VICTORIA, BC — After three years of exploration, the palaeontology team from the Royal BC
Museum uncovered a trove of extraordinary fossils in the rugged terrain of the Skeena
Mountains in Spatsizi Plateau Wilderness Provincial Park.
The fossils, estimated to be about 66 to 68 million years old, include an array of well‐preserved
remains from various dinosaur species from a geological area known as the Sustut Basin.
Among the finds are over 90 fossils, including teeth from a relative of Tyrannosaurus rex, teeth
from a relative of Triceratops, bones from at least one large herbivore, and the foot of a small
meat‐eater. Only one species was known from the Sustut Basin previously—Ferrisaurus
sustutensis, BC’s first unique dinosaur, which is part of the provincial palaeontology collection
in the care of the Royal BC Museum.
The fossil site, situated at an altitude of 2000 m, is accessible only by helicopter. Summer
snowstorms and a major wildfire have been challenges the team has had to navigate in
previous years.
“This site is unlike any other in Canada,” says Dr. Victoria Arbour, curator of palaeontology at
the Royal BC Museum and lead researcher on the project. “Not only are we finding fossils in
the mountains, but the dinosaurs we are finding were living among the mountains, too, which
is really different compared to other fossil sites in North America.”
Determining the full scope of the discovery will require extensive analysis and interpretation to
unravel the true extent of what species were discovered. Many of the bones will need to be
painstakingly removed from the surrounding concrete‐like rock by the museum’s fossil
preparator.
“We’re excited to start figuring out what species we may have found—these could be
examples of T. rex and Triceratops known from elsewhere in Canada and the US, or they could
be entirely new species not yet known to science,” says Arbour.
“This is truly a remarkable discovery that will not only help us to understand more about the
dinosaurs who roamed British Columbia, but also highlights the remarkable dedication of this
team of researchers,” says Tracey Drake, CEO of Royal BC Museum. “As the team continues
their critical research, the museum will be thrilled to share their fascinating insights. This
process reveals new facets of our province’s history and highlights the importance of ongoing
research in uncovering the past.”
Over the next few years, the fossils will be analyzed at PARC Campus, a secure repository for
the province’s collections and research set to open in 2026. Visitors will have the opportunity
to observe the research process through viewing windows into the palaeontology lab at PARC
Campus.
“The discovery of new dinosaur fossils in the Skeena Mountains is a testament to the rich and
diverse variety of fossils and fossil deposits that are a historical record of our province,” said
Lana Popham, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “This discovery will help us
understand the story of the fossils’ scientific, historical, and educational significance, while also
inspiriting curiosity in the next generation.”
This exciting discovery was made possible in part by funding from the Trebek Initiative, the
Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, and BC Parks. The crew included
Royal BC Museum curator of palaeontology Dr. Victoria Arbour and palaeontology collections
manager and researcher Derek Larson, University of Victoria grad students Emily Cross and
Teague Dickson, former Royal BC Museum summer intern Brady McBride, and Auburn
University professor Dr. Thomas Cullen.
Fossils are protected in British Columbia and the collection of these fossils was made possible
by a Park Use Permit from BC Parks. To learn more about the rules around fossil collecting in
BC, visit https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/natural‐resource‐use/fossilmanagement.
To learn more about dinosaurs of the Sustut Basin and fossils from the Spatsizi Plateau, visit
the travelling exhibit, Dinosaurs of BC, currently on display at the Okanagan Heritage Museum
until September 30.
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About the Royal BC Museum: The Royal BC Museum, which includes BC Archives, IMAX®
Victoria and PARC Campus, is one of the oldest continually operating museums in Canada. A
centre of learning and research, it strives to broaden our understanding of British Columbia
through collections, exhibitions, outreach and community engagement. The museum
celebrates the province’s diverse landscapes and the lives of the people who live here, enables
research and knowledge sharing that advances our understanding of our world, and provides a
dynamic place for discussion and reflection. IMAX® Victoria delivers educational and
entertaining experiences that accompany the learning journey the museum offers. The Royal
BC Museum is located on the territory of the Lekwungen peoples, known today as the
Songhees and Esquimalt Nations.
For information about PARC Campus, visit: PARC Campus | Royal BC Museum and Archives
About the Trebek Initiative: The Trebek Initiative, a collaboration between the Royal Canadian
Geographical Society and the National Geographic Society, empowers Canadian storytellers,
educators, conservationists and innovators. It supports bold projects that protect and preserve
Canada’s natural landscapes, wildlife and cultural heritage. Inspired by Alex Trebek’s passion
for geography and exploration, the initiative fosters discovery and collaboration to drive lasting
change for future generations. Learn more about the mission and grantees at
trebekinitiative.com.
