Mistaken Point Ecological Reserve A UNESCO World Heritage Site

Embedded in the planes of Mistaken Point’s titled and cleaved mudstone and sandstone, exposed by the pounding of the Atlantic waves, are fossils of the oldest and largest complex, multicellular life forms – found anywhere on Earth. Known to scientists as the Ediacara biota, they are creatures that lived 575 to 542 million years ago, when all life was in the sea. Guided tours are mandatory (early May – mid October) within Mistaken Point Ecological Reserve and are available by calling the interpretive Centre in Portugal Cove South, located in the southeastern tip of the Avalon Peninsula.

Experience a snapshot of Earth’s history in fossils of the earliest-known large, complex life forms found anywhere on Earth! This UNESCO World Heritage Site reveals that moment in earth’s history “When Life Got Big” – as life evolved from single-celled microbes to complex organisms.  To view the fossil beds, you must take a guided hike.  Tours run from May 12 to October 17.  Visit the Mistaken Point interpretation Centre in Portugal Cove South to view a large replica of one of the fossil-bearing surfaces. Contact us at 709-438-1011 or [mistakenpointtour@gov.nl.ca](mailto:mistakenpointtour@gov.nl.ca) to book your guided hike and for more details.