Miguasha National Park

The Parc national de Miguasha is the smallest area of ​​the 24 National Parks in the Canadian province of Québec.

There is a corresponding Parc national but what is a provincial park in the other provinces and territories. Since 1999, the Park is due to its fossil finds a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

The name is derived from a name of the Mi'kmaq, which Megouasag ' is what translates, red cliff ' or ' red cliff means'.

The park is located on the territory of the municipalities Nouvelle and Escuminac in the county municipality Avignon in the south of the Gaspésie -Îles -de- la -Madeleine region. The area was placed under protection, because here large quantities of fossils from the Devonian, " Age of Pisces " come to light the. The Birds serve the neighboring Pointe à Fleurant with an area of ​​353 ha in the south and the Escuminac -Flats (419 ha) in the southeast. In another area of private land totaling 775 ha each private fossil hunting is strictly prohibited.

The fossil site was discovered in 1842. The park area includes two formations. The earlier formation of Escuminac emerged 380 million years ago in a mighty river. Numerous fossils were found, including more than 20 species of fish. However until 1998, more than 14,000 fossils have been recovered. In June 2003, a specially -designed for recording, conservation and presentation of the findings Museum opened its doors.