Joggins Fossil Cliffs

The Joggins Fossil Cliffs on the Bay of Fundy coast of Nova Scotia are a coastal sequence of Carboniferous rock exposures that preserve an exceptional record of terrestrial and coastal ecosystems from about 310 million years ago. The cliffs contain upright tree-stump horizons, coal seams, and abundant fossilised plants and animals that document swamp and riverine environments.

Key visitor features are accessible sections of cliff and foreshore where fossil beds and in situ assemblages can be viewed, supported by displays and guided walks from the local interpretation centre. The site is especially notable for fossils of early tetrapods, including specimens such as Hylonomus that are among the earliest known reptiles.

The site developed during the Carboniferous when extensive coal-forming wetlands covered the region; repeated sedimentation and burial preserved a rich palaeontological record. Continuous coastal erosion and tidal exposure continue to reveal new fossil material, which is why monitoring and guided access are important for safety and conservation.

Joggins is on the Bay of Fundy coast of eastern Nova Scotia, set amid coastal cliffs and tidal foreshore; the nearest larger towns are along Nova Scotia’s northern shore and the site is reached by regional roads from provincial centres.

• Age and fossils: Fossils in the cliffs date to the Carboniferous period around 310 million years ago and include early tetrapods such as Hylonomus preserved in upright tree-stump horizons.
• Tidal safety: Tidal ranges on the Bay of Fundy are among the highest in the world; visit with local guides to ensure safe access to fossil-bearing exposures.

What to See #

• Fossil Cliffs: The cliff exposures along the shoreline at Joggins that reveal Carboniferous strata and in situ fossil assemblages, extending for several kilometres around the bay.
• Joggins Fossil Centre: The Joggins Fossil Centre which provides interpretation, displays and guided access to the coastal site and key fossil localities.