Dinosaurs, Footprints, and Fossils: A Prehistoric Adventure in Nova Scotia

With dramatic coastlines, record-breaking tides, and rock layers that read like pages from Earth’s diary, Nova Scotia is a place where ancient history isn’t tucked behind glass, it’s right under your feet. From museums to hands-on experiences along the shore, here’s how to step back hundreds of millions of years and explore Nova Scotia’s prehistoric past.

Cape Breton Fossil Centre: Hands-On History

A visit to the Cape Breton Fossil Centre feels like being invited into a real-life paleontology lab. Home to Canada’s most extensive Carboniferous plant fossil collection, the centre showcases more than 800 fossils that tell the story of what life looked like 300 million years ago. Wander through engaging exhibits, peek into dedicated labs, or join a guided tour where passionate interpreters bring the fossils, and the stories behind them, to life. Br sure to take a self-guided fossil hike along the nearby coastline for chance to search for prehistoric treasures.

Fundy Geological Museum: Dinosaurs, Dig Sites, and Discovery

The Fundy Geological Museum is a must-stop for anyone fascinated by dinosaurs. The exhibit gallery features 200-million-year-old dinosaur skeletons, sparkling local minerals, and an interactive Pangea time machine that helps visitors visualize the world as it once was. It’s also home to the only Fossil Research Laboratory east of Montreal, where you can watch paleontologists at work and learn how new discoveries are made.

Interior of the Fundy Geological Museum in Parrsboro, Nova Scotia

The experience doesn’t stop at the museum! Join experts on guided beach walks to active research sites like Wasson Bluff, Canada’s oldest dinosaur site, where fossils are still being uncovered. Families will love the Fossil Family Fun experiences at Five Islands Provincial Park, combining hands-on fossil casting with coastal exploration. For something extra special, the Fossils on Horseback Overnight Getaway lets you explore the Minas Basin coastline by horseback, visit an active dig site, and enjoy an overnight stay in Parrsboro.

Horseback riding on a beach in the Cliffs of Fundy Geopark in Nova Scotia

Joggins Fossil Cliffs: A UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Joggins Fossil Cliffs are one of Nova Scotia’s most iconic natural wonders. Stretching up to 15 kilometres along the Bay of Fundy, these towering cliffs reveal the world’s most complete fossil record from the Coal Age, when lush tropical forests covered the region 300 million years ago. Thanks to the Bay of Fundy’s powerful tides, which rise and fall up to 13 metres twice daily, new fossils are constantly being exposed.

An aerial view of a rocky beach and shoreline where fossils are located at Joggins Fossil Cliffs.

Visitors can walk the beach, study the dramatic rock layers, and spot fossilized trees, trackways, and even remains of ancient amphibians. This is also where Hylonomus lyelli, the world’s oldest known reptile and Nova Scotia’s provincial fossil, was discovered. While exploring on your own is possible, guided tours are recommended. Knowledgeable interpreters know where recent finds have appeared and can help you understand what you’re seeing. Join the Wanderer’s Experience for a quick 30-minute introduction or the 90-minute Explorer’s Experience for a more in-depth tour.

Blue Beach Fossil Museum: Footprints Through Time

Located near Hantsport and Grand Pré in the Annapolis Valley, the Blue Beach Fossil Museum tells the story of life emerging from the sea. Highlights include the world’s oldest known fossil footprints, rare bones from the animals that made them, and evidence of massive prehistoric fish. Fossilized plants from some of the earliest Carboniferous forests round out the story, making this an eye-opening stop for visitors of all ages.

Whether you’re a dedicated fossil enthusiast or simply curious about the ancient world beneath Nova Scotia’s landscapes, these museums and experiences offer unforgettable ways to connect with deep time, no time machine required.