Geological Period: Ordovician Stratigraphic Formation: Unknown Public or Private Access: Private (research-only) Permit Requirements: Required from Nunavut Department of Culture and Heritage Entry Fee: Not applicable Best Season to Visit: Summer (July–August) Dig Options: None Tool Use Policy: Not permitted Nearby Facilities: None (remote island) Contact Information: Nunavut Department of Culture and Heritage, Phone: +1-867-975-5500 Famous Discoveries: None documented User Ratings and Reviews: Not available -
Baffin Island (Silliman’s Fossil Mount)
Location: Frobisher Bay, near Iqaluit, Nunavut, X0A 0H0, Canada GPS Coordinates: 63.7479°N, 68.5121°W Fossil Types Found: - Trilobites (Bumastus, Calliops, Calymene, Ceraurinus, Harpes, Illaenus, Isotelus)
Geological Period: Ordovician Stratigraphic Formation: Unknown Public or Private Access: Private (research-only) Permit Requirements: Required from Nunavut Department of Culture and Heritage Entry Fee: Not applicable Best Season to Visit: Summer (July–August) Dig Options: None Tool Use Policy: Not permitted Nearby Facilities: Iqaluit (visitor center, lodging, dining, airport) Contact Information: Nunavut Department of Culture and Heritage, Phone: +1-867-975-5500 Famous Discoveries: Diverse trilobite assemblage User Ratings and Reviews: Not available -
Beechey Island
Location: Near Resolute Bay, Nunavut, X0A 0V0, Canada GPS Coordinates: 74.7338°N, 91.9144°W Fossil Types Found: - Mollusks
Geological Period: Devonian Stratigraphic Formation: Unknown Public or Private Access: Private (research-only) Permit Requirements: Required from Nunavut Department of Culture and Heritage Entry Fee: Not applicable Best Season to Visit: Summer (July–August) Dig Options: None Tool Use Policy: Not permitted Nearby Facilities: Resolute Bay (basic lodging, fuel, airport) Contact Information: Nunavut Department of Culture and Heritage, Phone: +1-867-975-5500 Famous Discoveries: None documented User Ratings and Reviews: Not available -
Borden Peninsula
Location: North Baffin Island, near Pond Inlet, Nunavut, X0A 0S0, Canada GPS Coordinates: 73.0014°N, 82.9992°W Fossil Types Found: - Pre-Cambrian reefs
Geological Period: Pre-Cambrian Stratigraphic Formation: Unknown Public or Private Access: Private (research-only) Permit Requirements: Required from Nunavut Department of Culture and Heritage Entry Fee: Not applicable Best Season to Visit: Summer (July–August) Dig Options: None Tool Use Policy: Not permitted Nearby Facilities: Pond Inlet (basic lodging, fuel) Contact Information: Nunavut Department of Culture and Heritage, Phone: +1-867-975-5500 Famous Discoveries: None documented User Ratings and Reviews: Not available -
Devon Island (Haughton Astrobleme)
Location: Near Resolute Bay, Nunavut, X0A 0V0, Canada GPS Coordinates: 75.3600°N, 89.6700°W Fossil Types Found: - Petrified wood
- Fish
Geological Period: Miocene Stratigraphic Formation: Unknown Public or Private Access: Private (research-only) Permit Requirements: Required from Nunavut Department of Culture and Heritage Entry Fee: Not applicable Best Season to Visit: Summer (July–August) Dig Options: None Tool Use Policy: Not permitted Nearby Facilities: Resolute Bay (basic lodging, fuel, airport) Contact Information: Nunavut Department of Culture and Heritage, Phone: +1-867-975-5500 Famous Discoveries: None documented User Ratings and Reviews: Not available -
Devon Island (Grinnell Peninsula)
Location: Grinnell Peninsula, near Resolute Bay, Nunavut, X0A 0V0, Canada GPS Coordinates: 76.6773°N, 95.0208°W Fossil Types Found: - Brachiopods
