Joggins Fossil Cliffs

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Introduction

Joggins Fossil Cliffs, UNESCO World heritage site, is home to some the world's best fossils from the "Coal Age" over 300 million years ago. These cliffs have scientist with information that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. It was at the Joggins Fossil Cliffs that Sir Charles Lyell and Sir William Dawson found proof of Tetrapods, an amphibian and reptile hybrid. Further work by Dawson at Joggins Fossil Cliffs led to the discovery of the first reptile, Hylonomus lyelli. This was the ancestor of all the dinosaurs.^[1]

It is possible for visitors to the Fossil Cliffs to find new fossils that have been unearthed by the constant rising and falling of the tides in the Bay of Fundy. As this is a place for scientific research visitors to the site are asked to only take pictures of their fossils. Not the actual fossils themselves.

Facilities

Located a short shuttle bus ride from the Fossil Cliffs is the Joggins Fossil Centre. The Centre which is the departure point for the interpretive walks, is also home to interactive displays, the gift shop, and a cafe. It also has parking spots for cars and RVs.

Opening Hours

The Centre is open 9:30-17:30, May 17 to November 11. Between November 12 and May 16 access is available by appointment only.^[2]

Cost

The cost for adults, including admission and a guided tour is $16. For seniors and students it is $12. They also offer special discounts for families. More information can be found on the Joggins Fossil Centre website.

Getting There

By Train

By Car

The Joggins Fossil Cliffs are best accessed by car. If you are coming from:^[3]

• Moncton, New Brunswick -

Take exit 4 near Amherst, Nova Scotia. Turn right on to Highway 302. This highway will take you approximately 9 km through Nappan. Take another right onto Highway 242. Follow this Highway through River Hebert and on to Joggins. The entrance to the Fossil Cliffs is located near the end of Main Street.

• Halifax, Nova Scotia -

The direct route
Take the Trans Canada Highway, #102 north towards Amherst. This drive will take approximately 2 to 2.5 hours. When you arrive at Amherst, that exit 4 and follow the same directions for Moncton.

The indirect route via the Fundy Shore
Take the Trans Canada Highway, #102 north towards Amherst. After approximately 1 hour take exit #12. At the stop sign turn right on to Highway #2. Continue on Highway #2 for approximately 65 kilometers. This will take you through many scenic small towns and will eventually put you in downtown Parrsboro. When in downtown Parrsboro follow the signs to stay on Highway #2. Drive about 3 more km and turn on to Highway 209. Follow this highway though a variety of more communities for 45 kms. You will arrive in Advocate Harbour. Follow the signs to Highway 242. Stay on this highway and you will reach the Joggins Fossil Cliffs.

By Bus

By Boat

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