Top Fossil Dig Sites in Prince Edward Island, Canada
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Vernon Bridge South Shore
Location: Vernon Bridge, near Stratford, PE C1B 2E2GPS Coordinates: 46.2056, -62.9117 Fossil Types Found:
- Fossilized wood
- Reptile footprints (Dimetrodon)
- Plant fossils (ferns, conifers)
- Rare bone fragments
Geological Period: Permian
Stratigraphic Formation: Prince Edward Island Group
Public or Private Access: Public (guided tours on public land)
Permit Requirements: Permit required to remove fossils; contact provincial archaeologist
Entry Fee: $30 CAD per person for guided tour
Best Season to Visit: Summer (low tide)
Dig Options: Guided tours via Prehistoric Island Tours
Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed; observation only
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Stratford
Contact Information: prehistoricislandtours.ca, (902) 394-3764, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Dimetrodon footprints (2018)
[](https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/pei-fossil-tour-laura-macneil-1.5676833)
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.8/5 (50 reviews on tour website)
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Cavendish Beach
Location: PEI National Park, Cavendish, PE C0A 1M0GPS Coordinates: 46.4861, -63.3736 Fossil Types Found:
- Reptile footprints (Dimetrodon)
- Fossilized wood
- Plant fossils
Geological Period: Permian
Stratigraphic Formation: Prince Edward Island Group
Public or Private Access: Public (national park)
Permit Requirements: No removal allowed; report finds to Parks Canada
Entry Fee: $8 CAD park entry per adult
Best Season to Visit: Summer
Dig Options: Self-guided observation
Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, parking, lodging in Cavendish
Contact Information: pc.gc.ca, (877) 852-3100, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Dimetrodon trackway (2018)
[](https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/news/step-prehistoric-prince-edward-island-0)
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.7/5 (1,200 reviews on Google Maps)
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Cape Egmont
Location: Cape Egmont, near Wellington, PE C0B 2E0GPS Coordinates: 46.4017, -64.1139 Fossil Types Found:
- Reptile skeleton (unidentified, 2022)
- Fossilized wood
- Plant fossils
Geological Period: Permian
Stratigraphic Formation: Prince Edward Island Group
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: Permit required to remove fossils
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Summer
Dig Options: Self-guided observation
Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Wellington
Contact Information: PEI archaeologist, (902) 368-6895, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: 300-million-year-old reptile skeleton (2022)
[](https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/pei-300-million-fossil-found-pei-1.6564455)
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.5/5 (80 reviews on Google Maps)
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Basin Head Provincial Park
Location: Basin Head, near Souris, PE C0A 2B0GPS Coordinates: 46.3794, -62.1083 Fossil Types Found:
- Fossilized wood
- Plant fossils
- Rare reptile footprints
Geological Period: Permian
Stratigraphic Formation: Prince Edward Island Group
Public or Private Access: Public (provincial park)
Permit Requirements: No removal allowed; report finds to provincial archaeologist
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Summer
Dig Options: Self-guided observation
Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Restrooms, parking, lodging in Souris
Contact Information: PEI tourism, (800) 463-4734, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Fossilized tree fragments
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.6/5 (600 reviews on Google Maps)
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Souris Beach
Location: Souris, PE C0A 2B0GPS Coordinates: 46.3547, -62.2522 Fossil Types Found:
- Fossilized wood
- Plant fossils (ferns)
- Rare bone fragments
Geological Period: Permian
Stratigraphic Formation: Prince Edward Island Group
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: Permit required to remove fossils
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Summer
Dig Options: Self-guided observation
Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, restrooms, lodging in Souris
Contact Information: PEI archaeologist, (902) 368-6895, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Fossilized plant remains
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.4/5 (300 reviews on Google Maps)
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North Rustico Beach
