Top Fossil Dig Sites in Yukon Territory, Canada
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Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre
Location: Kilometre 1423 Alaska Hwy, Whitehorse, YT Y1A 0K6GPS Coordinates: 60.7061, -135.0557 Fossil Types Found:
- Mammoth bones
- Bison fossils
- Horse remains
Geological Period: Pleistocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Permafrost deposits
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: N/A (museum-based)
Entry Fee: $6 CAD per adult
Best Season to Visit: Year-round
Dig Options: Educational programs
Tool Use Policy: N/A
Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, parking, lodging in Whitehorse
Contact Information: beringia.com, (867) 667-8855, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Ice Age mammal fossils
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.6/5 (500 reviews on Google Maps)
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Klondike Placer Mines
Location: Near Dawson City, YT Y0B 1G0GPS Coordinates: 64.0636, -139.4328 Fossil Types Found:
- Mammoth tusks
- Bison skulls
- Horse bones
Geological Period: Pleistocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Klondike Gravels
Public or Private Access: Private (mining sites)
Permit Requirements: Permission required from mine operators
Entry Fee: Varies; contact for details
Best Season to Visit: Summer
Dig Options: Guided tours with permission
Tool Use Policy: Tools provided by operators
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Dawson City
Contact Information: Yukon Palaeontology Program, (867) 667-8089, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Fossils with ancient DNA
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.3/5 (50 reviews on fossil forums)
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Old Crow River Basin
Location: Near Old Crow, YT Y0B 1N0GPS Coordinates: 67.5802, -139.8025 Fossil Types Found:
- Mammoth bones
- Bison fossils
- Caribou remains
- Insects
Geological Period: Pleistocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Permafrost deposits
Public or Private Access: Public (with restrictions)
Permit Requirements: Permit required to remove fossils
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Summer
Dig Options: Guided tours with Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation
Tool Use Policy: Tools provided by guides
Nearby Facilities: Limited; lodging in Old Crow
Contact Information: Vuntut Gwitchin Government, (867) 966-3261, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Rancho LaBrean fauna at Site 44
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.4/5 (30 reviews on Google Maps)
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Herschel Island-Qikiqtaruk Territorial Park
Location: Herschel Island, YT Y0A 1H0GPS Coordinates: 69.5997, -139.0869 Fossil Types Found:
- Mammal bones
- Marine fossils
Geological Period: Pleistocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Permafrost deposits
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: No removal allowed; observation only
Entry Fee: Free (boat access required)
Best Season to Visit: Summer
Dig Options: Self-guided observation
Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Camping; limited facilities
Contact Information: Yukon Parks, (867) 667-5648, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Ice Age mammal remains
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.5/5 (20 reviews on Google Maps)
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Tombstone Territorial Park
Location: Near Dawson City, YT Y0B 1G0GPS Coordinates: 64.4186, -138.6658 Fossil Types Found:
- Mammal fossils
- Plant fossils
Geological Period: Pleistocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Permafrost deposits
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: Visitor center, camping, lodging in Dawson City
Contact Information: Yukon Parks, (867) 667-5648, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Ice Age fossils
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.7/5 (300 reviews on Google Maps)
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Porcupine River
Location: Near Old Crow, YT Y0B 1N0GPS Coordinates: 67.5833, -139.8333 Fossil Types Found:
- Mammoth bones
- Bison fossils
Geological Period: Pleistocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Permafrost deposits
Public or Private Access: Public (with restrictions)
Permit Requirements: Permit required to remove fossils
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Summer
Dig Options: Guided tours with Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation
Tool Use Policy: Tools provided by guides
Nearby Facilities: Limited; lodging in Old Crow
Contact Information: Vuntut Gwitchin Government, (867) 966-3261, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Early collections sent to British Museum
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.4/5 (25 reviews on Google Maps)
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Whitehorse Fossil Beds
Location: Near Whitehorse, YT Y1A 0K6GPS Coordinates: 60.7212, -135.0512 Fossil Types Found:
