The world is vast and things are changing rapidly, luckily there are some well-preserved places that remind us of where we came from – but they need to be protected. For this reason, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization and the International Union of Geological Sciences have made it their priority to give heritage sites in Canada and around the globe more recognition.
Though 150 in total have been accepted as IUGS geological heritage sites, a dedication ceremony was just held for the first 100 – and 6 are in Canada!
MISTAKEN POINT, NEWFOUND LAND AND LABRADOR
Described as the “world’s best example of fossils which illustrate a critical time in history”, This stunning destination was inscribed in 2016 and is credited for being the first appearance of large, biologically complex organisms.
GROS MORNE NATIONAL PARK, NEWFOUND LAND AND LABRADOR
Inscribed in 1987, Gros Morne National park is considered the world’s best exposure of the Moho, the boundary between crust and mantle rocks, preserved at the Earth’s surface in a dramatic glacial landscape.
JOGGINS FOSSIL CLIFFS, NOVA SCOTIA
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Housing the globe’s most complete fossil record of ‘Coal Age’ tropical forests and Earth’s earliest known reptiles, this Nova Scotian destination was inscribed in 2008.
EO-ARCHEAN NUVVAGITTUK GREENSTONE BELT, QUEBEC
Featuring some of the oldest rocks on Earth, this important destination has shown some of the earliest traces of early life.
DINOSAUR PROVINCIAL PARK, ALBERTA
With the greatest concentration of Late Cretaceous dinosaur fossils found on earth, Dinosaur Provincial park yields the remains of 44 species and many many other organisms.
BURGESS SHALE, BRITISH COLUMBIA
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One of “the most significant fossil areas in the world,” Burgess Shale features a diverse, abundant marine community dominated by soft-bodied organisms.
Who knew we had so much history right in our backyard?
“Congratulations to the six Canadian sites selected among the first 100 IUGS geological heritage sites,” said Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada.
“These incredible places are sources of ongoing scientific research and discovery, and also serve as important contributors to local economies as unique, unparalleled tourism destinations. Internationally, these places represent the geo‑heritage of all humanity and the planet we call home.”
From dinosaurs to humankind, these heritage sites in Canada and around the world were selected from 181 applicants from 56 countries and will continue to be supported by UNESCO for many years to come.
Why not visit them and see what it’s all about yourself? There really are no other places like ’em!
