Burgess Shale Fossil Beds

The Burgess Shale fossil beds to the east of Field have proved of supreme importance to paleontology. Fossils more than 530 million years old (Cambrian; esp. trilobites) recovered from these unique, undisturbed beds, have yielded major insights into the development of life on earth.

The Burgess Shale Fossil Beds were discovered by Charles Walcott in 1909 and is today a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The area reveals a time period when this area was near the equator.

It is possible to hike into Burgess Shale as part of a guided tour. Check at the Yoho National Park office for information on guided hikes and to inquire about restricted areas.