- Mammal fossils
- Plant fossils
Geological Period: Pleistocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Permafrost deposits
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 Whitehorse
Contact Information: Yukon Palaeontology Program, (867) 667-8089, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Ice Age mammal remains
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.3/5 (40 reviews on Google Maps)
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Peel River Watershed
Location: Near Fort McPherson, YT Y0E 0J0GPS Coordinates: 67.2500, -134.8833 Fossil Types Found:
- Mammoth bones
- Horse fossils
Geological Period: Pleistocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Permafrost deposits
Public or Private Access: Public (with restrictions)
Permit Requirements: Permit required to remove fossils
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Summer
Dig Options: Guided tours with Gwich’in community
Tool Use Policy: Tools provided by guides
Nearby Facilities: Limited; lodging in Fort McPherson
Contact Information: Gwich’in Tribal Council, (867) 952-2330, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Ice Age fossils
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.2/5 (20 reviews on Google Maps)
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Carcross Desert Fossil Area
Location: Near Carcross, YT Y0B 1B0GPS Coordinates: 60.1667, -134.7167 Fossil Types Found:
- Plant fossils
- Mammal fragments
Geological Period: Pleistocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Permafrost deposits
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 Carcross
Contact Information: Carcross Tourism, (867) 821-4431, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Ice Age plant remains
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.5/5 (150 reviews on Google Maps)
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Haines Junction Fossil Site
Location: Near Haines Junction, YT Y0B 1L0GPS Coordinates: 60.7522, -137.5108 Fossil Types Found:
- Mammal fossils
- Plant fossils
Geological Period: Pleistocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Permafrost deposits
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 Haines Junction
Contact Information: Haines Junction Tourism, (867) 634-2252, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Ice Age mammal remains
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.4/5 (100 reviews on Google Maps)
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Yukon River Regional Sites
Location: Near Old Crow, YT Y0B 1N0GPS Coordinates: 67.5700, -139.8288 Fossil Types Found:
- Mammoth tusks
- Insects
Geological Period: Pleistocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Permafrost deposits
Public or Private Access: Public (with restrictions)
Permit Requirements: Permit required to remove fossils
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Summer
Dig Options: Guided tours with Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation
Tool Use Policy: Tools provided by guides
Nearby Facilities: Limited; lodging in Old Crow
Contact Information: Vuntut Gwitchin Government, (867) 966-3261, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Diverse insect fossils
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.4/5 (25 reviews on Google Maps)
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Big Creek
Location: Near Watson Lake, YT Y0A 1C0GPS Coordinates: 60.1718, -129.6145 Fossil Types Found:
- Lion bones (Panthera)
Geological Period: Pleistocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Permafrost deposits
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 Watson Lake
Contact Information: Yukon Palaeontology Program, (867) 667-8089, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Ice Age carnivore remains
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.2/5 (30 reviews on Google Maps)
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Bluefish Caves
Location: Near Old Crow, YT Y0B 1N0GPS Coordinates: 67.2100, -140.1200 Fossil Types Found:
- Lion bones (Panthera)
Geological Period: Pleistocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Permafrost deposits
Public or Private Access: Public (with restrictions)
Permit Requirements: Permit required to remove fossils
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Summer
Dig Options: Guided tours with Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation
Tool Use Policy: Tools provided by guides
Nearby Facilities: Limited; lodging in Old Crow
Contact Information: Vuntut Gwitchin Government, (867) 966-3261, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Ice Age carnivore fossils
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.3/5 (20 reviews on Google Maps)
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Dawson City Fossil Area
Location: Dawson City, YT Y0B 1G0GPS Coordinates: 64.0667, -139.4167 Fossil Types Found:
- Lion bones (Panthera)
Geological Period: Pleistocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Permafrost deposits
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 Dawson City