Location: North Rustico, PE C0A 1X0GPS Coordinates: 46.4583, -63.2906 Fossil Types Found:
- Fossilized wood
- Plant fossils
- Rare reptile footprints
Geological Period: Permian
Stratigraphic Formation: Prince Edward Island Group
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: Permit required to remove fossils
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Summer
Dig Options: Self-guided observation
Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, restrooms, lodging in North Rustico
Contact Information: PEI tourism, (800) 463-4734, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Fossilized tree fragments
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.5/5 (400 reviews on Google Maps)
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Greenwich Dunes
Location: PEI National Park, Greenwich, PE C0A 2A0GPS Coordinates: 46.4186, -62.6583 Fossil Types Found:
- Fossilized wood
- Plant fossils
- Rare bone fragments
Geological Period: Permian
Stratigraphic Formation: Prince Edward Island Group
Public or Private Access: Public (national park)
Permit Requirements: No removal allowed; report finds to Parks Canada
Entry Fee: $8 CAD park entry per adult
Best Season to Visit: Summer
Dig Options: Self-guided observation
Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, parking, lodging in St. Peters
Contact Information: pc.gc.ca, (877) 852-3100, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Permian plant fossils
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.7/5 (500 reviews on Google Maps)
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Malpeque Bay
Location: Malpeque, near Kensington, PE C0B 1M0GPS Coordinates: 46.5289, -63.6867 Fossil Types Found:
- Fossilized wood
- Plant fossils
- Rare reptile footprints
Geological Period: Permian
Stratigraphic Formation: Prince Edward Island Group
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: Permit required to remove fossils
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Summer
Dig Options: Self-guided observation
Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Kensington
Contact Information: PEI archaeologist, (902) 368-6895, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Fossilized plant remains
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.4/5 (200 reviews on Google Maps)
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Harrington Beach
Location: Harrington, near Charlottetown, PE C1A 7M4GPS Coordinates: 46.3500, -63.1667 Fossil Types Found:
- Fossilized wood
- Plant fossils
- Rare bone fragments
Geological Period: Permian
Stratigraphic Formation: Prince Edward Island Group
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: Permit required to remove fossils
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Summer
Dig Options: Self-guided observation
Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Charlottetown
Contact Information: PEI archaeologist, (902) 368-6895, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Permian plant fossils
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.3/5 (150 reviews on Google Maps)
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Bedeque Bay
Location: Bedeque, near Summerside, PE C1N 4J9GPS Coordinates: 46.3667, -63.7167 Fossil Types Found:
- Fossilized wood
- Plant fossils
- Rare reptile footprints
Geological Period: Permian
Stratigraphic Formation: Prince Edward Island Group
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: Permit required to remove fossils
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Summer
Dig Options: Self-guided observation
Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Summerside
Contact Information: PEI archaeologist, (902) 368-6895, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Fossilized plant remains
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.4/5 (180 reviews on Google Maps)
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Governors Island
Location: Governors Island, near Murray Harbour, PE C0A 1V0, Kings CountyGPS Coordinates: 46.1350, -63.0600 Fossil Types Found:
- Plant fossils (Tylodendron, Walchia)
Geological Period: Permian
Stratigraphic Formation: Kildare Capes Formation
Public or Private Access: Public (with restrictions)
Permit Requirements: Permit required to remove fossils
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Summer
Dig Options: Self-guided observation
Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Murray Harbour
Contact Information: PEI archaeologist, (902) 368-6895, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Conifer plant fossils
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.3/5 (50 reviews on Google Maps)
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Murray Harbour
Location: Murray Harbour, PE C0A 1V0, Kings CountyGPS Coordinates: 46.0028, -62.5196 Fossil Types Found:
