Park Info
Driftwood Canyon is recognized as one of the world’s most significant fossil beds. It provides park users with a fascinating opportunity to understand the area's evolutionary processes of both geology and biology.
Park Size: 21 hectares
Special Notes:
- To ensure that future generations may study and learn more about our earth’s history, BC Parks asks for your co-operation in refraining from removing any fossils. The fossils are more valuable in the ground than they are exposed to the elements of erosion, which spoil their scientific and educational values.
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General Visitor Information
Standing directly beneath the cliff face is dangerous. Please do not venture off trails or past the viewing platform.
Interpretive information is available at the parking area and at the
end of a short trail where there is an elevated viewing platform. The
platform overlooks a cliff face and there is information there about
the fossil beds.
Bring your own drinking water, as potable water is not available.
Location
10 km northeast of Smithers, follow the signs on Old Babine Lake Road. The closest communities, towns and cities are Smithers and Telkwa.
Nature & Culture
- History - This park was created in 1967 to protect the fossil beds on the east side of Driftwood Creek. The beds were discovered around the turn of the century. Preserved within the shale formations are plant, animal and insect species that inhabited the area of 50 million years ago.
- General Wildlife, Marine & Outdoor Ethics Information
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Activities Available At This Park
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| Hiking |
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There is a short trail that leads from the parking area to the fossil beds. For your own safety and the preservation of the park, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails. Shortcutting trails destroys plant life and soil structure.
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| Pets on Leash |
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Pets/domestic animals must be on a leash at all times and are not allowed in beach areas or park buildings. You are responsible for their behaviour and must dispose of their excrement.Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears.
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| Wildlife Viewing |
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There is an elevated platform at the end of a short trail leading from the parking area. It overlooks a cliff face and has interpretive information about the fossil beds.
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Facilities Available At This Park
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| Campfires |
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Campfires are permitted at this park but visitors must provide their own wood. To preserve vegetation and ground cover, please don't gather firewood around the day-use area or elsewhere in the park. Dead wood is an important habitat element for many plants and animals and it adds organic matter to the soil. You can conserve firewood and air quality by keeping your campfire small.
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| Picnic Areas |
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There is a day-use/picnicking area beside Driftwood Creek. It is a grassy area with picnic tables and fire pits. There is a moderate sized parking area available for vehicles to park.
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| Pit or Flush Toilets |
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There are two pit toilets located at the day-use area.
