More Fossils to Discover

Beyond the famous discoveries, countless fossils preserved in Fernie’s rocks offer a glimpse into life beneath an ancient sea.

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.

Explore More Fossils

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.

Today, erosion, shifting landscapes, and time continue to reveal pieces of that ancient history throughout the Elk Valley and surrounding mountains.

From spiral-shaped ammonites and ancient shellfish to marine reptiles and plant impressions, the variety of fossils discovered in the region offers a fascinating glimpse into life from millions of years ago. Some fossils are easy to spot along rocky outcrops and trail edges, while others remain carefully hidden within layers of stone, waiting for curious explorers to uncover them.

Below are just some of the fascinating fossils that have been spotted in the area, each helping to tell the story of British Columbia’s ancient past and the incredible environments that once existed here.

HOW FOSSILS ARE FORMED

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

Millions of years ago, 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.

Fossil collecting

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

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