AFTER THE DINOSAURS DIED OUT, extreme weather changes and shifts in the tectonic plateau created the dramatic mountain peaks that we see today. Footprints, bones and shells were preserved in the ice and mud, transforming into the fossils that we are only now identifying and studying. Each new discovery adds a new chapter to the story. Explore this fascinating saga through Paleo Trail BC.
ON DISPLAY AT FERNIE’ S VISITOR CENTRE are replicas of two fascinating examples of aquatic life that once populated the area. A huge life-sized replica of the Coal Creek ammonite – still in place in its original location takes up one wall. The ammonite – Titanites occidentalis- was discovered in 1947 and is the largest of its kind found in Canada, dating from around 150 million years ago. More displays are planned in what will be an evolving display of archeological discovery.
Also in Fernie is a replica of an Ichthyosaur skeleton discovered near Morrissey in 1916. After languishing in an Ottawa museum for over a century, the skeleton was identified as a new species and has been named Fernatator prenticei, after both Fernie, and Tom Prentice, who first discovered it. It is the most complete ichthyosaur skeleton found in North America, and dates from around 190 million years ago.
Tropical Jurassic Sea |
Coastal Swamplands |
Coastal Plains & Braided Rivers |
Western Interior Seaway |
Mounta |
200- 145 Ma 150- 120 Ma 120- 100 Ma 100- 80 Ma 80-
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