The
Guided Tour

Join us on the ocean’s edge for a professionally guided tour of the largest and finest example of Ediacaran macrofossils in the world. Step back into time with expert guides and stand directly on the ancient seafloor of the Iapetus (“eye-appa-tus”) Ocean.

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Touring Mistaken Point

Your Seafloor Safari Awaits

Are you ready to take a trip back through time? 565 Million years ago, before the formation of the supercontinent Pangaea, and well before the Atlantic Ocean began to open, our planet was a very different world from the one we know today.

This was the Ediacaran – a period of dramatic geologic and biologic change. Until now, single-celled, microbial life had enjoyed its tertiary status as the dominant lifeform. But now, for the first time in Earth’s complex and storied history – multicellular organisms were taking the stage.

Here at Mistaken Point, these remarkable organisms are recorded in vivid detail for us to explore in the rugged cliffs that mark the Newfoundland shoreline. Feel these ancient wonders with your own hands and hear the incredible story of their discovery – directly from the locals who lived it.

Small, guided tour groups are led by professional park guides along the rolling coastal hills and sweeping seaside views of the Eastern-Hyper-Oceanic Barrens. Situated well off the beaten path, your trip to the fossil site will take you along trails that have witnessed centuries of exploration.

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Don’t Forget Your Camera!

Taking the tour? Don’t forget to take lots of photos! We love seeing and hearing people’s stories from Mistaken Point on social media – you can tag us directly or use the hashtag

#mistakenpointnl

Share your photos on the popular platform Historic Places Days to showcase the natural,
cultural, and historical heritage of unforgettable sites like Mistaken Point Ecological Reserve
and Cape Race Lighthouse. Let the world see the beauty of the places you’ve visited!”

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Guided Tour Schedule & Fees

Mistaken Point Ecological Reserve is excited to offer official interpretive tours of the Ediacaran fossil site from May to October.

Schedule

  • Tours: Tours run every day from mid-May until mid-October, weekends and holidays included, at 10:30 am
    or 12:30 pm each day. After Labour Day (September 7, 2026), only afternoon (12:30) tours will be offered.
  • Duration: 3 ½ – 4 hours, including a 30-minute drive in your vehicle to reach the site
  • Distance: 6 km round-trip hike
  • Difficulty: Casual – Moderate. Trail is well maintained and includes traverses over hills.

Please Note: Reservations are required in order to view the fossil locations.
In order to help preserve this truly incredible site, all visitors must be accompanied by an official Mistaken Point guide. Tour space is limited and can fill up well in advance – book your tour today and secure your spot by clicking here!

Registered tour participants are required to check-in at the Mistaken Point Interpretation Centre.

Fees

  • Individual: $23.00 per person
  • Children: 12 years of age and under are FREE
  • Family: $57.50 per family (2 adults and 2 youth ages 13-17)

For those on the guided hike, entrance to the indoor exhibits at the Mistaken Point Interpretation Centre is included with the guided hike fee. For visitors who do not wish to take the guided hike, a small fee will be charged for entry to the exhibits.

Please Note: Fees are to be paid on day of hike at the Mistaken Point Interpretation Centre. Payments can be made using CASH, DEBIT, VISA/MASTER CARD, AND E-TRANSFER.

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Getting Here

Rules & Regulations

Please note that for the safety of all visitors, access to the protected fossil zone is by guided tour or permit only. All visitors are asked to please observe the following:

  • Remain on designated trails at all times.
  • Respect the Fossil Protection Zone*. This zone was established to enhance visitor safety, protect fossils within the reserve, and reduce cliff-top erosion. Access inside the fossil protection zone is by guided tour or special permit only.
  • The Fossil Protection Zone extends along most of the coastline from the ocean, to approximately 15 meters inland – watch for
    signs to help guide you. (Please see reserve map).
  • Refrain from littering and dispose of waste responsibly on the tour.

In our efforts to preserve this world-class destination and surrounding ecological reserve, all visitors are asked to please refrain from the following:

  • Camping within the reserve.
  • Disturbing, destroying, or removing fossils and/or other natural objects.
  • Operating motorized vehicles within the reserve (including ATV’s and Snowmobiles).
  • Bringing pets into the reserve (with the exception of service animals).

**Part of the coastline of Mistaken Point Ecological Reserve (from The Drook to Cape Race) lies within the official Mistaken Point Canadian Important Bird Area (IBA). This IBA is considered globally significant because of its wintering populations of purple sandpipers and common eiders.

Mistaken Point Ecological Reserve is managed by the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Government. For information on Mistaken Point Management protocols/regulations, please visit: https://www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/natural-areas/wer/r-mpe/#rules