- Plant fossils
Geological Period: Permian
Stratigraphic Formation: Hillsborough Bay Formation
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: Permit required to remove fossils
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Summer
Dig Options: Self-guided observation
Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Murray Harbour
Contact Information: PEI archaeologist, (902) 368-6895, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Permian plant remains
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.4/5 (100 reviews on Google Maps)
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French River
Location: French River, near New London, PE C0A 1M0, Prince CountyGPS Coordinates: 46.5001, -63.4987 Fossil Types Found:
- Plant fossils
Geological Period: Permian
Stratigraphic Formation: Orby Head Formation
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: Permit required to remove fossils
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Summer
Dig Options: Self-guided observation
Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in New London
Contact Information: PEI archaeologist, (902) 368-6895, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Permian plant fossils
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.3/5 (70 reviews on Google Maps)
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Hillsborough Bay
Location: Hillsborough Bay, near Charlottetown, PE C1A 7M4, Prince CountyGPS Coordinates: 46.1334, -63.0820 Fossil Types Found:
- Plant fossils
Geological Period: Permian
Stratigraphic Formation: Kildare Capes Formation
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: Permit required to remove fossils
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Summer
Dig Options: Self-guided observation
Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, restrooms, lodging in Charlottetown
Contact Information: PEI archaeologist, (902) 368-6895, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Permian plant remains
[](https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/pei-coastal-erosion-fossils-archaeological-artifacts-1.7093588)
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.4/5 (150 reviews on Google Maps)
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Indian River
Location: Indian River, near Kensington, PE C0B 1M0, Prince CountyGPS Coordinates: 46.4771, -63.6873 Fossil Types Found:
- Plant fossils
Geological Period: Permian
Stratigraphic Formation: Hillsborough Bay Formation
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: Permit required to remove fossils
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Summer
Dig Options: Self-guided observation
Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Kensington
Contact Information: PEI archaeologist, (902) 368-6895, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Permian plant fossils
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.3/5 (60 reviews on Google Maps)
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Miminegash
Location: Miminegash, near Alberton, PE C0B 1S0, Prince CountyGPS Coordinates: 46.8794, -64.2269 Fossil Types Found:
- Plant fossils (10+ taxa)
Geological Period: Permian
Stratigraphic Formation: Miminegash Formation
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: Permit required to remove fossils
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Summer
Dig Options: Self-guided observation
Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Alberton
Contact Information: PEI archaeologist, (902) 368-6895, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Diverse Permian plant fossils
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.4/5 (80 reviews on Google Maps)
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North Point
Location: South of North Point, near Tignish, PE C0B 2B0, Prince CountyGPS Coordinates: 47.0549, -63.9954 Fossil Types Found:
- Plant fossils
Geological Period: Permian
Stratigraphic Formation: Egmont Bay Formation
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: Permit required to remove fossils
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Summer
Dig Options: Self-guided observation
Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Tignish
Contact Information: PEI archaeologist, (902) 368-6895, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Permian plant remains
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.5/5 (90 reviews on Google Maps)
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Spring Valley
Location: Spring Valley, near Kensington, PE C0B 1M0, Prince CountyGPS Coordinates: 46.5000, -63.6333 Fossil Types Found:
- Plant fossils
Geological Period: Permian
Stratigraphic Formation: Hillsborough River Formation
