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Safety

Yellow safety sign stating “! WARNING ! Rock falls occur without warning. Always keep a safe distance and never climb the cliffs. Plan to depart the more remote areas of the cliffs at least three hours before high tide. Watch your footing. Intertidal rocks can be slippery, especially those with green algae growth.

When planning a trip to the Joggins Fossil Cliffs you and your group should be aware that the cliffs can be inherently dangerous to those who are not prepared.

Here we have the world’s most powerful tides and towering cliffs of unstable sedimentary rock that are constantly eroding and crumbling to the beach below.

All of our team is trained in a minimum of emergency first aid & CPR and all of our beach monitors carry first aid kits and 2-way radios with them at all times.

If you are aware of potential hazards and associated safety recommendations, then you can enjoy your experience at the Joggins Fossil Cliffs with little or no danger.

  • Stay away from the cliff edges. The cliffs are actively eroding and unstable. Ensure you are aware of the over hangs above and a hard hat should be worn if you venture close to the cliffs. It is recommended to stay back at least 15 m (50′) from the cliffs (about the length of a bus).
  • Be careful of the cobblestones, beaches and reefs. Wet, loose and/or seaweed-covered rocks underfoot are a hazard. Wear appropriate footwear. Avoid walking on seaweed and wet, loose rocks.
  • Check the tide charts for the area (see Weather and Tides). Try to leave the beach about two hours before high tide. The best time to visit the site is from mid-tide to mid-tide (approximately between three hours to low-tide and three hours to high tide).
  • The weather can be extreme on the beach. Dress in layers and consider carrying a bottle of water with you.
  • Cell phone coverage on the Joggins shore can be spotty. It is a good idea to let someone know when you are expected to be off the beach.
  • It is also a good idea to travel in pairs while exploring the Joggins Fossil Cliffs.
  • Ensure that children are under adult supervision.
  • Sun block should be worn.
  • Avoid going out onto the mud flats, as some areas can be quite soft and you may get stuck.
All visitors to the Joggins Fossil Cliffs and Centre visit entirely at their own risk.

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Phone (toll-free): 1 (888) 932-9766

Joggins Fossil Centre
100 Main Street
Joggins NS  B0L 1A0
Canada

GPS/SatNav coordinates:
Latitude: 45.694515
Longitude: –64.449432

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