Joggins Fossil Cliffs

About this spectacle

The Joggins Fossil Cliffs rise dramatically along the shores of the Bay of Fundy in Nova Scotia, where some of the world's most complete Carboniferous-era fossil record is exposed in layered sandstone and shale. Visitors walk along the beach at low tide as the world's highest tides relentlessly carve fresh cross-sections from the cliffs, revealing upright fossil tree stumps, ancient lycopod roots, and the remains of the earliest known reptiles embedded in rock that formed over 300 million years ago. The sheer scale of the cliffs — stretching for kilometres — creates an overwhelming sense of deep time, with each stratum a page of prehistoric life. The sound of waves undercutting the base and the smell of salt air accompany discoveries that professional paleontologists and casual visitors alike make at every visit. Guided walks along the shoreline illuminate the astonishing density of fossils in their original context.

When to go

May — Oct, peak Jun — Sep

Getting there

Nearest airport: YHZ. Nearest city: Amherst.

Booking options

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