Your adventure begins in the Courtenay and District Museum and Palaeontology Center where an informative guide will give a brief lecture about the famous discoveries made in the local area. Then, it’s a tour of the exhibit galleries to see the actual specimens and reconstructed casts of the Puntledge elasmosaur, the tylosaurus and other discoveries from local rivers and shorelines.  Other vertebrate fossils, such as mosasaurs, turtles, and fish; along with the invertebrate fossils of shelled animals that lived in the warm, shallow ocean surrounding Vancouver Island 80 million years ago are also on display.

A short 10 minute drive and an easy 5 minute forested walk brings you to one of the many beautiful fossil sites along local rivers. Here, you’ll experience the thrill of hands-on discovery. After a brief discussion about the history of the site and proper collection techniques, participants will have a chance to find a fossil of their very own. Hammers, chisels and goggles will be supplied. You can keep any fossils that you find on the tour. If the species is of scientific value, you may be asked to donate the fossil to the museum collection, with the finder’s name attached.

Due to the popularity of the tour, pre-bookings needed for the fossil tours. You will require your own transportation to the fossil site.

 Morning tours start at the museum at 9am and end at 12:00 at the river. Afternoon tours begin at 1:00 at the museum and end at 4:00 at the river.

Tours run Tuesday to Saturday.

• You are required to provide your own transportation between the museum and the fossil site.  A vehicle is required.
• Pre-booking is required for all tours.
• Payment in full is required at the time of booking.
• During the early spring and late fall tours are weather dependent.
• 48 hours notice is required for refund.
• 15% discount on all tours to Courtenay Museum members.

Adults:
$45.00 + GST = $47.25

Children (4-16):
$35.00 + GST = $36.75

Children under 4:
Free

Family Rates:
$165.00 + GST = $173.25
(2 adults and up to three children 4-16 years old)

Private group tours (up to 15 adults)
$325.00 + GST = $341.25

Pre-registration is required. Call 250-334-0686 ext 2 or email to gmiller@courtenaymuseum.ca.