Exploring the Fossils of Mistaken Point Ecological Reserve, Newfoundland and Labrador
Recently, my Dad and I took a two hour drive south from St. Johns to Mistaken Point Ecological Reserve. Named because it was a navigational hazard mistaken for Cape Race, it is one of the world's most significant fossil sites. Here you can find the oldest complex life forms anywhere on Earth. The main fossil layer preserves the ecology of a 565-million-year-old deep sea community.
The global importance of Mistaken Point has not gone unnoticed. It has been added to the Canadian tentative list of potential UNESCO World Heritage properties. Mistaken Point hopes to join Gros Morne National Park, on the west coast of Newfoundland, with this designation because of its geological importance.
Dad and I went with Richard, the reserve's manager, to tour the fossils and were more than impressed with what we saw and learned, despite the weather. Access to the fossils is by guided tour only from late May to early October. To find out about seeing these incredible fossils yourself, call the Interpretive Centre in Portugal Cove South (709) 438-1100 and ask to speak to one of the Reserve's Interpreters.
Laser Scanning Ediacaran Fossils at Mistaken Point, Newfoundland, Canada
A time lapse video of 1 hour showing Dr. Emily G. Mitchell and Dr. Charlotte G. Kenchington, University of Cambridge, laser scanning the Ediacaran fossils of Mistaken Point E surface. These fossils are some of the oldest large, complex organisms in the evolution of life on Earth, living 566 million years ago.
A real-time scanning video can be found at:
Equipment from Manchester Metrology, UK.
Discover Ancient Wonders on the Coast of Newfoundland and Labrador | National Geographic
In this romantic, eerie, and breathtaking landscape, you can find fossils of the first large, complex, multi-cellular organisms known in the history of life. Mistaken Point Ecological Reserve is a newly minted UNESCO World Heritage Site in Newfoundland and Labrador and is home to these 580 million year old fossils.
➡ Subscribe:
About National Geographic:
National Geographic is the world's premium destination for science, exploration, and adventure. Through their world-class scientists, photographers, journalists, and filmmakers, Nat Geo gets you closer to the stories that matter and past the edge of what's possible.
Get More National Geographic:
Official Site:
Facebook:
Twitter:
Instagram:
Although the rock ledges where these ancient fossils are embedded sit high above the crashing coastal waves, they once were situated at the bottom of the ocean. Mistaken Point, and all it’s wonders, serve as a muse for some of the region’s talented artists.
Read more in Newfoundland and Labrador: Where Cosmopolitan Meets Ancient History:
Discover Ancient Wonders on the Coast of Newfoundland and Labrador | National Geographic
National Geographic
MISTAKEN POINT by Theresa O'Leary
Mistaken Point Fossils Large
Media Art by Barry Prophet. Photographs of the fossils of Mistaken Point Newfoundland taken by Barry Prophet. Sound Art by the artist.
Driving through the Mistaken Point area.
Driving towards Mistaken Point just past Trepassey.
Does Mistaken Point Newfoundland have what it takes for UNESCO World Heritage status?
Mistaken Point Newfoundland is home to some of the oldest fossils ever found on earth. But as the CBC's Kenny Sharpe reports, will residents of this rural part of the Island find themselves on the global scale come Summer 2016?
Ferryland, Newfoundland (2017-10-11)
Ferryland, Newfoundland (2017-10-11)
The 3 Amigos at Cape Race, Newfoundland. October, 2011
Sue Roberts, Bryan Hennessey, and Fran Aldercotte enjoying the rugged beauty of Cape Race, Newfoundland. Video by Derek Pelley.
Time Passages at Canada's Far East
Welcome to my first timelapse video I call it Time Passages at Canada's Far East. It is comprised of approximately 3,000 still images taken over a 18 month period in and around my hometown of St John's Newfoundland Canada. Watch at full screen and be sure to turn up the volume.
For more of my photography please visit my website at I would like to thank Kevin MacLeod for providing the music. Kevin's work can be found on his website at
Thank You hope you enjoy the video.
Brian Carey
Portugal Cove South
Located on the Southern Shore of Newfoundland. Covered in fog on average 158 days a year this is indeed a rare drone shot! Just up the coast is Cape Race, another Grave Yard of the Atlantic
Avalon Peninsula, Newfoundland
Scenes from Cape St. Mary's Ecological Reserve to Ferryland (Colony of Avalon) including a side trip to Cape Race lighthouse.
Dangerous Road To Shoe Cove Beach
Six String Nation Elements: Cape Race Lighthouse
David Myrick takes us right up inside the lighthouse at the site where the Titanic's distress signal was first received in 1912 and introduces us to his cousins Noel and Shawn, the current generation of Myricks who man the lighthouse.
Video shot by Geoff Siskind.
Southern Shore Queen
I had to record Southern Shore Queen because it is a great song. But I can tell you that from Kilbride to Portugal Cove South, My Southern Shore Queen isn't in Cape Broyle, she's from Goulds.
Air Avalon
Air Avalon - videos of Newfoundland's Avalon Peninsula
video and production
Brian Carey
music
Kevin Macleod
Remembering Titanic 14.04.2012.wmv
VOCM does the Avalon's Southern Shore to remember the RMS Titanic 100 years later.
Cape Race, Newfoundland 2001
Site of first wireless message to reach land in North America of the S.O.S. from R.M.S. Titanic in the early hours of Mon. April 15, 1912, that the ship was sinking and required assistance.
Newfoundland Cottages- Riverwood House and Cottages
Cartyville Newfoundland Hotels and Bed and Breakfasts. is your source for all Newfoundland accommodations, including cabins, B&B's, hotels, cottages and motels. Book your stay with us today!
waterfall newfoundland
waterfall in the middle of nowhere in newfoundland