The Wanderer’s Experience

• Guided, 30-minute tour with one of our knowledgeable interpretative guides
• Easy terrain for all ages

The Explorer’s Experience

• Guided, 90-minute tour with one of our knowledgeable interpretative guides
• Moderate terrain recommended for ages 10 & up

• Our guides are aware of newly-uncovered fossils and can point out fossils you might miss on your own.
• Our guides can take you on a short 30 minute experience that will give you a basic knowledge of why the cliffs exist and the types of fossils you can see; we also offer longer experiences where you will gain a more in-depth knowledge of the Carboniferous Period and where you will see the cliffs in their full glory…

What does it cost to explore the beach?

About the guided tours

• The Joggins Fossil Cliffs are a natural site that is subject to occasional adverse weather and tide conditions.
• Joggins Fossil Institute (JFI) reserves the right to amend, cancel or postpone any guided experience at any time. We highly recommend that you call our bookings line at 1 (902) 251-2727 beforehand to check that experiences are leaving at the scheduled times. The times on this schedule are the departure times only.
• Tide times are based on tidal predictions from the Canadian Department of Fisheries and Oceans. Experience and tide times are based on Atlantic Daylight Time (ADT).
• Gravel beach is accessed via steep slope and staircase, traversing large rocks and watercourses, walking for moderate/long periods.
• All participants in a guided experience are required to ensure that they are wearing suitable clothing and footwear (no open-toed shoes).
• Have any medication required and sufficient drinking water to maintain hydration for the duration of the walk.
• It is recommended that children under 10 and people with limited mobility participate in The Wanderer’s Experience (easier terrain).
• JFI reserves the right to cancel a guided experience at any time if the weather and/or tides deem the undertaking or continuation of a tour to be dangerous. An alternative date will be offered at no additional cost or a full refund will be issued.

Are dogs allowed on the beach?

• Dogs are allowed — provided they are on a leash — and we would ask that you please clean up after them.
• Note: Dogs are not permitted inside the Joggins Fossil Centre building.

Can I take fossils home?

• Everyone loves looking for fossils but at Joggins, finders aren't keepers!
• To protect the site for scientific research and provide a great experience for everyone, the law only allows you to collect fossils if you have a Heritage Research Permit (HRP). The government of Nova Scotia, not the Joggins Fossil Centre, is responsible for giving out permits.
• Apply for a permit through the Nova Scotia Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage’s Heritage Research Permit system. If you don't have a permit, please leave the fossils in place.
• Let us know what you have found — take a picture or show a staff member. Your discovery could make a valuable contribution to science!