Top Fossil Dig Sites in Quebec, Canada
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Miguasha National Park
Location: 231 Route Miguasha Ouest, Nouvelle, QC G0C 2E0, near Carleton-sur-MerGPS Coordinates: 48.1050, -66.3517Fossil Types Found: - Fish (Eusthenopteron, Cheirolepis)
- Tetrapods (Elpistostege)
- Plants
- Invertebrates (Bothriolepis)
Geological Period: Devonian
Stratigraphic Formation: Escuminac Formation
Public or Private Access: Public (UNESCO site)
Permit Requirements: No removal allowed; guided tours only
Entry Fee: $8 CAD per adult (park entry)
Best Season to Visit: Summer
Dig Options: Guided tours, educational programs
Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, parking, lodging in Carleton-sur-Mer
Contact Information: pc.gc.ca, (418) 794-2471, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Eusthenopteron, key to fish-tetrapod transition
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.8/5 (500 reviews on Google Maps)
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Nuvvuagittuq Greenstone Belt
Location: Inukjuak, near Hudson Bay, QC J0M 1M0GPS Coordinates: 58.3000, -77.5833Fossil Types Found: - Microfossils (hematite tubes)
Geological Period: Archean (Hadean)
Stratigraphic Formation: Nuvvuagittuq Greenstone Belt
Public or Private Access: Private (research site)
Permit Requirements: Research permit required; no public access
Entry Fee: N/A
Best Season to Visit: Summer (guided research only)
Dig Options: Guided research tours (restricted)
Tool Use Policy: Tools provided by researchers
Nearby Facilities: Limited; lodging in Inukjuak
Contact Information: University of Ottawa, (613) 562-5800, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Oldest known microfossils (3.77–4.28 billion years)
User Ratings and Reviews: N/A (research site)
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Anticosti Island Cliffs
Location: Port-Menier, Anticosti Island, QC G0G 2Y0GPS Coordinates: 49.5000, -63.0000Fossil Types Found: - Trilobites (Calymene, Encrinuroides)
- Brachiopods
- Corals
- Graptolites
Geological Period: Silurian-Devonian
Stratigraphic Formation: Anticosti Group (Jupiter, Vaureal)
Public or Private Access: Public (with restrictions)
Permit Requirements: Permit required to remove fossils
Entry Fee: Ferry fee (~$50 CAD round trip)
Best Season to Visit: Summer
Dig Options: Self-guided observation
Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Port-Menier
Contact Information: Anticosti tourism, (418) 535-0157, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Three-dimensional graptolites
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.6/5 (200 reviews on Google Maps)
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Parc de l’Île-Bizard
Location: 2115 Chemin du Bord-du-Lac, L’Île-Bizard, QC H9C 1P3, near MontrealGPS Coordinates: 45.4889, -73.9186Fossil Types Found: - Trilobites
- Brachiopods
- Orthoceras
Geological Period: Ordovician
Stratigraphic Formation: Chazy Formation
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: No removal allowed; observation only
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Spring to fall
Dig Options: Self-guided observation
Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, restrooms, lodging in Montreal
Contact Information: Montreal tourism, (514) 873-2015, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Ordovician marine fossils
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.5/5 (300 reviews on Google Maps)
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Parc de la Chute-Montmorency
Location: 5300 Boulevard Sainte-Anne, Quebec City, QC G1C 0M3GPS Coordinates: 46.8903, -71.1478Fossil Types Found: - Trilobites
- Brachiopods
- Orthoceras
Geological Period: Ordovician
Stratigraphic Formation: Trenton Group
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: No removal allowed; observation only
Entry Fee: $7 CAD 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 Quebec City
Contact Information: sepaq.com, (418) 663-2877, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Trilobite fragments
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.7/5 (2,000 reviews on Google Maps)
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Parc national des Îles-de-Boucherville
