Mistaken Point
Location: Newfoundland, Canada
Year of Inscription: 2016
Criteria: (viii)to be outstanding examples representing major stages of earth's history, including the record of life, significant on-going geological processes in the development of landforms, or significant geomorphic or physiographic features;
Overview: Mistaken Point is a fossil site located on the southeastern coast of Newfoundland. The site is known for its exceptionally preserved Ediacaran fossils, which date back over 560 million years. These fossils provide an important window into the earliest complex life on Earth and have contributed significantly to our understanding of the evolution of life.
Prominent Features: The Mistaken Point site is characterized by its unique geology and the abundance of well-preserved fossils. Some of the most notable features include:
The "Mistaken Point Beds": A series of rock layers that contain the fossils.
Ediacaran fossils: These include a range of complex, multi-cellular organisms such as rangeomorphs and fronds, which lived in shallow marine environments.
History: Mistaken Point was first discovered in the 1960s by a geologist named Harold Williams, but it was not until the 1990s that the full extent and importance of the site were recognized. Since then, extensive research has been conducted at the site, resulting in numerous scientific publications and increasing understanding of the early evolution of life on Earth.
Family-Friendly Activities: Visitors to Mistaken Point can take guided tours of the site to learn about the geology and fossils. The tours are conducted by knowledgeable guides who can answer questions and provide insights into the site's history and significance.
Fun Fact: Mistaken Point is named after a navigational hazard that caused many shipwrecks in the area. The name comes from the fact that sailors often mistook the Point for another nearby landmark, leading them to run aground on the rocky coast.
Entry Fees: The entry fee to Mistaken Point is CAD $20 for adults, CAD $17 for seniors, and CAD $10 for youth aged 6-16. Children under 6 are free. Group rates are also available.
How to reach it: There is no public transport to Mistaken Point. Visitors will need to rent a car or hire a taxi to get to the site. It is 150kms south of St. Johns.
Where to Stay: There are a number of accommodation options available in the nearby town of Portugal Cove South, including B&Bs, vacation rentals, and lodges. Some popular options include Mistaken Point Bed and Breakfast, The View Golf Resort, and Doctor's House Inn & Spa.
Next Stop: L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site
Year of Inscription: 2016
Criteria: (viii)to be outstanding examples representing major stages of earth's history, including the record of life, significant on-going geological processes in the development of landforms, or significant geomorphic or physiographic features;
Overview: Mistaken Point is a fossil site located on the southeastern coast of Newfoundland. The site is known for its exceptionally preserved Ediacaran fossils, which date back over 560 million years. These fossils provide an important window into the earliest complex life on Earth and have contributed significantly to our understanding of the evolution of life.
Prominent Features: The Mistaken Point site is characterized by its unique geology and the abundance of well-preserved fossils. Some of the most notable features include:
The "Mistaken Point Beds": A series of rock layers that contain the fossils.
Ediacaran fossils: These include a range of complex, multi-cellular organisms such as rangeomorphs and fronds, which lived in shallow marine environments.
History: Mistaken Point was first discovered in the 1960s by a geologist named Harold Williams, but it was not until the 1990s that the full extent and importance of the site were recognized. Since then, extensive research has been conducted at the site, resulting in numerous scientific publications and increasing understanding of the early evolution of life on Earth.
Family-Friendly Activities: Visitors to Mistaken Point can take guided tours of the site to learn about the geology and fossils. The tours are conducted by knowledgeable guides who can answer questions and provide insights into the site's history and significance.
Fun Fact: Mistaken Point is named after a navigational hazard that caused many shipwrecks in the area. The name comes from the fact that sailors often mistook the Point for another nearby landmark, leading them to run aground on the rocky coast.
Entry Fees: The entry fee to Mistaken Point is CAD $20 for adults, CAD $17 for seniors, and CAD $10 for youth aged 6-16. Children under 6 are free. Group rates are also available.
How to reach it: There is no public transport to Mistaken Point. Visitors will need to rent a car or hire a taxi to get to the site. It is 150kms south of St. Johns.
Where to Stay: There are a number of accommodation options available in the nearby town of Portugal Cove South, including B&Bs, vacation rentals, and lodges. Some popular options include Mistaken Point Bed and Breakfast, The View Golf Resort, and Doctor's House Inn & Spa.
Next Stop: L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site