Geological Period: Devonian Stratigraphic Formation: Bird Fiord Public or Private Access: Private (research-only) Permit Requirements: Required from Nunavut Department of Culture and Heritage Entry Fee: Not applicable Best Season to Visit: Summer (July–August) Dig Options: None Tool Use Policy: Not permitted Nearby Facilities: Resolute Bay (basic lodging, fuel, airport) Contact Information: Nunavut Department of Culture and Heritage, Phone: +1-867-975-5500 Famous Discoveries: None documented User Ratings and Reviews: Not available -
Devon Island (Northwest)
Location: Northwest Devon Island, near Resolute Bay, Nunavut, X0A 0V0, Canada GPS Coordinates: 76.5985°N, 92.6367°W Fossil Types Found: - Trilobites
- Brachiopods (abundant)
- Corals
- Mollusks
- Sponges
Geological Period: Devonian Stratigraphic Formation: Bird Fiord Public or Private Access: Private (research-only) Permit Requirements: Required from Nunavut Department of Culture and Heritage Entry Fee: Not applicable Best Season to Visit: Summer (July–August) Dig Options: None Tool Use Policy: Not permitted Nearby Facilities: Resolute Bay (basic lodging, fuel, airport) Contact Information: Nunavut Department of Culture and Heritage, Phone: +1-867-975-5500 Famous Discoveries: None documented User Ratings and Reviews: Not available -
Ellesmere Island (Goose Fiord)
Location: Near Grise Fiord, Nunavut, X0A 0J0, Canada GPS Coordinates: 76.6016°N, 88.5835°W Fossil Types Found: - Mollusks
Geological Period: Devonian Stratigraphic Formation: Unknown Public or Private Access: Private (research-only) Permit Requirements: Required from Nunavut Department of Culture and Heritage Entry Fee: Not applicable Best Season to Visit: Summer (July–August) Dig Options: None Tool Use Policy: Not permitted Nearby Facilities: Grise Fiord (basic lodging, fuel) Contact Information: Nunavut Department of Culture and Heritage, Phone: +1-867-975-5500 Famous Discoveries: None documented User Ratings and Reviews: Not available -
Ellesmere Island (Grise Fiord Airstrip)
Location: Near Grise Fiord, Nunavut, X0A 0J0, Canada GPS Coordinates: 76.4217°N, 82.8809°W Fossil Types Found: - Marine vertebrates (large whale skull)
Geological Period: Pleistocene Stratigraphic Formation: Unknown Public or Private Access: Private (research-only) Permit Requirements: Required from Nunavut Department of Culture and Heritage Entry Fee: Not applicable Best Season to Visit: Summer (July–August) Dig Options: None Tool Use Policy: Not permitted Nearby Facilities: Grise Fiord (basic lodging, fuel) Contact Information: Nunavut Department of Culture and Heritage, Phone: +1-867-975-5500 Famous Discoveries: Large whale skull User Ratings and Reviews: Not available -
Ellesmere Island (Lake Hazen)
Location: Near Alert, Nunavut, Canada GPS Coordinates: 81.7993°N, 71.0113°W Fossil Types Found: - Plant leaves
- Coal
Geological Period: Eocene Stratigraphic Formation: Eureka Sound Public or Private Access: Private (research-only) Permit Requirements: Required from Nunavut Department of Culture and Heritage Entry Fee: Not applicable Best Season to Visit: Summer (July–August) Dig Options: None Tool Use Policy: Not permitted Nearby Facilities: None (remote location) Contact Information: Nunavut Department of Culture and Heritage, Phone: +1-867-975-5500 Famous Discoveries: None documented User Ratings and Reviews: Not available -
Ellesmere Island (Bache Peninsula)
Location: Bache Peninsula, near Grise Fiord, Nunavut, X0A 0J0, Canada GPS Coordinates: 79.1667°N, 76.0000°W Fossil Types Found: - Trilobites (Bonniopsis, Olenellus, Bolbocephalus, Ceratopeltis, Licnocephala, Peltabellia)
- Brachiopods (Acrothele)
- Hyoliths (Circotheca, Hyolithes)
- Blastoids (occasional)
