To date, 88 distinct dinosaur species have been found in Alberta. This rich fossil record is largely due to the province's unique geological history, where old rivers and the rising Rocky Mountains created ideal conditions for preserving dinosaur remains and creating fossils. Notable species include the Albertosaurus sarcophagus and Edmontosaurus regalis, which pay homage to the province in their names.
The discovery of Edmontosaurus regalis is a story unique to Alberta. The first known fossil remains that may belong to this species were initially named Trachodon cavatus by Edward Drinker Cope in 1871. However, it was Lawrence Lambe who, in 1917, officially named the species Edmontosaurus regalis after discovering a more complete specimen in the Horseshoe Canyon Formation along the Red Deer River in southern Alberta. The Edmontosaurus regalis is known for its lack of large, hollow crests, instead having smaller, solid crests or fleshy combs, and it likely lived in large groups, as suggested by the numerous bone beds found.
Further cementing Alberta’s claim as the dino capital of the world is our very own UNESCO World Heritage Site: Dinosaur Provincial Park. It’s also a hotspot for paleontological research, with 58 species discovered there alone.
Just what is about dinosaurs that captures our imaginations like this? Perhaps it is their sheer size and scale, and mysterious past. Perhaps it is our quest for knowledge. Dinosaurs lived millions of years ago, and their extinction left behind only fossils and traces of their existence. This blend of mystery and the thrill of discovery drives our curiosity. The scientific endeavor to understand these creatures is a never-ending journey, and we have a lot of fun trying to reconstruct their world. They also appeal to a fundamental aspect of human nature, which is our love for stories. They speak to tales of survival, adaptation, and the dramatic end of an era.
Is Alberta the dinosaur capital of the world? We sure like to think so! And if we are not, clearly, between our love of dinos, our UNESCO site and the tourists that come to see the fossils, we have a pretty good claim in the top three – at least!
Nerissa McNaughton is a freelance writer and a contributor to Great West Media. This story was written for the Great West Media & Southern Alberta Newspapers Hot Summer Guide advertising feature. The Hot Summer Guide is a special feature about summer activities, bucket list adventures, staycation options, road trips, attractions, events, and road trip-worthy food & beverage destinations across Alberta. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial staff.
