Fernie & Elk Valley Cultural Guide Spring-Summer 2026 May 2026 | Page 24

THE JURASSIC EXHIBIT AT THE SPARWOOD MUSEUM opened in 2023 and features dioramas that depict how the valley may have looked when acrocanthosaurus and diplodocus roamed the region around 150 million years ago. Replicas of the footprints found at Line Creek Mine are on display and are a rare and unique example of different species being identified side-by-side. The arrival of these giant beasts was made possible as the coastal sea pulled back, creating a vast swampland populated by giant ferns, ancient cycads, early conifers, and relatives of the gingko plant.

IN ELKO, A NEW RECREATION AREA is the perfect place to stop and enjoy a picnic. An interpretive panel created by the Elk River Alliance takes the viewer on a journey through time, explaining how mountains were formed, the impact of changes in the climate, and the evolution of the many species that lived here over the years.

THE CRANBROOK HISTORY CENTRE features a collection of fossils and trilobites in the Paleontology Gallery. These artifacts were discovered in the Fort Steele and Burgess Shale regions, continuing the story beyond the Elk Valley.

TAKE A SELF-DRIVE JOURNEY to each of the locations on the Paleo Trail to reflect on 200 million years of history! The project will continue to evolve over 2026 with the release of a new educational video, an interpretive map, children’ s books, activity guides and more! paleotrailbc. com

Paleo Trail BC is a regional project spearheaded by Tourism Fernie, highlighting the paleontological history of the Elk Valley and South East Kootenays in partnership with Dinosaur Valley Studios and TrueArc Media.