Geological Period: Cambrian/Ordovician Stratigraphic Formation: Police Post/Baumann Fiord Public or Private Access: Private (research-only) Permit Requirements: Required from Nunavut Department of Culture and Heritage Entry Fee: Not applicable Best Season to Visit: Summer (July–August) Dig Options: None Tool Use Policy: Not permitted Nearby Facilities: Grise Fiord (basic lodging, fuel) Contact Information: Nunavut Department of Culture and Heritage, Phone: +1-867-975-5500 Famous Discoveries: Diverse trilobite and hyolith fossils User Ratings and Reviews: Not available -
Ellesmere Island (Southwest)
Location: Southwest Ellesmere Island, near Grise Fiord, Nunavut, X0A 0J0, Canada GPS Coordinates: 76.9999°N, 87.5391°W Fossil Types Found: - Trilobites
- Brachiopods (abundant)
- Corals
- Mollusks
- Sponges
Geological Period: Devonian Stratigraphic Formation: Bird Fiord Public or Private Access: Private (research-only) Permit Requirements: Required from Nunavut Department of Culture and Heritage Entry Fee: Not applicable Best Season to Visit: Summer (July–August) Dig Options: None Tool Use Policy: Not permitted Nearby Facilities: Grise Fiord (basic lodging, fuel) Contact Information: Nunavut Department of Culture and Heritage, Phone: +1-867-975-5500 Famous Discoveries: None documented User Ratings and Reviews: Not available -
Fossil Bay
Location: Ellesmere Island, Nunavut, Canada GPS Coordinates: 80.7000°N, 65.2000°W Fossil Types Found: - Angiosperms (Cercidiphyllum fruits)
- Mammals (Coryphodon teeth, other eutherians)
Geological Period: Eocene-Paleocene Stratigraphic Formation: Eureka Sound Public or Private Access: Private (research-only) Permit Requirements: Required from Nunavut Department of Culture and Heritage Entry Fee: Not applicable Best Season to Visit: Summer (July–August) Dig Options: None Tool Use Policy: Not permitted Nearby Facilities: None (remote location) Contact Information: Nunavut Department of Culture and Heritage, Phone: +1-867-975-5500 Famous Discoveries: Early mammal fossils User Ratings and Reviews: Not available -
Lancaster Sound
Location: Near Resolute Bay, Nunavut, X0A 0V0, Canada GPS Coordinates: 73.9468°N, 85.5176°W Fossil Types Found: - Mollusks
Geological Period: Devonian Stratigraphic Formation: Unknown Public or Private Access: Private (research-only) Permit Requirements: Required from Nunavut Department of Culture and Heritage Entry Fee: Not applicable Best Season to Visit: Summer (July–August) Dig Options: None Tool Use Policy: Not permitted Nearby Facilities: Resolute Bay (basic lodging, fuel, airport) Contact Information: Nunavut Department of Culture and Heritage, Phone: +1-867-975-5500 Famous Discoveries: None documented User Ratings and Reviews: Not available -
North Kent Island
Location: Near Resolute Bay, Nunavut, X0A 0V0, Canada GPS Coordinates: 76.6886°N, 90.1428°W Fossil Types Found: - Trilobites
- Brachiopods (abundant)
- Corals
- Mollusks
- Sponges
Geological Period: Devonian Stratigraphic Formation: Bird Fiord Public or Private Access: Private (research-only) Permit Requirements: Required from Nunavut Department of Culture and Heritage Entry Fee: Not applicable Best Season to Visit: Summer (July–August) Dig Options: None Tool Use Policy: Not permitted Nearby Facilities: Resolute Bay (basic lodging, fuel, airport) Contact Information: Nunavut Department of Culture and Heritage, Phone: +1-867-975-5500 Famous Discoveries: None documented User Ratings and Reviews: Not available -
Resolute
Location: Resolute Bay, Nunavut, X0A 0V0, Canada GPS Coordinates: 74.6957°N, 94.8287°W Fossil Types Found: - Trilobites
- Brachiopods
- Fish (placoderms)
