Mistaken Point

Mistaken Point is one of the world’s newest UNESCO World Heritage Sites.  Mistaken Point is a remote coastal area located on the southeastern tip of Newfoundland.  This site was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2016 because of its globally significant fossil beds.  

This site gets its name from the fact that in bad foggy weather, sailors often confuse Mistaken Point for Cape Race.  They would turn north, expecting to find Cape Race Harbour, but instead they ran into rocks.  This repeated mistake led to over 90 shipwrecks between 1864 and 1904.  

Mistaken Point is a narrow 17km strip of wild, coastal cliffs.  The fossils found in these cliffs date back roughly 580 million years ago to the Ediacaran Period.  Scientists from around the world visit Mistaken Point to study one of the oldest known groupings of large fossils anywhere in the world. 

Ecologically, Mistaken Point contains the most diverse examples of Ediacaran deep-sea communities in the world. Rare insights into the ecology of these ancestral animals and the early colonization of the deep-sea floor are preserved here at Mistaken Point. 

The site was first discovered in 1967 by a geologist, Dr. Kenneth E. H. Maly.  The fossils are preserved in black shale formations.  These are sedimentary rocks formed from the accumulation of organic matter.  Over time, the fossils were fossilized and were preserved within the rocks.

The Mistaken Point Ecological Reserve was established in 1987 to protect the fossils and the surrounding area.  The reserve is home to a variety of plant and animal life, including whales, sea otters and seabirds.  The main attraction at Mistaken Point is the Fossil Ridge Trail.  Along the trail, visitors can see some of the well-preserved Ediacaran fossils, which are soft-bodied organisms that lived in the ocean.

Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2016, UNESCO recognized its outstanding universal value and importance to science and the study of evolution to understand the history of our world.

Mistaken Point is also a popular destination for nature lovers and  outdoor enthusiasts.  The area is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna. Hiking trails and scenic vistas provide opportunities to appreciate the natural beauty of this area and the opportunity to spot whales and other wildlife. 

Mistaken Point is only accessible by a gravel road.  Visitors are required to book a guided tour in advance. This site is protected and access is limited. Mistaken Point is a truly unique and special location.  Being a UNESCO World Heritage Site protects it for future generations to appreciate and enjoy.  

If you are a scientist, a nature lover, or simply a curious traveller, a visit to Mistaken Point is a once in a lifetime experience. Are you thinking of adding a visit to this site to your bucket list?

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