Discover the Region’s History

The geology of the Stonehammer UNESCO Global Geopark region is remarkable. It presents a relatively continuous geologic record with a long history of study. Within Saint John, the most diverse geology of the region is exposed. Few cities in Canada can compare when it comes to the complex geological diversity seen here. When the larger region of the Geopark is considered, almost one billion years of Earth's history is represented from the Late Precambrian (Neoproterozoic) to the last ice age (Quaternary), with only rocks of Jurassic, Paleogene and Neogene age absent from the area in onshore exposures.

Stonehammer tells a story of plate tectonics. Our story is about the closing of the ancient Iapetus Ocean and the opening of the modern Atlantic Ocean, a story that started in late Precambrian time about a billion years ago and continues today.

Below you will find the geological time periods with brief overviews and examples of where you can go in our Geopark to experience the geological time period and learn more.