Location: 55 Île Sainte-Marguerite, Boucherville, QC J4B 5J6, near MontrealGPS Coordinates: 45.6000, -73.4667Fossil Types Found: - Trilobites
- Brachiopods
- Orthoceras
Geological Period: Ordovician
Stratigraphic Formation: Utica Shale
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: No removal allowed; observation only
Entry Fee: $9 CAD per adult
Best Season to Visit: Spring to fall
Dig Options: Self-guided observation
Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, parking, lodging in Boucherville
Contact Information: sepaq.com, (450) 928-5088, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Ordovician marine fossils
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.6/5 (1,500 reviews on Google Maps)
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Parc national de la Pointe-Taillon
Location: 835 Rang 3 Ouest, Péribonka, QC G0W 2G0, near AlmaGPS Coordinates: 48.6667, -71.8333Fossil Types Found: - Trilobites
- Brachiopods
Geological Period: Ordovician
Stratigraphic Formation: Trenton Group
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: No removal allowed; observation only
Entry Fee: $9 CAD 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 Alma
Contact Information: sepaq.com, (418) 347-5371, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Trilobite fragments
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.5/5 (400 reviews on Google Maps)
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Parc national du Mont-Mégantic
Location: 189 Route du Parc, Notre-Dame-des-Bois, QC J0B 2E0GPS Coordinates: 45.4567, -71.1522Fossil Types Found: - Trilobites
- Brachiopods
Geological Period: Ordovician
Stratigraphic Formation: Magog Group
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: No removal allowed; observation only
Entry Fee: $9 CAD 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 Notre-Dame-des-Bois
Contact Information: sepaq.com, (819) 888-2941, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Ordovician marine fossils
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.7/5 (600 reviews on Google Maps)
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Parc national de la Yamaska
Location: 1780 Boulevard David-Bouchard, Roxton Pond, QC J0E 1Z0, near GranbyGPS Coordinates: 45.4833, -72.6667Fossil Types Found: - Trilobites
- Brachiopods
Geological Period: Ordovician
Stratigraphic Formation: Utica Shale
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: No removal allowed; observation only
Entry Fee: $9 CAD 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 Granby
Contact Information: sepaq.com, (450) 776-7182, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Trilobite fragments
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.6/5 (700 reviews on Google Maps)
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Parc national du Mont-Orford
Location: 3321 Chemin du Parc, Orford, QC J1X 7A2, near MagogGPS Coordinates: 45.3667, -72.2000Fossil Types Found: - Trilobites
- Brachiopods
Geological Period: Ordovician
Stratigraphic Formation: Magog Group
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: No removal allowed; observation only
Entry Fee: $9 CAD 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 Magog
Contact Information: sepaq.com, (819) 843-9855, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Ordovician marine fossils
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.7/5 (1,000 reviews on Google Maps)
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Levis (Point Levis)
Location: Point Levis, Levis, QC G6V 0E5, near Quebec CityGPS Coordinates: 46.8313, -71.1574Fossil Types Found: - Graptolites (Tetragraptus, Dictyonema)
- Trilobites (Acheilus, Agnostus)
- Cephalopods (Cyrtoceras)
Geological Period: Cambrian-Ordovician
Stratigraphic Formation: Levis 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, restrooms, lodging in Levis
Contact Information: Levis tourism, (418) 838-6026, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Classic graptolite locality
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.4/5 (150 reviews on Google Maps)
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Ville Guay
Location: Ville Guay, near Quebec City, QC G1C 0M3GPS Coordinates: 46.8280, -71.0960Fossil Types Found: - Trilobites (Bonnia, Periomma)
- Small shelly fossils
- Brachiopods (Linnarssonia)
Geological Period: Cambrian
