Alberta Dinosaur

Interactive Map

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Dinosaur Locations

Dinosaur Quiz
Test your Alberta dinosaur knowledge! (1/3)

Which famous tyrannosaurid is named after the province of Alberta?

Geological Timeline

A glimpse into Alberta's prehistoric past.

Late Cretaceous

100.5 - 66 million years ago

The final period of the Mesozoic Era. Alberta was home to a vast diversity of dinosaurs, including Tyrannosaurus Rex, Albertosaurus, Hadrosaurs, and Ceratopsians. Ended with the K-Pg extinction event.

Early Cretaceous

145 - 100.5 million years ago

Flowering plants appeared. Alberta's landscape continued to change. Dinosaur diversification continued, though fossil records from this time in Alberta are less abundant than the Late Cretaceous.

Jurassic

201.3 - 145 million years ago

The age of giant sauropods globally, though Jurassic dinosaur fossils are rare in Alberta. The landscape was vastly different, with early forms of conifers and ferns dominating.

Triassic

251.9 - 201.3 million years ago

The first dinosaurs appeared globally during this period. Fossil evidence from the Triassic in Alberta is scarce, representing early reptiles and amphibians.

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Fossil Hunting in Alberta

Important information for responsible fossil exploration.

Legal Framework

Fossils found in Alberta are the property of the Crown (the province). It is illegal to excavate, remove, or sell fossils found on public land without proper permits. Surface collection (picking up loose fossils from the ground) is generally permitted on Crown land, but regulations vary.

Protected Areas

Collecting fossils of any kind (surface or excavated) is strictly prohibited within Provincial Parks (like Dinosaur Provincial Park), National Parks, and designated Protected Areas without specific research permits. Respect park boundaries and regulations.

Best Practices

  • Look, Don't Dig: Focus on surface collecting where permitted. Avoid digging or disturbing the landscape.
  • Document Finds: If you find a significant fossil, take photos, note the exact location (GPS coordinates if possible), and report it to the Royal Tyrrell Museum.
  • Leave No Trace: Pack out everything you pack in. Stay on marked trails.
  • Private Land: Always obtain permission from landowners before accessing or collecting on private property.

Disclaimer: This is a general guide. Always consult official Alberta government resources and the Royal Tyrrell Museum for the most current and detailed regulations before fossil hunting.

Alberta's Dinosaurs

Learn about some of the incredible dinosaurs discovered in Alberta.

Illustration of Albertosaurus sarcophagus
Albertosaurus
Late Cretaceous Carnivore
A large tyrannosaurid theropod dinosaur that lived in western North America during the Late Cretaceous Period, about 71 million years ago. Closely related to Tyrannosaurus Rex, but smaller.
Learn more on Wikipedia

Found At:

Dinosaur Provincial Park
Royal Tyrrell Museum
Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum
Illustration of Edmontosaurus annectens
Edmontosaurus
Late Cretaceous Herbivore
A genus of hadrosaurid (duck-billed) dinosaur. It contains two known species: Edmontosaurus regalis and Edmontosaurus annectens. Fossils have been found in rocks of western North America.
Learn more on Wikipedia

Found At:

Royal Tyrrell Museum
Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum
Paleontology Museum (University of Alberta)
Illustration of Pachyrhinosaurus perotorum
Pachyrhinosaurus
Late Cretaceous Herbivore
An extinct genus of centrosaurine ceratopsid dinosaur from the Late Cretaceous period of North America. Instead of horns, its skull bore massive, flattened bosses.
Learn more on Wikipedia

Found At:

Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum
Illustration of Centrosaurus apertus
Centrosaurus
Late Cretaceous Herbivore
A genus of herbivorous ceratopsian dinosaurs from the Late Cretaceous of Canada. Their remains have been found in the Dinosaur Park Formation.
Learn more on Wikipedia

Found At:

Dinosaur Provincial Park
Illustration of Tyrannosaurus rex
Tyrannosaurus Rex
Late Cretaceous Carnivore
One of the best-represented large theropods. Lived throughout what is now western North America. Famous for its massive skull and tiny arms.
Learn more on Wikipedia

Found At:

Royal Tyrrell Museum