If you’ve ever been hiking in the Badlands of Alberta or strolling a beach in British Columbia and spotted something "stony" that looked like a bone, your first instinct was probably to pick it up. But in Canada, fossil hunting isn't just about "finders keepers." We have some of the strictest heritage laws in the world to ensure that scientifically significant finds stay in the public trust. Before you head out with your rock hammer, here is what you need to know about the laws in the Great White North. 1. The Provincial Patchwork In Canada, fossils are managed by the provinces, not the federal government. This means the rules change the moment you cross a border. Alberta: The strictest in the country. Under the Historical Resources Act, all fossils found in Alberta are the property of the Crown. You can "surface collect" (pick up something sitting on top of the ground) in some areas, but you are only a caretaker, not the owner. You cannot sell them, and you cannot take them out of the province without a provincial permit. British Columbia: You can collect "common" fossils (like small invertebrates) for personal use, but you cannot sell them. You are considered a custodian. Anything significant—like a vertebrate bone or a rare trackway—must be reported to the Royal BC Museum. Ontario & Quebec: These provinces are generally more relaxed regarding common invertebrate fossils (think trilobites or shells) on private land with permission. However, vertebrate fossils (anything with a backbone) are almost always protected. 2. Vertebrate vs. Invertebrate In the eyes of the law, not all fossils are created equal. Invertebrates (Shells, Coral, Trilobites): These are usually considered "common." In many provinces, you can keep a few for your personal collection. Vertebrates (Dinosaurs, Mammals, Fish, Sharks): These are high-stakes. Because vertebrates are rarer and provide more scientific data, they are almost universally protected. If you find a bone, take a photo and a GPS coordinate, and call a local museum. Do not dig it up. 3. The "Surface" Rule Even in areas where collecting is allowed, "excavation" is usually a legal no-go. Surface Collecting: Picking up a fossil that has already weathered out of the rock and is lying on the ground. Excavating: Using tools (hammers, chisels, shovels) to remove a fossil from the "matrix" or bedrock. In almost every Canadian province, you need a Permit to use tools to extract a fossil. Stick to the loose scree and surface finds to stay on the right side of the law. 4. Can I Sell the Fossils I Find? In short: Usually, no. In most provinces, fossils found on Crown land (public land) cannot be sold. This is why most of the fossils you see in Canadian shops—including many of the specimens here at Stones & Bones—are sourced from private land in the United States, Morocco, or Europe, where laws allow for the commercial trade of fossils. 5. Why Buying from a Reputable Dealer Matters Because Canadian laws are complex, buying from a dealer like Stones & Bones gives you peace of mind. We ensure that: All specimens are legally sourced from jurisdictions where sale is permitted. Everything is ethically imported into Canada with the proper customs documentation. You are getting an authentic piece of history that you can legally own, display, and eventually pass down. Found something cool? If you've found a fossil in Canada and aren't sure if it's "legal" or "significant," the best thing to do is contact your provincial museum (like the Royal Tyrrell in Alberta or the ROM in Ontario). They love hearing from citizen scientists!