Stratigraphic Formation: Anse Maranda 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 Quebec City
Contact Information: Quebec City tourism, (418) 641-6290, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Phosphatized small shelly fossils
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.3/5 (100 reviews on Google Maps)
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Neuville
Location: Neuville, QC G0A 2R0, near Quebec CityGPS Coordinates: 46.6979, -71.5812Fossil Types Found: - Graptolites (Amplexograptus, Orthograptus)
- Trilobites
- Brachiopods
- Cephalopods
Geological Period: Ordovician
Stratigraphic Formation: Utica Shale
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: Permit required to remove fossils
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Spring to fall
Dig Options: Self-guided observation
Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Quebec City
Contact Information: Quebec City tourism, (418) 641-6290, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Diverse graptolite fauna
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.4/5 (120 reviews on Google Maps)
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Kabir Kouba Falls
Location: 15 Boulevard des Étudiants, Loretteville, QC G2A 1S4, near Quebec CityGPS Coordinates: 46.8553, -71.3556Fossil Types Found: - Trilobites (Cryptolithus)
- Brachiopods
- Crinoids
- Cephalopods
Geological Period: Ordovician
Stratigraphic Formation: Trenton Group
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: No removal allowed; observation only
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Summer
Dig Options: Self-guided observation, interpretive center tours
Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, parking, lodging in Quebec City
Contact Information: Kabir Kouba Interpretive Center, (418) 842-0077, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Cryptolithus trilobites
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.6/5 (250 reviews on Google Maps)
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Beauharnois
Location: Beauharnois, QC J6N 0E4, near MontrealGPS Coordinates: 45.3169, -73.8769Fossil Types Found: - Trace fossils (Protichnites)
- Gastropods (Lecanospira)
Geological Period: Cambrian-Ordovician
Stratigraphic Formation: Cairnside, Beauharnois
Public or Private Access: Public (with restrictions)
Permit Requirements: Permit required to remove fossils
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Spring to fall
Dig Options: Self-guided observation
Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Beauharnois
Contact Information: Beauharnois tourism, (450) 225-0870, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Early arthropod tracks
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.3/5 (80 reviews on Google Maps)
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Phillipsburg
Location: Phillipsburg, QC J0J 1N0, near Saint-ArmandGPS Coordinates: 45.0392, -73.0746Fossil Types Found: - Graptolites
- Gastropods (Maclurites)
- Crinoids
- Bryozoa
Geological Period: Ordovician
Stratigraphic Formation: Stanbridge, Beekmantown
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 Saint-Armand
Contact Information: Saint-Armand tourism, (450) 248-3303, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Diverse Ordovician fauna
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.4/5 (90 reviews on Google Maps)
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Saint-Marc-des-Carrieres
Location: Saint-Marc-des-Carrieres, QC G0A 4B0, near PortneufGPS Coordinates: 46.6817, -72.0501Fossil Types Found: - Mollusks
Geological Period: Ordovician
Stratigraphic Formation: Deschambault Formation
Public or Private Access: Private (quarry access with permission)
Permit Requirements: Permission required from quarry operators
Entry Fee: Varies; contact quarry
Best Season to Visit: Summer
Dig Options: Guided tours with permission
Tool Use Policy: Tools provided by quarry staff
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Portneuf
Contact Information: Portneuf tourism, (418) 285-3744, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Fossiliferous brown limestone
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.2/5 (50 reviews on fossil forums)
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Perce Rock