Geological Period: Silurian Stratigraphic Formation: Unknown (Silurian limestones) Public or Private Access: Private (research-only) Permit Requirements: Required from Nunavut Department of Culture and Heritage Entry Fee: Not applicable Best Season to Visit: Summer (July–August) Dig Options: None Tool Use Policy: Not permitted Nearby Facilities: Resolute Bay (basic lodging, fuel, airport) Contact Information: Nunavut Department of Culture and Heritage, Phone: +1-867-975-5500 Famous Discoveries: None documented User Ratings and Reviews: Not available -
Southampton Island
Location: Near Coral Harbour, Nunavut, X0C 0M0, Canada GPS Coordinates: 64.5000°N, 84.5000°W Fossil Types Found: - Trilobites (Pseudogygites)
Geological Period: Ordovician Stratigraphic Formation: Unknown Public or Private Access: Private (research-only) Permit Requirements: Required from Nunavut Department of Culture and Heritage Entry Fee: Not applicable Best Season to Visit: Summer (July–August) Dig Options: None Tool Use Policy: Not permitted Nearby Facilities: Coral Harbour (basic lodging, fuel, airport) Contact Information: Nunavut Department of Culture and Heritage, Phone: +1-867-975-5500 Famous Discoveries: None documented User Ratings and Reviews: Not available -
Victoria Head (Ellesmere Island)
Location: Bache Peninsula, near Grise Fiord, Nunavut, X0A 0J0, Canada GPS Coordinates: 79.2331°N, 74.4873°W Fossil Types Found: - Cephalopods (Ellesmeroceras)
Geological Period: Ordovician Stratigraphic Formation: Unknown Public or Private Access: Private (research-only) Permit Requirements: Required from Nunavut Department of Culture and Heritage Entry Fee: Not applicable Best Season to Visit: Summer (July–August) Dig Options: None Tool Use Policy: Not permitted Nearby Facilities: Grise Fiord (basic lodging, fuel) Contact Information: Nunavut Department of Culture and Heritage, Phone: +1-867-975-5500 Famous Discoveries: Ellesmeroceras fossils User Ratings and Reviews: Not available -
Axel Heiberg Island
Location: Near Eureka, Nunavut, Canada GPS Coordinates: 79.4333°N, 90.7667°W Fossil Types Found: - Wood
- Leaves
- Plant debris
Geological Period: Eocene Stratigraphic Formation: Unknown Public or Private Access: Private (protected research site) Permit Requirements: Required from Nunavut Department of Culture and Heritage Entry Fee: Not applicable Best Season to Visit: Summer (July–August) Dig Options: None Tool Use Policy: Not permitted Nearby Facilities: None (remote location) Contact Information: Nunavut Department of Culture and Heritage, Phone: +1-867-975-5500 Famous Discoveries: Unmineralized logs and leaf litter User Ratings and Reviews: Not available -
Bathurst Island (Stuart Bay)
Location: Near Resolute Bay, Nunavut, X0A 0V0, Canada GPS Coordinates: 76.1500°N, 99.8000°W Fossil Types Found: - Stromatoporoids (Habrostroma)
Geological Period: Devonian Stratigraphic Formation: Stuart Bay Public or Private Access: Private (research-only) Permit Requirements: Required from Nunavut Department of Culture and Heritage Entry Fee: Not applicable Best Season to Visit: Summer (July–August) Dig Options: None Tool Use Policy: Not permitted Nearby Facilities: Resolute Bay (basic lodging, fuel, airport) Contact Information: Nunavut Department of Culture and Heritage, Phone: +1-867-975-5500 Famous Discoveries: None documented User Ratings and Reviews: Not available -
Bathurst Island (Western)
Location: Western Bathurst Island, near Resolute Bay, Nunavut, X0A 0V0, Canada GPS Coordinates: 75.7643°N, 101.3599°W Fossil Types Found: - Trilobites
- Brachiopods (abundant)
- Corals
- Mollusks
- Sponges
Geological Period: Devonian Stratigraphic Formation: Bird Fiord Public or Private Access: Private (research-only) Permit Requirements: Required from Nunavut Department of Culture and Heritage Entry Fee: Not applicable Best Season to Visit: Summer (July–August) Dig Options: None Tool Use Policy: Not permitted Nearby Facilities: Resolute Bay (basic lodging, fuel, airport) Contact Information: Nunavut Department of Culture and Heritage, Phone: +1-867-975-5500 Famous Discoveries: None documented User Ratings and Reviews: Not available -
