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.

When the ammonites died, their soft bodies decomposed, leaving behind their tough shells. These shells accumulated on beaches, were buried by shifting sediments, and eventually mineralized into fossils. Over millions of years, as the sea receded and the surrounding land uplifted and eroded, these fossils were exposed.

Ammonite fossils vary in size, but this Titanites occidentalis specimen stands out at 1.4 meters across, making it one of the largest ammonites ever discovered in North America.

the discovery

In the summer of 1947, a BC Geological Survey field crew was mapping coal outcrops east of Fernie

At first glance, its size and shape led one of the students to report finding “a fossil truck tire.”

Image courtesy of the Geological Survey of Canada, Frebold H. (1957).

Living Ammonites

Although ammonites disappeared millions of years ago, their closest relatives still inhabit our oceans today

Ammonites were ancient marine cephalopods with large, coiled shells that provided protection, buoyancy, and stability, allowing them to navigate the water with agility.

With long, muscular tentacles, they hunted smaller fish, crustaceans, and bivalves, functioning in a similar way to modern squid and octopuses.

As skilled predators, ammonites would have played an important role in their marine ecosystems, often sitting high in the food chain and helping to maintain balance within the ancient seas they inhabited.

Visiting the Ammonite

See the Fernie Ammonite in person by hiking the backcountry trail

Begin your experience at the trailhead along Coal Creek Road, where you can park and start your journey into Fernie’s remarkable natural history.

The hike to the ammonite site is considered moderate in difficulty, with uneven terrain and natural trail conditions that require a reasonable level of mobility and proper footwear. For those who are unable to complete the hike, the Fernie Visitor Information Centre offers an accessible alternative experience. Inside, you can view a life-size replica of the ammonite fossil, accompanied by interpretive displays that help bring the story of this ancient marine creature and its environment to
life.

As you visit this site, please help protect it for future generations. Keep off the ammonite, avoid climbing on or standing on it, and do not chip away at the surrounding rock. These simple actions ensure that this scientifically and culturally important fossil remains preserved in place, allowing others to experience and learn from it for years to come.

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

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.