Canada’s ancient landscapes have revealed some of the most remarkable dinosaur fossils ever discovered, and a few that exist nowhere else on the planet.
These uniquely Canadian dinosaurs tell the story of a land once teeming with giants. Each species offers a rare glimpse into prehistoric life, showing how Canada’s environment shaped evolution in ways unlike anywhere else.
This article is for general informational purposes only. Fossil records and classifications are subject to ongoing research. Images are for illustrative purposes only.
1. Albertosaurus Sarcophagus
One of Canada’s most famous carnivores, Albertosaurus sarcophagus ruled the Late Cretaceous plains about 70 million years ago. This relative of Tyrannosaurus rex measured around 9 metres long but was lighter and more agile.
Dozens of individuals have been found together in Alberta, providing rare evidence that these predators may have hunted in coordinated groups. This behaviour would be a first for large theropods and suggests complex social structures.
The species name means “lizard from Alberta,” honouring its exclusive Canadian origins.
2. Chasmosaurus Belli
This horned dinosaur from Alberta’s Dinosaur Provincial Park is instantly recognisable by its ornate frill with large openings that reduced weight. Chasmosaurus belli measured up to 5 metres in length and lived about 75 million years ago.
It was a gentle plant-eater related to Triceratops, but its fossils are found exclusively in Canada. The frill likely served dual purposes: attracting mates and defending against predators.
3. Parasaurolophus Walkeri
With its long, curved crest extending backward from its skull, Parasaurolophus walkeri is one of Canada’s most distinctive dinosaurs. The hollow crest likely acted as a resonating chamber, allowing it to produce deep, trumpet-like sounds for communication.
Discovered in Alberta in 1920, this hadrosaur species is known only from Canadian rocks, though its relatives lived farther south. Scientists believe the crest could have helped herds stay in contact across distances.
The species honours Sir Byron Edmund Walker, a Canadian patron of palaeontology.
4. Lambeosaurus Lambei
Named after Canadian palaeontologist Lawrence Lambe, Lambeosaurus lambei was a crested, duck-billed dinosaur that lived around 76 million years ago in Alberta. Its distinctive hatchet-shaped crest set it apart from other hadrosaurs and may have varied between males and females.
Fossil evidence suggests that these dinosaurs were social animals, possibly communicating through the low-frequency sounds their crests could amplify. Herds likely moved together through coastal lowlands, feeding on vegetation.
Lambe’s pioneering work helped establish Canada’s palaeontological reputation worldwide.
5. Pachyrhinosaurus Canadensis
This horned dinosaur from Alberta was built like a tank, with a solid bony plate across its nose instead of the sharp horns seen in other ceratopsians. Pachyrhinosaurus canadensis may have used this thick skull for head-butting displays or combat within herds.
It lived about 70 million years ago and remains one of the most uniquely Canadian dinosaurs ever found. The massive boss on its snout could withstand tremendous impact forces during battles.
Its name means “thick-nosed lizard from Canada,” perfectly describing its most notable feature.
6. Gorgosaurus Libratus
A close cousin of Albertosaurus, Gorgosaurus libratus was another powerful predator that stalked Alberta’s floodplains around 75 million years ago. It could reach lengths of over 8 metres and had razor-sharp teeth built for slicing through prey.
Unlike Tyrannosaurus rex, which came later, Gorgosaurus was faster and more lightly built. This top predator is found only in Canada’s fossil record, making it a true northern original.
7. Styracosaurus Albertensis
Few dinosaurs are as visually striking as Styracosaurus albertensis, a horned dinosaur known for its impressive crown of long spikes radiating from its frill. This herbivore lived about 75 million years ago and grew to nearly 6 metres in length.
Fossils found exclusively in Alberta’s Dinosaur Park Formation make it one of the most iconic and unmistakably Canadian dinosaurs ever discovered. The dramatic spikes may have helped with species recognition or intimidating rivals.
Its name translates to “spiked lizard from Alberta,” celebrating its spectacular appearance.