Cornwallis Island
Location: Near Resolute Bay, Nunavut, X0A 0V0, Canada GPS Coordinates: 75.1013°N, 95.1306°W Fossil Types Found: - Trilobites (Pseudogygites)
- Brachiopods (abundant)
- Corals
- Mollusks
- Sponges
Geological Period: Devonian/Ordovician Stratigraphic Formation: Bird Fiord Public or Private Access: Private (research-only) Permit Requirements: Required from Nunavut Department of Culture and Heritage Entry Fee: Not applicable Best Season to Visit: Summer (July–August) Dig Options: None Tool Use Policy: Not permitted Nearby Facilities: Resolute Bay (basic lodging, fuel, airport) Contact Information: Nunavut Department of Culture and Heritage, Phone: +1-867-975-5500 Famous Discoveries: None documented User Ratings and Reviews: Not available -
Burnett Quarry
Location: Near Lake Contwoyto, Kitimeot, Nunavut, Canada GPS Coordinates: 65.6667°N, 110.6667°W Fossil Types Found: - Mammal bones (Late Irvingtonian)
Geological Period: Pleistocene Stratigraphic Formation: Unknown Public or Private Access: Private (research-only) Permit Requirements: Required from Nunavut Department of Culture and Heritage Entry Fee: Not applicable Best Season to Visit: Summer (July–August) Dig Options: None Tool Use Policy: Not permitted Nearby Facilities: None (remote location) Contact Information: Nunavut Department of Culture and Heritage, Phone: +1-867-975-5500 Famous Discoveries: Late Irvingtonian mammal fossils User Ratings and Reviews: Not available
Comparison of Fossil Dig Sites in Nunavut
| Site Name | Location | Fossil Types | Dig Type | Average Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fossil Creek Trail | Coral Harbour, NU | Corals, Crinoids, Cephalopods, Gastropods, Algae, Ichnofossils | Public (Observation) | Not rated |
| Akpatok Island | Ungava Bay, NU | Mollusks, Trilobites | Permit-only (Research) | Not rated |
| Baffin Island (Silliman’s Fossil Mount) | Iqaluit, NU | Trilobites | Permit-only (Research) | Not rated |
| Beechey Island | Resolute Bay, NU | Mollusks | Permit-only (Research) | Not rated |
| Borden Peninsula | Pond Inlet, NU | Pre-Cambrian Reefs | Permit-only (Research) | Not rated |
| Devon Island (Haughton Astrobleme) | Resolute Bay, NU | Petrified Wood, Fish | Permit-only (Research) | Not rated |
| Devon Island (Grinnell Peninsula) | Resolute Bay, NU | Brachiopods | Permit-only (Research) | Not rated |
| Devon Island (Northwest) | Resolute Bay, NU | Trilobites, Brachiopods, Corals, Mollusks, Sponges | Permit-only (Research) | Not rated |
| Ellesmere Island (Goose Fiord) | Grise Fiord, NU | Mollusks | Permit-only (Research) | Not rated |
| Ellesmere Island (Grise Fiord Airstrip) | Grise Fiord, NU | Marine Vertebrates | Permit-only (Research) | Not rated |
| Ellesmere Island (Lake Hazen) | Alert, NU | Plants, Coal | Permit-only (Research) | Not rated |
| Ellesmere Island (Bache Peninsula) | Grise Fiord, NU | Trilobites, Brachiopods, Hyoliths, Blastoids | Permit-only (Research) | Not rated |
| Ellesmere Island (Southwest) | Grise Fiord, NU | Trilobites, Brachiopods, Corals, Mollusks, Sponges | Permit-only (Research) | Not rated |
| Fossil Bay | Ellesmere Island, NU | Angiosperms, Mammals | Permit-only (Research) | Not rated |
| Lancaster Sound | Resolute Bay, NU | Mollusks | Permit-only (Research) | Not rated |
| North Kent Island | Resolute Bay, NU | Trilobites, Brachiopods, Corals, Mollusks, Sponges | Permit-only (Research) | Not rated |
| Resolute | Resolute Bay, NU | Trilobites, Brachiopods, Fish | Permit-only (Research) | Not rated |