Location: Perce, QC G0C 2L0, near GaspeGPS Coordinates: 48.5252, -64.2110Fossil Types Found: - Trilobites
- Mollusks
- Trace fossils (Planolites)
Geological Period: Silurian-Devonian
Stratigraphic Formation: Grand Greve Formation
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: No removal allowed; observation only
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 Perce
Contact Information: Perce tourism, (418) 782-2971, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Silurian trilobites
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.7/5 (800 reviews on Google Maps)
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Montreal (Mount Royal Park)
Location: 1260 Remembrance Road, Montreal, QC H3H 1A2GPS Coordinates: 45.5072, -73.5890Fossil Types Found: - Mollusks
- Brachiopods
Geological Period: Ordovician
Stratigraphic Formation: Trenton Formation
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: No removal allowed; observation only
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Spring to fall
Dig Options: Self-guided observation
Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, restrooms, lodging in Montreal
Contact Information: Montreal tourism, (514) 873-2015, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Ordovician mollusks
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.8/5 (3,000 reviews on Google Maps)
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Lake Memphremagog (Owls Head)
Location: Owls Head, near Magog, QC J1X 0M6GPS Coordinates: 45.0625, -72.2984Fossil Types Found: - Trilobites (Dalmanites)
- Orthoceras
- Trace fossils (Taonurus)
Geological Period: Devonian
Stratigraphic Formation: Mountain House Wharf Formation
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: No removal allowed; observation only
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Summer
Dig Options: Self-guided observation
Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Magog
Contact Information: Magog tourism, (819) 843-2744, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Devonian corals and trilobites
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.5/5 (200 reviews on Google Maps)
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Notre Dame du Nord (Fossilarium)
Location: 5 Rue Principale, Notre-Dame-du-Nord, QC J0Z 3B0GPS Coordinates: 47.5929, -79.4842Fossil Types Found: - Plants
- Invertebrates
Geological Period: Ordovician-Silurian
Stratigraphic Formation: Unknown
Public or Private Access: Public (museum with nearby sites)
Permit Requirements: No removal allowed; observation only
Entry Fee: $10 CAD per adult (museum entry)
Best Season to Visit: Summer
Dig Options: Guided tours, educational programs
Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, parking, lodging in Notre-Dame-du-Nord
Contact Information: fossiles.ca, (819) 723-2500, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Ordovician-Silurian plant fossils
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.6/5 (150 reviews on Google Maps)
Comparison Table of Fossil Dig Sites
| Site Name | Province | Fossil Types | Dig Type | Average Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miguasha National Park | Quebec | Fish, Tetrapods, Plants | Guided | 4.8/5 |
| Nuvvuagittuq Greenstone Belt | Quebec | Microfossils | Guided (research only) | N/A |
| Anticosti Island Cliffs | Quebec | Trilobites, Brachiopods, Corals | Self-guided | 4.6/5 |
| Parc de l’Île-Bizard | Quebec | Trilobites, Brachiopods, Orthoceras | Self-guided | 4.5/5 |
| Parc de la Chute-Montmorency | Quebec | Trilobites, Brachiopods, Orthoceras | Self-guided | 4.7/5 |
| Parc national des Îles-de-Boucherville | Quebec | Trilobites, Brachiopods, Orthoceras | Self-guided | 4.6/5 |
| Parc national de la Pointe-Taillon | Quebec | Trilobites, Brachiopods | Self-guided | 4.5/5 |
| Parc national du Mont-Mégantic | Quebec | Trilobites, Brachiopods | Self-guided | 4.7/5 |
| Parc national de la Yamaska | Quebec | Trilobites, Brachiopods | Self-guided | 4.6/5 |
| Parc national du Mont-Orford | Quebec | Trilobites, Brachiopods | Self-guided | 4.7/5 |
| Levis (Point Levis) | Quebec | Graptolites, Trilobites, Cephalopods | Self-guided | 4.4/5 |
| Ville Guay | Quebec | Trilobites, Small shelly fossils | Self-guided | 4.3/5 |
| Neuville | Quebec | Graptolites, Trilobites, Brachiopods | Self-guided | 4.4/5 |
