A road trip detour in Tumbler Ridge leads to a dinosaur footprint

A tourist from Taiwan discovered a fossilized dinosaur footprint while hiking near Tumbler Ridge, B.C., turning a planned waterfall stop into an unexpected encounter with the region’s prehistoric past. Chihyu Hsiao was visiting the northeastern B.C. community with his girlfriend when he spotted an unusual mark in rock near a trail. After checking with staff at the new interpretive geocentre, he learned the impression was likely made by a small planteating dinosaur about 100 million years ago. Tumbler Ridge sits in one of Canada’s UNESCO Global Geoparks and has become known for its fossil discoveries, which have drawn visitors, researchers, and students from around the world. Local officials say public finds have helped expand scientific understanding of the area and supported the town’s shift from coal mining to tourism and paleontology. Experts at the Tumbler Ridge Geopark and Museum say visitors are encouraged to photograph possible fossils, record their location, and report them instead of removing them. For Hsiao, the discovery became the highlight of his trip and a reason to return.