Meet Your Guide

Brian Hebert guiding a young fossil hunter along the Joggins Fossil Cliffs shoreline

Meet Your Guide: Brian Hebert

For more than 30 years, Brian Hebert has been uncovering the secrets of Nova Scotia's ancient past, most notably the world-famous Joggins Fossil Cliffs—a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important Carboniferous fossil localities on Earth. A self-taught paleontologist, award-winning citizen scientist, and beloved guide, Brian has made multiple discoveries published in top scientific journals, including Nature.

His passion is simple: helping visitors of all ages experience the thrill of discovery along Nova Scotia’s ancient shores.

Major Scientific Discoveries

Tyrannoroter heberti — “Hebert’s Tyrant Digger”

In 2017, Brian discovered a unique fossil in the cliffs of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. After years of study, it was confirmed to be a new species from Nova Scotia’s ancient past. It was named Tyrannoroter heberti in honour of Brian in 2026 and published in the journal Nature. It was a small, robust amphibian from the Carboniferous period 307 million years ago. From studying its teeth, we now know it is one of the first land animals to eat plants in the fossil record.

Artistic reconstruction of Tyrannoroter heberti, a Carboniferous plant-eating vertebrate discovered at Joggins
A reconstruction of Tyrannoroter heberti, eating a fern. Photo by Hannah Fredd / Nature Ecology & Evolution.

Dendromaia unamakiensis — Early Evidence of Parental Care

Brian also discovered Dendromaia unamakiensis in the cliffs of Cape Breton. The find included an adult and juvenile pair of the same species that provided the earliest known evidence of parental care in the fossil record. This discovery was published in the journal Nature in 2020 and gained international attention.

Artistic reconstruction of Dendromaia unamakiensis showing early evidence of parental care
An artist’s impression of an adult and a juvenile Dendromaia unamakiensis. Image credit: Henry Sharpe.

Awards & Recognition

Brian’s contributions to paleontology have earned him international recognition from many scientists over the years. Brian was honoured with the prestigious Harrell L. Strimple Award in 2023 for his outstanding achievements in paleontology.

Brian Hebert receiving the Strimple Award from the Paleontological Society

Expert Testimonials

Dr. John Calder, Nova Scotia Provincial Geologist
"There is no living person who knows the Joggins cliffs better, or who has made more important fossil discoveries than Brian. You will not forget a trip with this amazing discoverer."
- Dr. John Calder, Nova Scotia Provincial Geologist
Dr. Matt Stimson, Assistant Curator of Geology at the New Brunswick Museum
"Brian is more than just a tour guide. He is a citizen scientist, and one of the foremost authorities on the Joggins Fossil Cliffs. His fossil discoveries, ~30 years of experience and the respect of the scientific community has led him to work with some of the leading scientists in Carboniferous paleontology. He's the guy paleontologists go to to learn about Joggins fossils."
- Dr. Matt Stimson, Assistant Curator of Geology, New Brunswick Museum
Dr. Hillary Maddin, Professor of Vertebrate Paleontology at Carleton University
"Brian is one of the most knowledgeable people you’ll meet when it comes to the history and fossil secrets held in the Joggins cliffs!"
- Dr. Hillary Maddin, Carleton University

About Brian

Brian has spent decades exploring the geology of Nova Scotia, collaborating with leading scientists, and helping visitors experience the wonder of Nova Scotia’s deep past. His tours blend storytelling, science, and hands-on discovery—making them unforgettable for families, students, and geology enthusiasts alike.

Whether you're a curious beginner or a seasoned rockhound, Brian’s passion and expertise will bring the ancient world to life.

Ready to Explore?

Join us for a guided tour along the world-famous Bay of Fundy and discover the stories hidden in the rocks beneath your feet.

Book your tour today and experience Nova Scotia’s deep history firsthand.

Book now!