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: Permit required to remove fossils
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Summer
Dig Options: Self-guided observation
Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Kensington
Contact Information: PEI archaeologist, (902) 368-6895, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Permian plant fossils
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.3/5 (60 reviews on Google Maps)
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Gallas Point
Location: Gallas Point (Gallows Point), near Vernon Bridge, PE C1B 2E2, Queens CountyGPS Coordinates: 46.1232, -62.9620 Fossil Types Found:
- Plant fossils (Tylodendron, Walchia)
Geological Period: Permian
Stratigraphic Formation: Kildare Capes Formation
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: Permit required to remove fossils
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Summer
Dig Options: Self-guided observation
Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Stratford
Contact Information: PEI archaeologist, (902) 368-6895, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Conifer plant fossils
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.4/5 (70 reviews on Google Maps)
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New London
Location: New London, PE C0A 1M0, Queens CountyGPS Coordinates: 46.4668, -63.5154 Fossil Types Found:
- Synapsid remains (Bathygnathus/Dimetrodon)
Geological Period: Permian
Stratigraphic Formation: Windsor Formation
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: Permit required to remove fossils
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Summer
Dig Options: Self-guided observation
Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in New London
Contact Information: PEI archaeologist, (902) 368-6895, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Dimetrodon jawbone (1845)
[](https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/pei-prehistoric-tours-dimetrodon-1.6151143)
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.5/5 (100 reviews on Google Maps)
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Orby Head/Cape Turner
Location: Orby Head/Cape Turner, near Cavendish, PE C0A 1M0, Queens CountyGPS Coordinates: 46.4952, -63.3270 Fossil Types Found:
- Plant fossils (Tylodendron, Walchia)
Geological Period: Permian
Stratigraphic Formation: Orby Head Formation
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: Permit required to remove fossils
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Summer
Dig Options: Self-guided observation
Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Cavendish
Contact Information: PEI archaeologist, (902) 368-6895, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Conifer plant fossils
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.4/5 (80 reviews on Google Maps)
Comparison Table of Fossil Dig Sites
| Site Name | Province | Fossil Types | Dig Type | Average Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vernon Bridge South Shore | Prince Edward Island | Fossilized wood, Reptile footprints | Guided | 4.8/5 |
| Cavendish Beach | Prince Edward Island | Reptile footprints, Fossilized wood | Self-guided | 4.7/5 |
| Cape Egmont | Prince Edward Island | Reptile skeleton, Fossilized wood | Self-guided | 4.5/5 |
| Basin Head Provincial Park | Prince Edward Island | Fossilized wood, Plant fossils | Self-guided | 4.6/5 |
| Souris Beach | Prince Edward Island | Fossilized wood, Plant fossils | Self-guided | 4.4/5 |
| North Rustico Beach | Prince Edward Island | Fossilized wood, Plant fossils | Self-guided | 4.5/5 |
| Greenwich Dunes | Prince Edward Island | Fossilized wood, Plant fossils | Self-guided | 4.7/5 |
| Malpeque Bay | Prince Edward Island | Fossilized wood, Plant fossils | Self-guided | 4.4/5 |
| Harrington Beach | Prince Edward Island | Fossilized wood, Plant fossils | Self-guided | 4.3/5 |
| Bedeque Bay | Prince Edward Island | Fossilized wood, Plant fossils | Self-guided | 4.4/5 |
| Governors Island | Prince Edward Island | Plant fossils | Self-guided | 4.3/5 |
| Murray Harbour | Prince Edward Island | Plant fossils | Self-guided | 4.4/5 |
| French River | Prince Edward Island | Plant fossils | Self-guided | 4.3/5 |
| Hillsborough Bay | Prince Edward Island | Plant fossils | Self-guided | 4.4/5 |
| Indian River | Prince Edward Island | Plant fossils | Self-guided | 4.3/5 |
| Miminegash | Prince Edward Island | Plant fossils | Self-guided | 4.4/5 |
| North Point | Prince Edward Island | Plant fossils | Self-guided | 4.5/5 |
| Spring Valley | Prince Edward Island | Plant fossils | Self-guided | 4.3/5 |
| Gallas Point | Prince Edward Island | Plant fossils | Self-guided | 4.4/5 |
| New London | Prince Edward Island | Synapsid remains | Self-guided | 4.5/5 |
