Drumheller

Drumheller emerges from Alberta’s farmlands into a landscape of sharp canyons and rock formations shaped by wind and time. As the Dinosaur Capital of the World, the town lies in the Red Deer River Valley, where fossils and a leading paleontology museum highlight its ancient roots. Walk under the 26-meter-tall Tyrannosaurus rex statue, follow paths near twisted hoodoos, or explore an old coal mine. The area serves as a starting point for the Canadian Badlands, where cliffs expose layers of rock formed over millions of years.

Visit the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology

This museum focuses entirely on fossils and attracts half a million visitors yearly. See scientists working on bones in the Preparation Lab or walk through the Cretaceous Garden, filled with plants from the dinosaur era. The collection holds three million specimens, including “Black Beauty,” a Tyrannosaurus rex with uniquely colored bones. Book a guided hike nearby to visit active dig sites. Displays like the Burgess Shale exhibit explain how ancient ecosystems evolved.

Walk or Bike Through Unique Rock Formations

The valley’s terrain includes sandstone pillars called hoodoos, some reaching seven meters tall. The Hoodoos Trail lets you get close to these formations. Horseshoe Canyon, 17 kilometers west, displays a massive depression with striped rock walls in shades of brown and gray. Horsethief Canyon, named for thieves who hid stolen horses there, has fewer visitors and winding paths. Trails vary from easy walks to steep climbs—wear durable shoes and carry water.

Learn About Coal Mining at Atlas Coal Mine

The Atlas Coal Mine, a National Historic Site, shows Drumheller’s industrial history. Take a train ride through the site, climb the wooden tipple structure, and enter tunnels where miners worked. Guides explain how coal from here powered Canada’s growth until the 1970s. Rusty machinery and old buildings highlight the challenges miners faced. After dark, join a ghost tour to hear stories about the mine’s past.

Kayak or Cycle Along the Red Deer River

Paddle calm sections of the Red Deer River, passing cliffs where fossils sometimes protrude from rock. Rent a kayak in town or bike 27 kilometers of paths connecting Drumheller to Midland Provincial Park. The Dinosaur Trail route passes the World’s Largest Dinosaur statue and the Bleriot Ferry, a cable-operated river crossing. Cyclists can choose paved routes or rougher trails with views of the valley.

Watch the Canadian Badlands Passion Play

Every July, actors perform the story of Jesus in an outdoor theater surrounded by cliffs. The event draws crowds for its dramatic scenes set against the stark landscape. Arrive early to walk trails near the venue or eat a meal with views of the valley. The play’s large cast and natural stage create a memorable experience.

Eat at Local Restaurants and Cafés

Try the Last Chance Saloon in Wayne, a former mining bar serving bison burgers with live music. In Drumheller, Black Mountain Coffee Roasters brews coffee from ethical sources and bakes fresh pastries. Bernie & The Boys is known for its oversized Mammoth Burger. For breakfast any time, stop at Whif’s Flapjack House, a retro diner with pancakes and milkshakes. Many spots use Alberta beef and local vegetables.

Take a Day Trip to Dinosaur Provincial Park

Drive 170 kilometers southeast to this UNESCO site, where scientists have found over 150 dinosaur skeletons. Join a tour to see fossils still embedded in the ground. The park’s remote badlands feel more isolated than Drumheller’s, with fewer visitors. Stay overnight to view stars in a dark sky area or photograph sunset colors on the rocks.

Plan for Seasons and Logistics

In winter, try cross-country skiing or snowshoeing in the quiet, snow-covered badlands. The Royal Tyrrell Museum stays open with fewer visitors and hands-on exhibits. Drumheller’s small downtown is walkable, but you’ll need a car to reach trails and parks. Check local event listings for winter festivals like Cold Bones, which includes music and outdoor fun. Most trails are free, but museums and tours charge admission fees.