Experience The Jurassic Forest
Embarking on the North or South Discovery Trail of the Jurassic Forest, you might believe that you’re just taking a serene stroll along the boardwalk that meanders through this 16 ha natural preserve near Gibbons, Alberta. That is, until the roars, chirps, and howls of dinosaurs start reverberating through the trees. As you round the bend in the path, a pair of Edmontosaurus duck-billed dinosaurs, reaching for the treetops, come into view Just around the corner, an Albertosaurus, a true homegrown “Alberta lizard”, bares its chisel-like teeth. He stands alongside a Styracosaurus looking for other members of its herd. As you set out on the two 1-km loops, you will encounter close to fifty life-like animatronic dinosaurs of all sizes and shapes.
The wooden boardwalk trails are wide and easy to navigate with strollers or wheelchairs / motorised scooters. There are also two side trail extensions: In the north extension, “Taking Flight” traces the anatomical and physiological adaptations necessary for flight, and in the south extension, “From Scales to Fur” describes the development of mammals. Depending on the amount of time you linger at each factoid post or stop at each exhibit to take pictures, it will take you one to two hours to navigate both loops. Launched in 2010, this educational and entertainment venue set in a “living forest” features an interpretive centre, a basic concession, a gift shop, a playground and mini-golf course. Frequent special events for children and adults and guest speakers further expand this attraction’s offerings. Located on Alberta’s Hwy 28 approximately 40 km north of Edmonton or 360 km north of Calgary, this seasonal tourist attraction set in a boreal forest is a hidden treasure waiting to be unearthed. Story and Photos by Dr. Shannon L. Tracey
40 | Enter Our Photo Contest