| Orby Head/Cape Turner | Prince Edward Island | Plant fossils | Self-guided | 4.4/5 |
Fossil Dig Tourism in Prince Edward Island, Canada
Prince Edward Island (PEI), Canada, is a hidden gem for fossil enthusiasts, offering some of the best fossil dig sites in Prince Edward Island for families, beginners, and amateur paleontologists. Renowned for its Permian period fossils, dating back 250–300 million years, PEI’s red sandstone cliffs and beaches reveal a prehistoric world from the supercontinent Pangaea. Sites like Vernon Bridge South Shore, Cavendish Beach, and Cape Egmont are highlights for family fossil hunting trips in Prince Edward Island, showcasing fossilized wood, plant remains, and rare reptile footprints, such as those of Dimetrodon. While public dinosaur excavation areas in Prince Edward Island are absent due to the island’s pre-dinosaur geology, its fossil record includes significant finds like a 300-million-year-old reptile skeleton at Cape Egmont. Low-cost paleontology tours in Prince Edward Island, such as Prehistoric Island Tours at Vernon Bridge, provide guided experiences for around $30 CAD, making fossil exploration accessible. Self-guided fossil digs in Prince Edward Island are popular at sites like Murray Harbour, Miminegash, and North Point, where coastal erosion exposes fossils, though removal requires a permit under the PEI Archaeology Act. PEI’s rockhounding destinations in Prince Edward Island, including Governors Island and Orby Head, offer opportunities to observe common fossils in Prince Edward Island like conifers and ferns. The island’s paleontology field adventures in Prince Edward Island are enriched by its scenic shores, with sites like Hillsborough Bay and New London providing free access and nearby amenities. For a prehistoric site tour in Prince Edward Island, combine beach walks with visits to the PEI Museum and Heritage Foundation to view displays like the Dimetrodon jawbone cast. Summer is ideal for fossil hunting, with low tides revealing treasures. Always report significant finds to Parks Canada or the provincial archaeologist to support citizen science. PEI’s fossil hunting in Prince Edward Island delivers an educational and thrilling journey into a tropical past, making it a top destination for those wondering where to find fossils in Prince Edward Island.[](https://www.saltwire.com/prince-edward-island/pei-home-to-some-of-the-oldest-fossils-in-canada)[](https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/pei-fossils-paleontology-education-1.7300087)
Frequently Asked Questions About Fossil Digging in Canada
Can anyone dig for fossils in national parks in Prince Edward Island?
No, digging or removing fossils in PEI National Park, such as Cavendish or Greenwich, is prohibited. Observation is allowed, but report finds to Parks Canada.
[](https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/pei-prehistoric-tours-dimetrodon-1.6151143)
What gear do I need for a fossil dig in Prince Edward Island?
No tools are needed, as digging is prohibited. Bring a camera, notebook, and sturdy shoes for beach walks. Guided tours provide educational materials.
[](https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/pei-fossil-tour-laura-macneil-1.5676833)
Are fossil digs in Prince Edward Island suitable for kids?
Yes, sites like Vernon Bridge (guided) and Cavendish Beach are kid-friendly, with easy trails and educational programs ideal for young explorers.
[](https://www.prehistoricislandtours.ca/)
Do I need a permit to collect fossils in Prince Edward Island?
Yes, a permit is required to remove fossils under the PEI Archaeology Act. Contact the provincial archaeologist for permissions.
[](https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/information/fisheries-tourism-sport-and-culture/artifacts-and-fossils-discovery-in-pei)
What types of fossils can I find in Prince Edward Island?
PEI’s fossils are from the Permian period, including fossilized wood, plant fossils (ferns, conifers), reptile footprints, and rare bone fragments.
[](https://www.saltwire.com/prince-edward-island/pei-home-to-some-of-the-oldest-fossils-in-canada)
When is the best time to go fossil hunting in Prince Edward Island?
Summer (June to August) is ideal, with low tides exposing fossils along beaches and cliffs.
[](https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/pei-fossil-tour-laura-macneil-1.5676833)
Can I keep the fossils I find in Prince Edward Island?
No, fossil removal requires a permit. Report finds to the provincial archaeologist or Parks Canada to contribute to scientific research.
[](https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/information/fisheries-tourism-sport-and-culture/artifacts-and-fossils-discovery-in-pei)
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