THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Get your hands dirty on a guided fossil dig in Tumbler Ridge, uncovering ancient footprints and bones alongside expert paleontologists. Discover the mysteries of the region’s prehistoric past in a hands-on outdoor experience like no other.
Get your hands dirty on a guided fossil dig in Tumbler Ridge, uncovering ancient footprints and bones alongside expert paleontologists. Discover the mysteries of the region’s prehistoric past in a hands-on outdoor experience like no other.
Book with Tumbler Ridge Museum Foundation
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Tumbler Ridge Museum Foundation · Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia
Set amid the rugged landscapes of Tumbler Ridge in British Columbia, Dig Tours offers an engaging journey into the prehistoric past. This 3-hour guided dig, led by expert paleontologists from the Tumbler Ridge Museum Foundation, Royal BC Museum, and University of Victoria, immerses visitors in a hands-on exploration of ancient trackways and fossils along the Flatbed Creek trackway site. The region is renowned for its striking geological formations—layered sedimentary rocks that preserve footprints and fossils dating back millions of years—and the landscape features a mix of lush forests and open creek beds. The site provides a rare glimpse into the region’s prehistoric ecology, ensuring that both science enthusiasts and curious travelers leave with memorable stories.
Participants are equipped with hand tools to carefully unearth fossilized footprints and bones, all under the guidance of experts who share insights into the area's geological history. This activity not only highlights the unique paleontological richness of the Peace Region but also emphasizes the importance of ongoing conservation efforts to protect these irreplaceable outdoor classrooms. Whether you're a family, student, or seasoned adventurer, Dig Tours makes for a rewarding outdoor experience rooted squarely in science and discovery.
Beyond the dig, Tumbler Ridge offers other outdoor adventures, but this trip stands out as a deeply educational and interactive way to connect with the land’s ancient history. It’s a perfect activity for those curious about the Earth's deep past and looking to combine outdoor exploration with learning.
Join Dig Tours for an adventure that uncovers more than just fossils—it's a journey through time, right at the frontier of British Columbia’s paleontological treasures.
moderate.
3 hours.
Participants should be in reasonable physical condition, comfortable walking and handling light tools.
No prior paleontology experience is required; guides provide all necessary instructions.
Wear sturdy shoes, layered clothing, and bring sun protection if visiting in summer.
Yes, children over 8 years old can participate with an adult.
Yes, all tools needed for the dig are supplied by the guides.
The activity proceeds rain or shine; dress appropriately for weather conditions.
It's moderate; walking and light digging are involved, with no technical skills required.
Tumbler Ridge is famous for its rich fossil beds and dinosaur footprints, making it a hotspot for paleontological research.
The region actively conserves its paleontological sites, ensuring future generations can study and enjoy these ancient remnants.
Tumbler Ridge Museum Foundation is a community-based organization in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, that preserves and interprets the region's rich fossil heritage. The foundation operates a museum and offers a range of experiences that connect visitors with real fossils and active paleontological research. Visitors can choose General Admission to view a curated fossil collection spanning more than 200 million years, from the Triassic Period through the Ice Age. Seasonal Dinosaur Trackway Tours provide 2-hour guided hikes to the Cabin Pool–Flatbed Creek site to see 97 million-year-old ankylosaur footprints in their natural setting. For hands-on fieldwork, Dig Tours bring guests to the Flatbed Creek trackway for a 3-hour guided excavation led by paleontologists from the Tumbler Ridge Museum, the Royal BC Museum, and the University of Victoria. Families with children can enroll kids aged 6–12 in Day Camps that teach fossil basics, field techniques, and local ecology through supervised activities. The foundation emphasizes safety, education, and collaboration with established museums and university researchers, ensuring scientifically informed experiences. Facilities and tours follow regional guidelines for site protection and visitor care. The Tumbler Ridge Museum Foundation also contributes to local interpretation and public outreach, helping residents and visitors understand the Peace Region’s paleontological significance. Whether attending a museum exhibit, hiking a trackway, participating in a dig, or enrolling a child in camp, guests encounter authentic fossils and expert guidance that highlight the deep natural history of northeastern British Columbia. Programs suit families, school groups, and individual visitors seeking hands-on, science-based outdoor educational experiences.
Book with Tumbler Ridge Museum Foundation