Paskapoo Formation, Geological formation in Alberta, Canada

The Paskapoo Formation is a Paleocene stratigraphic unit of sandstones, siltstones and mudstones with lesser pebble-conglomerate, coal and bentonite. It underlies much of southwestern Alberta, reaching over 750 metres thick in the foothills and about 600 metres near Calgary. Its base, the Haynes Member, forms cliffs of sandstone and pebble-conglomerate.

Joseph Tyrrell first documented this formation in 1887 along the Blindman River at its confluence with the Red Deer River. His work established it as an important reference point for understanding the region's geological history.

The name Paskapoo comes from the Cree word 'paskapiw', meaning 'He is blind', which refers to the Blindman River in the area. This indigenous naming reflects how local peoples understood and described the landscape.

The formation holds freshwater aquifers that supply water for irrigation and drinking throughout southwestern Alberta. Access to this water source is essential for agriculture and settlements across the region.

The formation's sandstones were quarried in the early 1900s to build fire-resistant structures in Calgary. The same beds also yield freshwater aquifers and coal, and the Dalehurst Member near Hinton preserves up to six coal seams, each up to 5 metres thick.