Contact Information: Dawson City Tourism, (867) 993-5575, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Ice Age carnivore remains
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.4/5 (100 reviews on Google Maps)
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Dublin Gulch
Location: Near Mayo, YT Y0B 1M0GPS Coordinates: 64.0428, -135.8041 Fossil Types Found:
- Lion bones (Panthera)
Geological Period: Pleistocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Permafrost deposits
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 Mayo
Contact Information: Yukon Palaeontology Program, (867) 667-8089, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Ice Age carnivore fossils
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.2/5 (30 reviews on Google Maps)
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Sixtymile
Location: Near Dawson City, YT Y0B 1G0GPS Coordinates: 64.0272, -140.7503 Fossil Types Found:
- Lion bones (Panthera)
Geological Period: Pleistocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Permafrost deposits
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 Dawson City
Contact Information: Dawson City Tourism, (867) 993-5575, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Ice Age carnivore remains
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.3/5 (40 reviews on Google Maps)
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Beaver River
Location: Near Watson Lake, YT Y0A 1C0GPS Coordinates: 60.3353, -125.7917 Fossil Types Found:
- Fish (heterostraci: Ariaspis, Dikenaspis)
Geological Period: Silurian
Stratigraphic Formation: Unknown
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 Watson Lake
Contact Information: Yukon Palaeontology Program, (867) 667-8089, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Silurian fish fossils
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.2/5 (25 reviews on Google Maps)
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Lime Peak
Location: Near Whitehorse, YT Y1A 0K6GPS Coordinates: 61.0661, -134.8941 Fossil Types Found:
- Algae (Ivanovia)
Geological Period: Triassic
Stratigraphic Formation: Unknown
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 Whitehorse
Contact Information: Yukon Palaeontology Program, (867) 667-8089, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Triassic algae fossils
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.3/5 (30 reviews on Google Maps)
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Ogilvie Mountains
Location: Near Dawson City, YT Y0B 1G0GPS Coordinates: 64.5828, -138.2544 Fossil Types Found:
- Brachiopods (Vagrania)
Geological Period: Devonian
Stratigraphic Formation: Ogilvie 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: Camping, lodging in Dawson City
Contact Information: Yukon Palaeontology Program, (867) 667-8089, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Devonian brachiopod fossils
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.4/5 (35 reviews on Google Maps)
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Wernecke Mountains
Location: Near Mayo, YT Y0B 1M0GPS Coordinates: 64.8330, -134.2543 Fossil Types Found:
- Ediacaran mollusks
Geological Period: Ediacaran
Stratigraphic Formation: Unknown
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: Camping, lodging in Mayo
Contact Information: Yukon Palaeontology Program, (867) 667-8089, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Ediacaran fossils in siltstones
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.2/5 (20 reviews on Google Maps)
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Jones Ridge
Location: Near Eagle Plains, YT Y0B 1G0GPS Coordinates: 65.1117, -141.0110 Fossil Types Found:
- Sponges (Corymbospongia, Pseudoimperatoria)
Geological Period: Ordovician
Stratigraphic Formation: Jones Ridge Limestone
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: Camping, limited lodging in Eagle Plains
Contact Information: Yukon Palaeontology Program, (867) 667-8089, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Ordovician sponge fossils
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.3/5 (25 reviews on Google Maps)
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Ettrain Creek
Location: Near Eagle Plains, YT Y0B 1G0GPS Coordinates: 65.4453, -141.0048 Fossil Types Found:
- Brachiopods (Spiriferella)
Geological Period: Upper Cretaceous
Stratigraphic Formation: Ettrain 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: Camping, limited lodging in Eagle Plains
Contact Information: Yukon Palaeontology Program, (867) 667-8089, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Cretaceous brachiopod fossils
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.2/5 (20 reviews on Google Maps)
Comparison Table of Fossil Dig Sites
| Site Name | Territory | Fossil Types | Dig Type | Average Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre | Yukon Territory | Mammoth, Bison, Horse | Educational programs | 4.6/5 |
| Klondike Placer Mines | Yukon Territory | Mammoth, Bison, Horse | Guided (with permission) | 4.3/5 |
| Old Crow River Basin | Yukon Territory | Mammoth, Bison, Caribou, Insects | Guided | 4.4/5 |
