Lake Superior Fossils Silurian & Ordovician fossils from Manitoulin Island, Lake Superior Manitoulin Island is famous for its rare alvar bedrock outcroppings; 450 million year old dolomite and limestone (recognized as unique by Natural Resources Canada, Nature Conservancy, Environmental Protection Agency in the USA, and as a United Nations UNESCO Biosphere). Many of these rocks are rich in fossils of ancient plants and animals. In addition, most areas of Manitoulin have a rich coating of glacial till and moraines of rocks and boulders transported hundreds of miles from the Canadian shield, then dropped by the retreating ice over 15,000 years ago. These glacially deposited rocks include volcanic (Obsidian or volcanic glass, granite, basalt, and andesite porphyry), sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks strewn about on the surface. The fossils of the Manitoulin area are renowned world-wide. They represent some of the oldest fossils formations, and have been studied by many experts in the fields of geology and paleontology since the 1910's. The fossils have been dated as far back as the Silurian and Ordovician period. These geological periods are part of the Paleozoic Era dating between 395 to 440 million years ago (dinosaurs were 150 million years ago, humans first appeared 425,000 years ago). Those interested in these rocks and fossils can take rubs (pencil impressions onto paper from rock surfaces), or take home up to a pound of rock samples for your new or expanding rock collection. Located in Sheguiandah, the Little Current-Howland Centennial Museum houses a variety of artifacts from early aboriginal (up to 9600 years ago), and more recent European pioneer settler times (1850's onward). Information on the Sheguiandah dig, which resulted in the discovery of stone implements, can also be obtained. Special events and courses are held during the summer months. M'Chigeeng Trail, on a nearby First Nations Reserve includes two trails, one along the bottom of the Escarpment bluff and the other going to the very top; with the Bear Caves and Fossil Rock Point as two spots of particular interest. Manitoulin Island is a must-see location with beautiful scenic views, wonderful beaches and lots of cultural events in the summer. From a geology standpoint, Manitoulin is a paleontologist’s and geologist’s paradise. The rocks on Manitoulin formed about 450 to 425 million years ago, during what is known as the Ordovician and Silurian Periods. At that time, the Manitoulin area was part of a shallow tropical ocean located just south of the Equator. This sea was home to a vast amount marine life, much like the Caribbean sea is today. Imagine extensive coral reefs and water teeming with life such as giant sea scorpions and squid-like creatures. Over time, layers of sediment built up and turned into the fossil-rich rocks that we see today.   Pay by Credit Card Superior Fossils • Toronto Ontario • 416-910-1682 info@superiorfossils.com • SuperiorFossils.com