Burgess Shale Walcott Quarry Trail

This is the Burgess Shale hike—the one that leads to the original Walcott Quarry where 500‑million‑year‑old Cambrian creatures are preserved in astonishing detail. It’s a full, strenuous day on mountain trails with interpretive stops that make the geology and paleontology click into place. You’re not just walking to a viewpoint; you’re stepping into deep time with experts who bring it alive.

Length is roughly 22 km/13.7 miles round‑trip (out‑and‑back), and it feels every bit of it. Expect a steady climb from the Takakkaw Falls area up to Yoho Lake, panoramic traversing on the Wapta Highline (with loose scree underfoot in places), and a final steep push gaining ~150 m in less than a kilometer just before the quarry. Most groups take a full day—often 10–11 hours—because of the distance, elevation, and time spent learning and exploring at the site.

Scenery delivers: early glimpses of thunderous Takakkaw Falls, a quiet pause at Yoho Lake, and then wide‑angle views down to turquoise Emerald Lake with peaks like Mount Burgess and the Presidents Range stacking the skyline. Summer wildflowers brighten the path, elk are sometimes spotted, and you may see bear sign. At the quarry, the wide‑open slope frames jaw‑dropping vistas while you examine fossils where they were discovered in 1909.

Access is strictly guided. The Walcott Quarry sits inside a restricted zone to protect this UNESCO World Heritage fossil site, so you must join an authorized tour (Parks Canada or the Burgess Shale Geoscience Foundation). These hikes are popular and limited—book well in advance. No collecting is allowed.

Best time to hike: Mid‑July to early September is the sweet spot. Earlier in the season, snow can linger high on the route and weather is fickle—sun, rain, hail, even snow can roll through the same day. Start times are set by your guide; morning light on the peaks and cooler temps help on the climbs.

What to bring and know: Sturdy hiking boots are non‑negotiable; some sections have loose scree and the final climb is steep. Pack layers and solid rain gear—mountain weather changes fast. Bring plenty of food and water; there are built‑in breaks for rest and interpretation. Those uncomfortable with heights may find the Highline’s airy traverses mentally taxing, but there’s no major exposure.

Bottom line: If fossils, geology, and big alpine views light you up—and you’re ready for a long, sustained climb—this guided hike is extraordinary. If you just want a casual waterfall stroll, this isn’t the day for you.