Burgess ShaleThe Burgess Shale is a Middle Cambrian fossil deposit (about 508 to 505 million years old) best known for the exceptional preservation of soft-bodied organisms, making it a globally important Lagerstätte. The fossil-bearing beds are part of the Stephen Formation and crop out on the flanks of Fossil Ridge near Kicking Horse Pass.
Discovered by Charles D. Walcott in 1909, the site produced large collections from the Walcott Quarry and later research quarries such as the Raymond Quarry. 20th century reexaminations by researchers including Harry Whittington, Derek Briggs and Simon Conway Morris revealed an extraordinarily diverse fauna that has reshaped understanding of the Cambrian explosion.
The Burgess Shale is protected within national park lands and is included in the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site; an IUGS geological heritage designation highlights its international scientific importance. Visiting is a mix of alpine hiking and interpretation: the fossil localities and surrounding ridges offer dramatic mountain views, while access to scientific localities is regulated to protect the fossils and fragile rocks.
- Walcott Quarry: The original quarry where Charles Walcott made his discoveries, set on the slopes of Fossil Ridge and visible as a historic excavation area.
- Raymond and other quarries: Higher-up quarries and outcrops revealed by later researchers that expanded the known diversity of Burgess Shale fossils.
- Fossil Ridge viewpoint: Alpine viewpoints that look across the cliffed strata and Kicking Horse Pass, giving context to how the beds were deposited.
- Field interpretation: Local visitor-information and interpretive displays in the nearby settlement of Field explain the science, history and protection of the site.
- Alpine scenery: Dramatic mountain scenery, glaciers and valley views around the site are a major draw alongside the palaeontology.
Nearby Attractions to Burgess Shale#
Best Time to Visit Burgess Shale#
The short summer season offers the most reliable access and least snow, while shoulder seasons carry higher snow risk and variable weather.
Weather & Climate near Burgess Shale#
Burgess Shale's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -19°C to 16°C. Abundant rainfall (1051 mm/year), wettest in November.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -19° - -8° | -21° | 109 mm | overcast | 95% | 4.0 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.2h |
| February | Poor | -17° - -4° | -16° | 79 mm | overcast | 97% | 3.4 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.8h |
| March | Poor | -13° - -1° | -13° | 75 mm | overcast | 98% | 3.5 m/s | 0.5 moderate | 11.7h |
| April | Poor | -8° - 2° | -7° | 61 mm | overcast | 96% | 3.2 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 13.7h |
| May | Poor | -3° - 8° | -1° | 79 mm | overcast | 85% | 3.0 m/s | 1.3 high | 15.4h |
| June | Acceptable | 1° - 12° | 4° | 98 mm | overcast | 77% | 3.0 m/s | 1.5 high | 16.3h |
| July | Good | 3° - 16° | 8° | 97 mm | partly cloudy | 75% | 2.8 m/s | 1.6 very high | 15.9h |
| August | Good | 3° - 17° | 8° | 91 mm | partly cloudy | 76% | 2.7 m/s | 1.3 high | 14.4h |
| September | Acceptable | -1° - 11° | 3° | 73 mm | overcast | 81% | 3.0 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 12.5h |
| October | Poor | -6° - 5° | -5° | 86 mm | overcast | 89% | 3.7 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.5h |
| November | Poor | -13° - -3° | -14° | 113 mm | overcast | 97% | 3.9 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.7h |
| December | Poor | -18° - -8° | -20° | 90 mm | overcast | 95% | 3.7 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.7h |
How to Get to Burgess Shale#
The Burgess Shale is reached from the small community of Field in Yoho National Park; Field is on the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) near Kicking Horse Pass. The nearest major airport is in Calgary, from where most visitors drive or take road transport west into the Rockies.
From Field the fossil-area trailheads are on steep alpine terrain and the final approach involves hiking on mountain trails; access to specific fossil quarries is regulated, and Parks Canada manages visitor information and any guided programs or permit requirements - check locally for the current arrangements and conditions.
Tips for Visiting Burgess Shale#
- The Burgess Shale lies within protected national-park land - collecting or removing fossils is prohibited and strictly enforced.
- Weather is alpine and can change quickly even in summer, so carry layers, wind- and rainproof outerwear and plan for cool conditions.
- Good, steady footwear and basic mountain-hiking experience are useful since trails climb steeply and may be rocky or muddy.
- Facilities at trailheads are limited; arrange transport and time your visit so you can return before darkness or worsening weather.
- Check Parks Canada resources in Field for trail conditions, access rules and any guided-hike schedules before you go.