Why is Dinosaur Provincial Park important for fossils?

Dinosaur Provincial Park is globally significant for its exceptional paleontological value, having been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979.1

The park is renowned for its extensive fossil beds, which contain remains from the Late Cretaceous Epoch. Its importance stems from several key factors:

• Diversity: Paleontologists have identified approximately 35 different species of dinosaurs within the park, representing every dinosaur family known to have existed during the Late Cretaceous.1
• Preservation: The area was once a subtropical river delta. Over time, river silt transformed into sedimentary rock, effectively preserving the remains of dinosaurs, fish, reptiles, and amphibians.1
• Accessibility: Subsequent glacial activity carved out the badlands, exposing these rich fossil layers for scientific discovery and excavation.1

Ongoing research, supported by the Royal Tyrrell Museum, continues to yield significant finds, including complete skeletons and massive bonebeds that provide critical insights into prehistoric life.1