Learn. Play. Discover.

Explore the prehistoric world of the Elk Valley through interactive games, videos, downloadable activities, and hands-on learning designed for curious minds of all ages.

Play the paleo game
Discover Fossils

LEARN THROUGH DISCOVERY

Explore the ancient history of the Elk Valley in a fun and engaging way

Dive into the prehistoric world of the Paleo Trail through hands-on activities, interactive games, videos, and educational resources designed for all ages.

Test your skills with interactive games, explore fossil worksheets and activities, watch educational Paleo Zone videos, and learn how ancient oceans once covered the mountains surrounding Fernie. Whether you’re a student, teacher, visitor, or curious explorer, there are plenty of ways to connect with the region’s prehistoric past.

Interact & Learn

EXPLORE THE MAP​

Experience the Fernie Paleo Trail with the interactive Animated Trail Map

The map guides visitors through fossil locations, geological features, educational stops, and points of interest throughout the Elk Valley and surrounding areas.

As you move through the map, discover ancient ocean environments, fossil discovery zones, mountain formations, and interactive learning opportunities connected to Fernie’s rich geological past.

fernie paleo zone videos

Whether you’re exploring the Paleo Trail in person or learning from home, the Fernie Paleo Zone Videos are designed to educate, inspire curiosity, and connect visitors of all ages with the region’s prehistoric heritage.

The Fernie Formation

The Fernie Formation is a fascinating layer of sedimentary rock, preserving evidence of an ancient marine environment that existed millions of years ago.

How Fossils Are FOrmed

Fossils are formed over millions of years through a slow natural process that preserves evidence of ancient plants and animals within layers of rock.

Ammonites

Ammonites were ancient marine animals that lived in the world’s oceans millions of years ago, long before the dinosaurs disappeared.

Ichthyosaur

 Ichthyosaurs were incredible marine reptiles that lived in the ancient oceans millions of years ago during the time of the dinosaurs.
Fernie Fossil

Fossil Collecting

Every fossil tells a story and helps piece together the history of the region’s changing landscapes and environments.

Journey Through Time

Discover the prehistoric world that once covered the Elk Valley

Travel back to a time when marine reptiles swam through inland seas, ammonites drifted through the water, and layers of sediment slowly formed the fossil-rich rocks found throughout the area today. Along the way, discover how fossils are formed, learn about the Fernie Formation, and uncover the incredible stories hidden within the mountains surrounding the Paleo Trail.

PLAY THE GAME​

Test your skills as you journey through ancient seas

Navigate through prehistoric waters as you try to swim, dodge rocks and obstacles along the ocean floor, and collect hidden items along the way. Inspired by the marine life and underwater landscapes that existed millions of years ago, the game combines fun, adventure, and a glimpse into the prehistoric world that shaped the Elk Valley.

Play the Game

Worksheets

Whether you’re exploring the Paleo Trail from home, in the classroom, or out on an adventure, these hands-on resources help you dig deeper into the fascinating world of fossils, geology, dinosaurs, and the ancient inland sea that once covered British Columbia.

Ammonites

Download

Fossil Collecting

Download

How Fossils Are Formed

Download

Ichthyosaur

Download

THE FERNIE FORMATION​

Download
View the Answer Key

Dig Into Learning

Keep the adventure going with our collection of downloadable educational resources. These printables are designed to help children, families, and educators explore the fascinating world of fossils, dinosaurs, geology, and the prehistoric history of the East Kootenay, wherever they are. Simply download, print, and start discovering!

Fossils in Fernie

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Fernie’s Geology

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