Fossils Along
Paleo Trail BC

Discover the ancient marine life that once thrived in the waters where Fernie’s mountains now rise, and step back in time to explore a prehistoric landscape.

Fossils of the Elk Valley

Fernie is home to an extraordinary record of ancient life preserved within its surrounding landscapes

The Fernie Formation preserves a marine ecosystem from the Jurassic Period, when this region was covered by a shallow inland sea.

From marine fossils that date back hundreds of millions of years to significant discoveries that help tell the story of prehistoric ecosystems, the region offers a remarkable window into Earth’s distant past.

These fossils not only highlight the rich geological history of the area but also continue to inspire scientific research, education, and a deeper appreciation for the natural world.

Featured Fossils

Step back into an ancient ocean and discover some of the remarkable fossils connected to Fernie’s prehistoric past. These ancient discoveries help tell the story of a time when this region was covered by a warm inland sea, teeming with marine life millions of years before the Rocky Mountains rose.

Titanites
occidentalis

High in the hills near Fernie, British Columbia a rare ammonite fossil, Titanites occidentalis, also known as the Western Giant, from the Late Jurassic period, lies preserved in stone. This ancient cephalopod lived over 150 million years ago, gliding through the ancient seas.

Fernatator
prenticei

Near Fernie, British Columbia, a rare ichthyosaur fossil known as Fernatator prenticei was found and offers a glimpse into the Jurassic seas nearly 190 million years ago. The name Fernatator means “Fernie swimmer,” after Fernie and the Fernie Formation where it was found.

Other Fossils
in Fernie

Fossils can be found throughout the region, hidden within the rocks, mountain slopes, and trails waiting to be discovered. Millions of years ago, this area was covered by ancient oceans filled with marine life, leaving behind incredible clues from the prehistoric world.

HOW FOSSILS ARE FORMED

Long before the Rocky Mountains existed, much of British Columbia was covered by ancient oceans

Creatures such as ammonites, ichthyosaurs, fish, and marine reptiles lived beneath the waves. When these plants and animals died, some were quickly buried by layers of mud, sand, or sediment on the ocean floor. Over time, those layers hardened into rock and protected the remains from completely breaking down.

As millions of years passed, pressure from the Earth slowly transformed the buried remains into fossils. In some cases, minerals replaced the original bones or shells, preserving incredible details. Shifting continents, rising mountains, and erosion eventually brought many of these fossils closer to the surface, where they can now be discovered in the Elk Valley and surrounding areas.

Explore Fossil Locations

In summer, Fernie Alpine Resort transforms into an outdoor adventure destination where visitors can explore lift accessed hiking trails that wind through breathtaking alpine landscapes and mountain ranges. With hikes ranging from easy to advanced, the trails over incredible opportunities to experience native flora, wildlife, and Fossil Zones featuring ancient marine fossils preserved within the rocks of the region.

Along select trails, guests can discover evidence of prehistoric life from a time when this area was covered by an ancient ocean millions of years ago. Keep your eyes open for fossils such as corals, crinoids, and ammonites hidden throughout the mountainside.

Fossil collecting

When exploring for fossils, it’s important to collect responsibly and help protect these incredible pieces of natural history

Always respect private property, protected areas, and local regulations before collecting. Many fossils are fragile and can be easily damaged if removed improperly.

Take only small, loose surface finds when permitted, and never use heavy tools or damage rock faces, cliffs, or natural landscapes. If you discover a rare, unusual, or significant fossil, consider leaving it in place and reporting it to a local museum, geologist, or paleontology organization so it can be properly studied and preserved.

Remember to leave the area as you found it, stay on established trails when possible, and pack out anything you bring with you. Responsible fossil collecting helps preserve the stories hidden in the rocks for future explorers and scientists alike.

Ready to Explore?

Discover ancient oceans, incredible fossils and millions of years of geological history across Fernie, Sparwood and Cranbrook.

Fossils Along Paleo Trail BC