Alberta Palaeontological Society

The Meeting Place for Amateur and Professional Palaeontologists

APS members listening to a description of the Devil's Coulee fossil locality

The Alberta Palaeontological Society (APS) is a non-profit organization founded in 1986. Our main goal is to promote the science of palaeontology through study and education. The APS makes important contributions to the field by discovering new findings and responsibly collecting, curating, and displaying significant fossil specimens. We are passionate about educating the general public, sharing knowledge about palaeontological discoveries, and fostering an appreciation for the ancient past.

Moreover, the society is committed to preserving palaeontological materials for the benefit of future generations. To achieve our mission, the APS actively collaborates with professional and academic communities, working together to safeguard and enhance the understanding of Alberta's rich cultural heritage.

The Alberta Palaeontological Society is a non-profit volunteer organization dedicated to spreading the wonders of palaeontology, ensuring that people of all ages can explore and appreciate the fascinating world of prehistoric life.

Announcements

Dinovember Sleepover at the Royal Tyrrell Museum!

A poster of the event, displaying the dates. In the background is the fossil of Black Beauty, the Tyrannosaurus Rex, at the RTMP. The fossil is in the dark and illuminated only by a flashlight beam.

The Alberta Palaeontological Society is excited to invite you to a special overnight event at the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology in Drumheller, Alberta!

Date: Friday, November 28 - Saturday, November 29

Price: $54 per person

Registration Deadline: Friday, October 24

We have only registered 15 spots, so don’t delay!

For additional details and to register, see the field trips page.

Save the Date: Microfossil Sorting at Mount Royal University!

A fragment of fish skull. It is brown, oblong, and has small bumps on it.
A fragment of a fossil fish skull found during last year's session. Photo by Eric Campbell.

Search for Microfossils this Fall, 2025

by Mona Trick

Use microscopes to search for tiny fossils to aid the research of Dr. Jessica Theodor and Dr. Alex Dutchak of the University of Calgary. We will be examining the matrix (soil) from the Saskatchewan Cypress Hills Formation (Middle Eocene about 50 million years old). We will be using microscopes in room B140 at Mount Royal University from 1:00 until 3:30 pm. on the following Sundays:

  • October 26, 2025
  • November 2, 2025
  • November 23, 2025

Registration is not required, but if you let Mona Trick (cell: (587) 578-4579 or giftshop@albertapaleo.org) know that you are planning to attend, then she can inform you if we need to cancel this session. No experience is required. Due to the delicate nature of this work, only those 12 years and older are allowed to search for the microfossils. Bring tweezers or a small paint brush to pick the tiny fossils from the soil and a pen to label your finds. All of the fossils found will be kept by the University of Calgary for their research.

We are very grateful to Mount Royal University for allowing us to use their microscopes and lab.

Check the APS website and December Bulletin for the dates of the microfossil sorting sessions in January and February, 2026, when we will be once again searching for tiny fossils.

Dino Enthusiasts Wanted!

A poster explaining that they're looking for people to be in a palaeontology reality show. The poster is orange with a stylized Tyrannosaur roaring in the background.

A new unscripted TV series is on the hunt for Canadians who are truly passionate about all things dinosaurs and palaeontology.

They’re looking for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilityies who dream about diffing up the past - literally.

Whether you’re a student, collector, fossil hunter, museum guide, or lifelong superfan, this is your chance to turn our passion into something unforgettable.

No TV experience required - just serious dino love.

Apply now by sending the following information to tjduverne@gmail.com:

  • Name
  • Age and location
  • Short bio about your dino obsession
  • Recent photo
  • Quick intro video (optional)
  • Social media links (if any)

Next Event

Field Trip

Fossils-in-Tyndall Building Stone, Walking tour, Calgary, AB

Saturday, September 6, 2025

Once again, Tako Koning has agreed to conduct his popular tour of Calgary structures adorned in Ordovician-aged Red River Formation limestone originally quarried in Tyndall, Manitoba. See impressively preserved fossils of corals, gastropods, nautiloids and receptaculitid algae at Calgary landmarks like the historic Bank of Montreal building. This will be a walking tour of several buildings in downtown Calgary, the community of Kensington and the SAIT campus and is suitable for all ages. The fee is $10.

To register for this and any other trips, download and complete the field trip permission form.

Registration deadline is September 1.

For more information, see our events page.

Become a Member!

Become a member of the Alberta Palaeontological Society and unlock a world of palaeontological discovery. Engage with fellow enthusiasts, support fossil education, and gain exclusive access to field trips and resources that enrich your understanding of prehistoric life. Join us today and embark on a journey through time together.

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APS Books for Sale

Refer to the Store link on this website for cost, how to purchase a copy and other details. These books will also be available for purchase at our monthly meetings.

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