Yoho National Park of Canada

Natural Wonders & Cultural Treasures

The Burgess Shale: a treasure of ancient fossils

Waves of mountains now stand firm where ocean waves once rippled with ancient life.

In 1909, high on the western slope of Mt. Field, Charles Walcott, paleontologist and Secretary to the Smithsonian Institution, discovered fossils. Now known as the Burgess Shale, this site is widely believed to contain the world's finest Cambrian-aged fossils. These exquisitely preserved fossils are a legacy that draws many visitors to Yoho National Park each year.

In recognition of the unique and exceptionally well preserved fossils of soft-bodied marine organisms that lived in Cambrian seas 515 million years ago, the Burgess Shale was identified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1981. The diverse and sometimes bizarre animals preserved in the shales represent a complete ecosystem that existed only a very short time, relatively speaking, after the first explosion of multicellular life on earth.

Since their discovery, the fossils of the Burgess Shale have provided scientists with a wealth of information about the variety of Cambrian life forms, some of which are difficult to classify into familiar categories of modern or fossil taxonomy.

These life forms have given scientists a valuable glimpse into the nature of evolution itself. The fossils provide evidence that suggests the evolution of life on Earth has been characterized by rapid diversification and random extinction rather than by an orderly progression of "survival of the fittest". Continued research by the Royal Ontario Museum here in Yoho, and by other scientists elsewhere in the world will further our understanding of the process of evolution.

Protection of such a unique, fragile and globally important site is the responsibility of the park. At the same time, we recognize that opportunities must exist for people to learn about their world heritage. To accommodate both of these goals, access to the fossil beds is by guided hikes.

The collecting of fossils and other natural objects or artifacts is strictly prohibited.

Walcott's Quarry lies along a ridge on Mt. Wapta, across Burgess Pass from Mt. Burgess. Mt. Burgess has two peaks; the highest of these will officially be named "Walcott Peak" in honour of Dr. Charles Doolittle Walcott. Mt. Burgess, best viewed from Emerald Lake, once graced the back of the ten dollar bill.

The fossil sites

• The hike to the Mt. Stephen Fossil Beds is a moderate 6-hour return trip. Elevation gain is 520 metres (1700 ft.).
• The hike to Walcott's Quarry is a moderately difficult hike of 20 km. Elevation gain is 760 metres (2888 ft.).

Guided hikes to the Burgess Shale

• Guided hikes to Walcott's Quarry, and the trilobite beds on Mt. Stephen are led by licensed private guides.
• All hikes are by reservation only; a limit of 15 people per hike ensures a quality experience and security of the fossil site. Reserve early.
• Guides are licensed and knowledgeable. They provide valuable interpretation of the Burgess Shale fossils and the park's other natural features.

For more information on the guided hikes, contact The Yoho-Burgess Shale Foundation:

To make reservations

Hiking tips

A day of hiking in the Rockies requires preparation. Higher elevations increase your exposure to the sun and also bear the brunt of stormy weather. Conditions can change rapidly in the mountains. You will need to bring:

• good hiking boots or very sturdy shoes
• a rain jacket
• a fleece jacket or warm sweater
• sunglasses & sunscreen
• lunch, a snack & water
• a hat, light gloves/mitt & extra socks
• blister-kit (just in case!)

Glossary

UNESCO: United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization.
Ecosystem: A system formed by the interaction of groups of organisms with each other and with their environment.
Taxonomy: The orderly classification of plants and animals according to their presumed natural relationships.

Related Links

• Burgess Shale Centennial International Conference, Banff, Alberta, August 3 - 7, 2009 NEW!
• Past lives: Chronicles of Canadian Paleontology