The Burgess Shale is a fossil rich rock formation in the Canadian Rockies. The term was conceived by paleontologist Charles Walcott to describe soft-bodied fossils preserved in sedimentary rock layers. 

Soft-bodied fossil preservation, particularly of complete animals, is incredibly rare. Walcott Quarry in Yoho National Park, one of the original Burgess Shale excavation locations, can be visited as part of a guided hiking experience with Parks Canada.

The guided hike takes a full day, from 7am to 6pm, and includes over an hour at the Quarry site (plenty of time to find and examine fossils). The guides are full of knowledge about the fossils and Yoho National Park in general.

The trail is 21km return with 825m total elevation gain. The guided hike speed is very manageable so it's moderate difficulty overall. If this sounds too long for you, there is a shorter guided Burgess Shale hike in Kootenay National Park (Stanley Glacier).