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Geological site · Wolfville, Nova Scotia
Joggins Fossil Cliffs (Joggins Fossil Centre)
Cliffs on the Bay of Fundy with fossils of forests and animals from about 300 million years ago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Joggins Fossil Cliffs (Joggins Fossil Centre)
The Joggins cliffs are on the shore of the Chignecto Bay, an arm of the Bay of Fundy, in northern Nova Scotia. Along about 15 km of coast, the rock layers preserve the record of the Carboniferous period, roughly 300 million years ago, when the region was covered by swamps and forests.
The bay’s tides, among the highest in the world, erode the cliffs and expose new fossils each year: upright tree trunks, trackways, plants and remains of some of the earliest known reptiles. In 2008 the cliffs were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The fossil centre, built on the site of an old coal mine, has an exhibition about the geology and discoveries. Guided walks descend to the beach and depend on the tide times.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Two to three hours, including the guided walk.
Best time
From early May to mid-October, when the fossil centre is open. Check the tide table: the beach can only be visited at low tide.
How to get there
Via Road 242, about 35 km from Amherst. From Wolfville, it’s about 180 km by road, around the Minas Basin.
Tip
Book the guided walk and bring boots that can get wet. It is forbidden to take fossils from the beach.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Joggins Fossil Cliffs (Joggins Fossil Centre)
How old are the Joggins fossils?
About 300 million years old, from the Carboniferous period.
Can you go down to the beach at Joggins?
Yes, at low tide, preferably on a guided walk that departs from the fossil centre.
When does the Joggins fossil centre open?
Generally from early May to mid-October.