Driftwood Canyon

Driftwood Canyon Provincial Park protects one of the world's most significant fossil sites, preserving ancient lake bed deposits that contain exceptionally well-preserved plant and insect fossils from the Eocene epoch, approximately 50 million years ago. Located near Smithers in northern British Columbia, the park provides a unique window into the climate and ecosystems that existed when the region had a subtropical environment vastly different from today. The fossil beds have yielded thousands of specimens including leaves, seeds, fish, insects, and spiders preserved in fine-grained shale. The park serves both as a crucial paleontological resource for scientific research and as an educational destination where visitors can observe fossils in situ and learn about Earth's ancient past.

Current wildlife in Driftwood Canyon includes species typical of northern British Columbia forests, such as black bears that may be observed in surrounding areas, particularly during berry season. Moose occasionally pass through, utilizing nearby wetlands and forest clearings. Smaller mammals include red squirrels, snowshoe hares, and various rodent species. Birdlife features boreal species including gray jays, boreal chickadees, and various woodpeckers. Raptors such as great horned owls and northern goshawks hunt in the area. During migration, warblers and other songbirds pass through. The dramatic contrast between the current boreal ecosystem and the subtropical fossil assemblages demonstrates how dramatically climate and ecosystems have changed over millions of years.

The present-day vegetation consists of boreal and subalpine forests dominated by white spruce, subalpine fir, and lodgepole pine, with trembling aspen in disturbed areas. The understory includes Labrador tea, blueberries, and various mosses and lichens. This modern flora contrasts sharply with the fossil record, which preserves subtropical plants including dawn redwood (Metasequoia), palm-like plants, ferns, and numerous flowering plants that would have thrived in warm, humid conditions. The fossil assemblages include over 100 plant species, providing detailed information about Eocene ecosystems. This comparison between ancient and modern vegetation illustrates the profound climate changes that have occurred in northern British Columbia over geological time.

Driftwood Canyon's fossil beds formed in an ancient lake during the Eocene epoch when volcanic activity created a series of lakes in the region. Fine sediments accumulated on the lake bottom, rapidly burying and preserving organisms with exceptional detail. The fossils occur in thinly layered shale that splits easily along bedding planes, revealing preserved specimens. The lake existed during a period of global warmth when even northern latitudes experienced subtropical conditions. Volcanic ash layers within the sequence help establish precise ages for the deposits. The site has been studied since the early 1900s and continues yielding new discoveries. The exceptional preservation quality makes Driftwood Canyon globally significant for understanding Eocene ecosystems and climate.

Today, Driftwood Canyon experiences a northern continental climate with short, warm summers and long, cold winters. Summer temperatures range from 15-25°C, while winter temperatures frequently drop below -20°C. Annual precipitation averages 400-500mm, with significant snowfall. The growing season is short, typically June through August. This contrasts dramatically with the Eocene climate when the area was subtropical with year-round warm temperatures and high humidity supporting lush forests. The climate change from Eocene warmth to current boreal conditions reflects global cooling trends over millions of years. Current visitors should prepare for variable northern weather, with summer offering the most comfortable conditions for fossil viewing and hiking.

The Wetsuweten and Gitxsan First Nations are the traditional inhabitants of the area, with the land forming part of their ancestral territories. While the area's significance for fossils was recognized relatively recently in geological time, Indigenous peoples would have observed the rock formations and unusual patterns in the stones. Scientific recognition came in the early 1900s when fossils were first collected and studied. The site gained protection through provincial park designation in 1967, recognizing its international scientific importance. Paleontologists have collected thousands of specimens, though collecting by visitors is now prohibited to preserve the resource. The park represents an important intersection of natural heritage protection and scientific research.

Driftwood Canyon Provincial Park was established in 1967 specifically to protect the exceptional fossil deposits from unauthorized collecting and ensure their preservation for scientific study and public education. The designation recognized that the site represented a globally significant paleontological resource requiring protection. Management focuses on balancing fossil preservation with public access and education. Viewing areas allow visitors to observe fossils in the rock faces without disturbing them. The park works with paleontological researchers who conduct authorized studies under permit. Educational signage helps visitors understand the site's significance. The park exemplifies how natural heritage sites can serve both conservation and education purposes, protecting irreplaceable scientific resources while making them accessible for public appreciation.

The main attraction is the fossil-bearing shale cliff where visitors can observe plant and insect fossils preserved in the rock face. Interpretive trails lead to viewing areas with educational signage explaining the fossils and their significance. A short interpretive trail allows visitors to explore the site and see fossils without disturbing them. Collecting fossils is prohibited to preserve the resource for future study and visitors. Photography of the fossil displays is encouraged. The park offers a unique educational experience where visitors of all ages can learn about paleontology and ancient climates. The site demonstrates scientific concepts including fossilization, climate change, and evolution. Guided interpretive programs may be offered during summer to enhance visitor understanding.

Driftwood Canyon Provincial Park is located approximately 10 kilometers northeast of Smithers, accessible via paved and gravel roads suitable for most vehicles. Facilities include parking area, interpretive trails, and educational signage. No camping facilities are provided; the park is designed for day-use visits. Restrooms may be basic or absent depending on current facilities. The town of Smithers provides all services including accommodations, supplies, and dining. Summer months offer the most comfortable conditions for visiting, with trails typically accessible from May through October. Snow may limit winter access. Visitors should allow 1-2 hours for a visit, though paleontology enthusiasts may spend longer. The site is suitable for all ages and provides wheelchair-accessible viewing areas.

Conservation at Driftwood Canyon focuses on protecting the irreplaceable fossil resource from damage, unauthorized collecting, and weathering. Monitoring programs track the condition of exposed fossils and assess impacts from natural erosion and visitor activity. Park regulations strictly prohibit fossil collecting by the public to ensure the resource remains intact for scientific research and public enjoyment. The site faces challenges from natural weathering that continually exposes new fossils but also degrades exposed specimens. Climate change may alter weathering rates and vegetation patterns. Educational programs emphasize the importance of leaving fossils in place and the value of paleontological resources. Collaboration with paleontological researchers ensures proper scientific study while maintaining protection. The park demonstrates successful integration of resource protection, scientific research, and public education.