Miguasha: When fish ruled the world…
Included on the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage List, the Miguasha fossil site is renowned worldwide for its unusually well-preserved fossils. The park will fascinate visitors of all ages who can journey through time to discover plant and fish fossils dating from the Devonian Period, some 380 million years ago.
The park’s permanent exhibition, From Water to Land, presents some of the most beautiful fossil specimens found in Québec, which bear witness to life on Earth hundreds of millions of years ago. The Elpistostege: The Origins of a Quest exhibition will give you the opportunity to admire the only complete specimen of Elpistostege watsoni ever found in the world. Preliminary research on this fish fossil suggests that it could be the closest relative to the tetrapods, vertebrates with legs. The exhibition includes an impressive multimedia presentation that will help you understand why this fossil, nicknamed Elpi, is of paramount importance in evolutionary biology. During the “In the Eyes of a Geologist” activity, you will find answers to all your questions about geology, fossil formation and fossil digs at the foot of the cliff. The park is open daily from May 29 to October 13, 2023, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
While visiting the park, be sure to stroll along the “Evolution of Life” trail, which runs along the fossil cliff and offers exceptional views of the Restigouche Estuary. This 3.5-km (2-mi.) loop trail includes interpretive panels that recount the evolution of life on Earth. You can also participate as a family in the new Elpi treasure hunt, which gives kids the chance to hunt for fossils in the park. In July and August, enjoy a puppet show that is sure to captivate visitors of all ages.
Be sure to also pop into the L’Échoppe gift shop, where you will find a selection of original items for sale. Clothing, jewellery, books, decorative objects, minerals and fossils make unique gifts or souvenirs. Several local artists and artisans sell their beautiful creations here. The shop is open during park opening hours.
Opening dates
Park and exhibitions: May 29 to October 13; administrative offices and research centre: year-round
Cost
Park access: $9.55/adult; park access + admission to exhibitions: $22.50/adult; free for children (under 18); rates valid until December 31, 2023. Group rate (15+ people), annual park card and Québec national parks card available. Purchasing your daily access pass online in advance is highly recommended: sepaq.com/parksaccessReservations
Required for groups at all timesPayment methods
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Visa
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MasterCard
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American Express
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Interac
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Cash
Activities available
Services
- Picnic area
- Pets allowed on leashes only
- Boutique
- Conference/meeting room
- Free parking
How to get there
The park is located on Miguasha Point, at the edge of the municipality of Nouvelle. On Route 132, follow directions to Route de Miguasha, either from Nouvelle or Escuminac.
Affiliations and distinctions
Affiliations
- Parcs Québec network (Sépaq)
- Québec Museums Association (SMQ)
- Tourisme Gaspésie
Distinctions
- National park since 1985
- UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999
- Regional winner of a Québec tourism award in the "Tourism Organization of the Year, Public Sector" category (2004)
- Certified Quality Tourism Gaspésie