| Herschel Island-Qikiqtaruk Territorial Park | Yukon Territory | Mammal, Marine fossils | Self-guided | 4.5/5 |
| Tombstone Territorial Park | Yukon Territory | Mammal, Plant fossils | Self-guided | 4.7/5 |
| Porcupine River | Yukon Territory | Mammoth, Bison | Guided | 4.4/5 |
| Whitehorse Fossil Beds | Yukon Territory | Mammal, Plant fossils | Self-guided | 4.3/5 |
| Peel River Watershed | Yukon Territory | Mammoth, Horse | Guided | 4.2/5 |
| Carcross Desert Fossil Area | Yukon Territory | Plant, Mammal fragments | Self-guided | 4.5/5 |
| Haines Junction Fossil Site | Yukon Territory | Mammal, Plant fossils | Self-guided | 4.4/5 |
| Yukon River Regional Sites | Yukon Territory | Mammoth, Insects | Guided | 4.4/5 |
| Big Creek | Yukon Territory | Lion bones | Self-guided | 4.2/5 |
| Bluefish Caves | Yukon Territory | Lion bones | Guided | 4.3/5 |
| Dawson City Fossil Area | Yukon Territory | Lion bones | Self-guided | 4.4/5 |
| Dublin Gulch | Yukon Territory | Lion bones | Self-guided | 4.2/5 |
| Sixtymile | Yukon Territory | Lion bones | Self-guided | 4.3/5 |
| Beaver River | Yukon Territory | Fish | Self-guided | 4.2/5 |
| Lime Peak | Yukon Territory | Algae | Self-guided | 4.3/5 |
| Ogilvie Mountains | Yukon Territory | Brachiopods | Self-guided | 4.4/5 |
| Wernecke Mountains | Yukon Territory | Ediacaran mollusks | Self-guided | 4.2/5 |
| Jones Ridge | Yukon Territory | Sponges | Self-guided | 4.3/5 |
| Ettrain Creek | Yukon Territory | Brachiopods | Self-guided | 4.2/5 |
Fossil Dig Tourism in Yukon Territory, Canada
Yukon Territory, Canada, is a premier destination for fossil enthusiasts, offering some of the best fossil dig sites in Yukon Territory for families, beginners, and amateur paleontologists. Renowned for its Pleistocene Ice Age fossils preserved in permafrost, the Yukon is home to common fossils in Yukon Territory like mammoth tusks, bison skulls, and horse bones, alongside older finds like Ediacaran mollusks and Silurian fish. The Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre in Whitehorse is a highlight for family fossil hunting trips in Yukon Territory, offering educational programs for just $6 CAD. While public dinosaur excavation areas in Yukon Territory are absent due to the region’s focus on Ice Age and older fossils, sites like Klondike Placer Mines, Old Crow River Basin, and Yukon River offer low-cost paleontology tours in Yukon Territory through guided experiences with First Nations or mining operators. Self-guided fossil digs in Yukon Territory are possible at parks like Tombstone Territorial Park, Herschel Island, and Carcross Desert, where visitors can observe fossils, though removal requires permits under the Yukon Historic Resources Act. Yukon’s rockhounding destinations in Yukon Territory, including Ogilvie Mountains and Jones Ridge, reveal Devonian and Ordovician fossils like brachiopods and sponges, perfect for paleontology field adventures in Yukon Territory. Remote sites like Wernecke Mountains and Ettrain Creek enrich prehistoric site tours in Yukon Territory with ancient Ediacaran and Cretaceous finds. Summer is ideal for fossil hunting, with thawed permafrost and accessible trails. Amenities like visitor centers in Whitehorse and camping in territorial parks enhance the experience. Always report significant finds to the Yukon Palaeontology Program to support research. Yukon’s fossil hunting in Yukon Territory offers an unforgettable journey into an Ice Age and beyond, making it a top choice for those wondering where to find fossils in Yukon Territory.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fossil Digging in Canada
Can anyone dig for fossils in territorial parks in Yukon Territory?
No, digging or removing fossils in Yukon’s territorial parks, like Tombstone, is prohibited without a permit. Observation is allowed, but report finds to Yukon Parks or the Yukon Palaeontology Program.
What gear do I need for a fossil dig in Yukon Territory?
For observation, bring a camera, notebook, and sturdy shoes. Guided tours provide tools; personal tools are prohibited at most sites.
Are fossil digs in Yukon Territory suitable for kids?
Yes, sites like Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre offer kid-friendly programs, and guided tours in Old Crow are suitable for families with minimal physical demands.
Do I need a permit to collect fossils in Yukon Territory?
Yes, a permit is required to remove fossils under the Yukon Historic Resources Act. Contact the Yukon Palaeontology Program for permissions.
What types of fossils can I find in Yukon Territory?
Yukon’s fossils include Pleistocene mammoth, bison, and horse bones, Ediacaran mollusks, Silurian fish, Devonian brachiopods, and Ordovician sponges. Dinosaur fossils are rare.
When is the best time to go fossil hunting in Yukon Territory?
Summer (June to August) is ideal, with thawed permafrost and accessible trails for fossil observation.
Can I keep the fossils I find in Yukon Territory?
No, fossil removal requires a permit. Report finds to the Yukon Palaeontology Program to contribute to scientific research.
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