| Southampton Island | Coral Harbour, NU | Trilobites | Permit-only (Research) | Not rated |
Fossil Exploration Tourism in Nunavut
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with the best fossil dig sites in Nunavut, where the Arctic’s ancient past comes alive for beginners, families, and amateur paleontologists. Nunavut, Canada’s northernmost territory, is a premier destination for fossil hunting in Canada, offering unique opportunities to explore marine fossils from the Ordovician period, dating back 450 million years. Sites like Fossil Creek on Southampton Island, near Coral Harbour, showcase common fossils in Nunavut, including trilobites, brachiopods, and cephalopods, preserved in the Churchill River Group. Unlike dinosaur dig vacations in Alberta, Nunavut’s prehistoric site tours blend paleontology with Arctic wilderness and Inuit cultural experiences, making them ideal for family fossil hunting trips in Nunavut. The self-guided fossil digs in Nunavut, such as Fossil Creek’s accessible trails, allow visitors to collect surface fossils using hand tools, ensuring an eco-friendly experience. For those seeking low-cost paleontology tours in Nunavut, guided outings through local outfitters in Coral Harbour combine fossil exploration with wildlife and cultural storytelling. The best time for where to find fossils in Nunavut is July to August, when ice-free conditions make remote sites accessible. While Nunavut lacks the Jurassic fossil parks found elsewhere, its rockhounding destinations in Nunavut offer a raw, untouched experience, with fossils of ancient marine life waiting to be discovered. Lodging in Coral Harbour provides a comfortable base, though facilities at sites are minimal, emphasizing the rugged charm of paleontology field adventures in Nunavut. Plan your trip via Travel Nunavut to connect with outfitters and ensure compliance with Parks Canada regulations, as some areas may require permits for fossil collection. Whether you’re marveling at Ordovician relics or learning from Inuit guides, fossil hunting in Nunavut delivers a one-of-a-kind journey into Earth’s distant past. For families seeking educational dinosaur dig vacations in Canada, Nunavut’s focus on marine fossils offers a fresh perspective, complemented by the territory’s stunning landscapes and cultural heritage. Start your paleontology field adventure today and uncover the secrets of Nunavut’s ancient seas, where every fossil tells a story millions of years in the making.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fossil Digging in Nunavut
Can anyone dig for fossils in Nunavut’s national parks?
Surface collection of fossils is allowed in some areas like Fossil Creek, but excavation in national parks like Auyuittuq or Sirmilik requires a permit from Parks Canada. Always check regulations before digging.
What gear do I need for a fossil dig in Nunavut?
Bring hand tools (hammer, chisel), a magnifying glass, sturdy boots, warm clothing, and a backpack. Guided tours may provide tools. Ensure you have navigation aids due to remote locations.
Are there guided fossil tours in Nunavut?
Yes, local outfitters in Coral Harbour offer guided tours to Fossil Creek, combining fossil hunting with cultural and wildlife experiences. Contact Travel Nunavut for recommendations.
What is the best time to visit fossil sites in Nunavut?
July and August are ideal, as the weather is milder and sites are ice-free, making access easier for fossil exploration.
Can I keep fossils I find in Nunavut?
Surface-collected fossils can often be kept for personal use, but significant finds must be reported to Parks Canada or local authorities. Excavated fossils typically require permits.
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