Visitor Code of Conduct

The aim of the Joggins Fossil Institute (JFI) is to hold for the benefit and education of humanity a collection and a geographic site representative of the Carboniferous Period and ensure that the site and collection is conserved and safely studied and exhibited. The Joggins Fossil Cliffs provide engaging visitor experiences that inspire wonder and build an understanding of the natural world. As per JFI’s Agreement with the Minister of Communities, Culture and Heritage, the Institute has the authority to administer, manage, and control the protected site in accordance with the site management plan approved by the minister. As such, JFI administers the beach at Joggins, provides safety and interpretive services, conducts studies, carries out research, and promotes educational programs that emphasize the importance of conserving beaches and using the beach for recreational purposes while maintaining environmental integrity.

We have developed the following code of conduct for visitors to the Joggins Fossil Cliffs. Visitors are defined here as patrons, paid and complementary ticket holders, retail customers, media, students, volunteers, researchers, third party contractors, program attendees, public and private event participants, and any other party on the premises that is not considered “staff.”

We ask that all visitors follow the guidelines described below. JFI’s staff reserves the right to ask anyone not following the Code of Conduct to leave the premises.

Code of Conduct

• Food and drink are not permitted in the gallery.
• Be courteous and respectful to other visitors and the staff at JFI. JFI does not tolerate abuse or harassment (physical or verbal), or discriminatory language of any kind towards staff or other visitor.
• Joggins Fossil Cliffs encompass almost 15 kilometres of coastal shoreline [PDF map, 27 kb]. JFI recognizes that portions of Joggins Fossil Cliffs are only accessible via private property. Respect the privacy and property of others by obeying “No Trespassing” signs and asking landowner permission before entering private or posted properties.
• Any actions or symbols that support or commemorate current or historical hate groups are not permitted inside JFI or on its grounds.
• Respect provincial and municipal laws and regulations governing fossil, mineral and artifact collecting. Fossils are protected in Nova Scotia and may only be collected with a permit issued by the Nova Scotia Museum. Therefore, we ask our visitors to notify JFI staff of any discoveries.
• Plan ahead and check tide times; visitors should aim to leave the beach at least 2 hours to return to your starting point before high tide.
• All third-party contractors must provide disclosure of insurance to JFI. Third party contractors include but are not limited to, individuals completing work at JFI and third- party tour groups and operators. Proof of insurance is to be provided to JFI prior to or immediately on arrival to our site [email link].