Vancouver Island Paleontological Society (VIPS) is a non-profit organization dedicated to paleontology research, education, and fossil discovery on Vancouver Island. Founded following the significant 1988 discovery of an 80-million-year-old Elasmosaur skeleton along the Puntledge River by Mike Trask and his daughter Heather, the society brings together professional and amateur paleontologists who share an interest in the region’s rich fossil record. Vancouver Island has exceptional Devonian-era geology, and VIPS members actively document and study these ancient finds.

The society runs monthly meetings (second Wednesday of each month) and organizes field trips to fossil sites around Vancouver Island and beyond. All are welcome to participate, you don’t need to be a professional paleontologist, just interested in fossils and prehistoric life. They also offer educational programs including “Introduction to Paleontology” classes at the Courtenay Museum, host symposiums (including the 15th BC Paleontological Symposium in 2025), and maintain galleries and information resources about local fossil discoveries.

If you’re curious about fossils, ancient marine life, or the deep geological history of the island, this is the group doing that work locally. Check their website for field trip schedules and membership information.