You are here

Home » Canadian Sites Named To New Global List Of Geological Heritage Sites

Canadian Sites Named To New Global List Of Geological Heritage Sites

Share
By NPT Staff - October 29th, 2022
In Yoho National Park, the Burgess Shale fossils are perhaps the best-known early example of complex life on Earth.

In Yoho National Park, the Burgess Shale fossils are perhaps the best-known early example of complex life on Earth/Shannon Martin for Parks Canada

Two sites administered by Parks Canada have been named to an international list of the first 100 geological heritage sites. This new international designation acknowledges iconic locations around the world, recognized for their relevance and impact in understanding the Earth and its history.

Gros Morne National Park in Newfoundland and Labrador earned a spot for being one of the world’s best exposures of the Moho — the boundary between crust and mantle rocks, preserved at the Earth's surface in a dramatic glacial landscape. It was first inscribed as a World Heritage site in 1987.

Part of Yoho National Park in British Columbia, Burgess Shale made the list for being one of the most significant fossil areas in the world featuring a diverse, abundant marine community dominated by soft-bodied organisms. It was originally inscribed as a World Heritage site in 1980 and became part of the larger Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage site in 1984.

“These incredible places are sources of ongoing scientific research and discovery, and also serve as important contributors to local economies as unique, unparalleled tourism destinations,” Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, said in a news release. “Internationally, these places represent the geo‑heritage of all humanity and the planet we call home.”

The Burgess Shale site in Yoho National Park.

The Burgess Shale site in Yoho National Park/Shannon Martin for Parks Canada

The list of geological heritage sites is the initiative of the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The announcement was made during the IUGS 60th anniversary celebration recently held in Zumaia, Basque Coast UNESCO Global Geopark (Spain).

The first 100 IUGS geological heritage sites were selected from 181 applications from 56 countries and include different types of sites and geological interest. The list includes 34 locations in the Americas, 28 in Europe, 15 in Africa and 23 in Asia-Pacific/Middle East. More sites are expected in the future.

Four other Canadian sites were named to the list but aren't administered by Parks Canada. They include Mistaken Point (Newfoundland and Labrador), Joggins Fossil Cliffs (Nova Scotia), Eo-Archean Nuvvuagittuk Greenstone Belt (Quebec) and Dinosaur Provincial Park (Alberta).

Parks Canada is the Canadian government’s representative for the UNESCO World Heritage Convention. Twelve of Canada’s 20 World Heritage sites include areas administered by Parks Canada.

Support National Parks Traveler

National Parks Traveler is a small, editorially independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit media organization. The Traveler is not part of the federal government nor a corporate subsidiary. Your support helps ensure the Traveler's news and feature coverage of national parks and protected areas endures. 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Journalism about National Parks!

National Parks Traveler is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE WWW.FRESHFROMFLORIDA.COM. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Add comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

The Essential RVing Guide

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

The National Parks RVing Guide, aka the Essential RVing Guide To The National Parks, is the definitive guide for RVers seeking information on campgrounds in the National Park System where they can park their rigs. It's available for free for both iPhones and Android models.

This app is packed with RVing specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 parks.

You'll also find stories about RVing in the parks, some tips if you've just recently turned into an RVer, and some planning suggestions. A bonus that wasn't in the previous eBook or PDF versions of this guide are feeds of Traveler content: you'll find our latest stories as well as our most recent podcasts just a click away.

So whether you have an iPhone or an Android, download this app and start exploring the campgrounds in the National Park System where you can park your rig.