Escarpment Facts

• The Escarpment is a massive ridge of fossil-rich sedimentary rock which began its formation 450 million years ago as the outer rim of a shallow sea known geologically as the Michigan Basin.
• It soars 510 metres (1675 ft.) high in some locations and stretches 725 km (450 miles) from Niagara to Tobermory.
• The Escarpment contains more than 300 bird species, 53 mammals, 36 reptiles and amphibians, 90 fish and 100 varieties of special interest flora including 37 types of wild orchids.
• It includes some of Ontario’s best skiing, camping, swimming, fishing, boating, hiking and viewing.
• It contributes an estimated $100 million per year to local and regional economies through tourism.