This day-long guided hike takes you to the high country of Yoho National Park to view the Walcott Quarry in the 508 million year old Burgess Shale, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Famous for excellently preserved invertebrate fossils, the Burgess Shale offers a rare window on the early evolution of animal phyla during the "Cambrian Explosion.” The hike provides an overview of middle Cambrian geology and palaeontology in the area and evidence for coeval hydrothermal mineralization. Glaciers visible along the way show evidence of retreat during the modern warm period.

The Walcott Quarry site has limited access, and only two groups of 12 participants are allowed by Parks Canada per day. Participants should be fit as the hike is 22 kilometres round-trip, with 825 metres of elevation gain.Good quality boots or trail shoes and a hat are a must. All participants should bring 2 litres of water and sufficient energy snacks / food, with clothing suitable for rain or sun. Participants will depart Calgary (7:00 a.m.) by bus, arriving at the trailhead by 10:00 a.m. The hike returns to the trailhead about 6:00 p.m., with a return to Calgary by about 9:00 p.m.