| Kabir Kouba Falls | Quebec | Trilobites, Brachiopods, Crinoids | Self-guided | 4.6/5 |
| Beauharnois | Quebec | Trace fossils, Gastropods | Self-guided | 4.3/5 |
| Phillipsburg | Quebec | Graptolites, Gastropods, Crinoids | Self-guided | 4.4/5 |
| Saint-Marc-des-Carrieres | Quebec | Mollusks | Guided (with permission) | 4.2/5 |
| Perce Rock | Quebec | Trilobites, Mollusks, Trace fossils | Self-guided | 4.7/5 |
| Montreal (Mount Royal Park) | Quebec | Mollusks, Brachiopods | Self-guided | 4.8/5 |
| Lake Memphremagog (Owls Head) | Quebec | Trilobites, Orthoceras, Trace fossils | Self-guided | 4.5/5 |
| Notre Dame du Nord (Fossilarium) | Quebec | Plants, Invertebrates | Guided | 4.6/5 |
Fossil Dig Tourism in Quebec, Canada
Quebec, Canada, is a premier destination for fossil enthusiasts, offering some of the best fossil dig sites in Quebec for families, beginners, and amateur paleontologists. Spanning the Archean to Devonian periods, Quebec’s geological treasures include common fossils in Quebec like trilobites, graptolites, brachiopods, and early fish such as Eusthenopteron. Miguasha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a highlight for family fossil hunting trips in Quebec, with guided tours revealing Devonian fossils pivotal to the fish-tetrapod transition. While public dinosaur excavation areas in Quebec are absent due to the province’s pre-dinosaur geology, sites like Anticosti Island, Levis, and Perce Rock provide opportunities to observe Silurian, Ordovician, and Cambrian fossils along scenic cliffs and shores. Low-cost paleontology tours in Quebec, such as those at Miguasha and Notre Dame du Nord’s Fossilarium, start at $8–$10 CAD, ensuring affordability. Self-guided fossil digs in Quebec at parks like Parc de la Chute-Montmorency, Kabir Kouba Falls, and Phillipsburg allow visitors to view trilobites and graptolites, though fossil removal requires permits under Quebec’s Cultural Heritage Act. Quebec’s rockhounding destinations in Quebec, including Neuville and Lake Memphremagog, offer free or low-cost access, perfect for paleontology field adventures in Quebec. The Nuvvuagittuq Greenstone Belt, with the world’s oldest microfossils, underscores Quebec’s ancient legacy, though it’s research-only. Summer is ideal for fossil hunting, with mild weather and accessible trails. Amenities like visitor centers and lodging enhance the experience. For a prehistoric site tour in Quebec, combine fossil exploration with visits to the Redpath Museum in Montreal to see Ordovician specimens. Always report significant finds to park authorities or the Ministry of Natural Resources to support research. Quebec’s fossil hunting in Quebec delivers an educational and thrilling journey into Earth’s ancient past, making it a top choice for those wondering where to find fossils in Quebec.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fossil Digging in Canada
Can anyone dig for fossils in national parks in Quebec?
No, digging or removing fossils in Quebec’s national parks, like Miguasha, is prohibited. Observation is allowed, but report finds to Parks Canada or park authorities.
What gear do I need for a fossil dig in Quebec?
No tools are needed, as digging is prohibited. Bring a camera, notebook, and sturdy shoes for trails. Guided tours provide educational materials.
Are fossil digs in Quebec suitable for kids?
Yes, sites like Miguasha and Parc de l’Île-Bizard offer family-friendly guided tours and trails, ideal for kids with minimal physical demands.
Do I need a permit to collect fossils in Quebec?
Yes, a permit is required to remove fossils under Quebec’s Cultural Heritage Act. Contact the Ministry of Natural Resources or park authorities for permissions.
What types of fossils can I find in Quebec?
Quebec’s fossils span the Archean to Devonian, including microfossils, trilobites, graptolites, brachiopods, orthoceras, and fish like Eusthenopteron. Dinosaur fossils are absent.
When is the best time to go fossil hunting in Quebec?
Summer (June to August) is ideal, with mild weather and accessible trails for fossil observation.
Can I keep the fossils I find in Quebec?
No, fossil removal requires a permit. Report finds to park authorities or the Ministry of Natural Resources to contribute to scientific research.
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