Drumheller simply would be the coolest place to go to in Alberta. Most folks make a beeline to the Canadian Rockies in Banff or Jasper, however the Canadian badlands are to not be missed. The city of Drumheller makes for an amazing base to discover a few of Alberta’s quirkiest and most superb sights. So let’s discover the dinosaur capital of the world and take a look at all of the cool issues to do in Drumheller.
The Remarkable Landscape of Drumheller
Drumheller is a small city 90 minutes east of Calgary. It can simply be completed on a day journey from Calgary, however to actually expertise all the superb issues to see and do close to Drumheller, you want not less than 3 days. We have created this journey information to encourage you to spend a while in Drumheller and discover extra of Alberta outdoors the Canadian Rockies.
If you propose to go to Drumheller, you want a automotive. We have this stretch of street as the most effective drive in Canada. You can choose up vehicles straight on the Calgary Airport. Check charges for automotive leases in Alberta right here.
Things to do in Drumheller
An previous coal-mining city that’s residence to the richest dinosaur fossil assortment on the planet, Drumheller provides loads of actions for outside fans, historical past buffs, and pictures lovers. The surrounding Drumheller space is simply as fascinating because the beautiful Canadian Rockies, so let’s get began and take a look at what to do in Drumheller and past!
Dinosaur Trail
The Dinosaur Trail in Drumheller, Alberta, provides a charming journey by way of the guts of Canada’s dinosaur nation, unveiling the distinctive landscapes and prehistoric heritage of the area. Winding by way of the dramatic badlands and rolling hills, this scenic route options an array of notable sights, together with the famend Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology, which homes one of many world’s largest shows of dinosaur fossils.
The Trail is split into the North Dinosaur Trail and the South Dinosaur Trail and we’ll break this journey information into totally different elements to deal with every. But when visiting Drumheller it’s best to ensure to see all of it.
South Dinosaur Trail
1. Hoodoos of Drumheller
The Hoodoos are the star attraction of Drumheller. They are a cluster of skinny rock spires with a dense rock cap sitting on prime. The cap protects the spires from utterly eroding away. They are smaller than you’d count on as a bit of cluster on the aspect of a hill, however they’re superior. The hoodoos are situated simply off the aspect of the street a brief stroll from the parking zone, however they’re fascinating.
If you’re up for a bit of mild mountaineering, you’ll be able to climb to the highest of the hill to miss the hoodoos.
Made of sandstone, they shaped over lots of of years of abrasion. These fairytale chimneys are very delicate and two to 4 toes each 100 years. Many folks solely keep on the hoodoos for a couple of minutes taking within the tiny cluster of pillars sitting on the aspect of the street. But take your time to see them from all angles and ensure to hike as much as the excessive lookout. Read about our expertise right here.
2. Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site
The Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site is what this space was constructed round on the flip of the twentieth century. Operating from 1936 to 1970 the Atlas Coal Mine produced coal to energy steam engines for CN and CP rail heading to the prairies. It is taken into account Canada’s best-preserved full coal mine and guests can tour the mine and may climb the final wood tipple in Canada.
You can do a self-guided tour of the grounds, however to entry the underground and tipple you will want to take a guided tour. You will see And that’s the place all of the cool stuff is! The Tipple was used to move coal to the practice vehicles and also you’ll be taking a visit by way of the underground tunnels.
- Admission is Adults: $14.00 Youth/Senior: $11.00 (Self-guided)
- Where to Stay in Drumheller: If you’re on the lookout for lodging in Drumheller, we suggest Heartwood Inn and Spa. There is a evaluate on the backside of this publish.
3. East Coulee School Museum
If you need to pop right into a museum to be taught a bit extra about life within the coal mining days. The East Coulee School Museum is a ghost city set in an previous schoolhouse that focuses on life at residence for the households of the miners from 1930 – 1971.
It serves as each a commemorative institution and an academic middle, aiming to protect and depict the historical past and heritage of the East Coulee space and its folks, significantly specializing in the lifetime of coal miners and their households. If you cease in for a go to you will notice the historic faculty constructing and expertise what it was like within the classroom and there’s a coal mining exhibit, artifacts, and pictures.
4. Last Chance Saloon
It would be the first cease in your drive south from Drumheller, however we advise stopping right here in your manner again, it’s an amazing place for lunch or dinner. The Last Chance Saloon is among the coolest locations to eat in Alberta! To get there, you might want to detour off Highway 10 to Highway 10x and drive west.
After crossing 11 bridges zigzagging over the Red Deer River, you arrive on the Last Chance Saloon. This was a wild west sort of saloon the place coal miners spent their paycheck on the weekends and plenty of a brawl broke out. They have made positive to depart bullet holes on the partitions to indicate the rowdy heritage. You’ll undoubtedly need to stroll by way of and peruse the pictures and memorabilia. It’s a residing museum!
5. Wayne
The Last Chance Saloon, is situated within the ghost city of Wayne situated 14km southeast of Drumheller. This was the guts of the mining trade the place as soon as 3000 folks lived within the city, and 10,000 lived within the surrounding communities.
The 11 one-lane bridges are definitely worth the drive alone, they’re within the Guinness Book of World Records as probably the most bridges situated within the shortest distance. (Guinness will measure something!) The solely construction left standing at this time is the Rosedeer Hotel which is related to the Last Chance Saloon. Read about our full street journey at The Cowboy Trail – A Southern Alberta Road Trip
6. Star Mine Suspension Bridge
Note: The Rosedale Suspension bridge is completely closed however we thought we’d depart in a bit of bit in regards to the historical past.
Constructed in 1931 the Star Mine Suspension Bridge, (aka Rossdale Suspension Bridge) is a bridge spanning the Red Deer River that you may stroll throughout. This 117-meter-long suspension bridge was created to offer coal miners from the Rosedale neighborhood entry to the Atlas Coal Mine. Before that, they rowed throughout the river.
7. North Dinosaur Trail Drumheller
The North Trail takes you on a loop north of Drumheller alongside Hwy 837 and 838. There is rather a lot to see on this 48 km loop. Heading out of Drumheller the path will lead you alongside the north aspect of the Red Deer River. This route provides stunning views of the badlands, the Little Church, and the Bleriot Ferry crossing.
Make positive to take your time to go for hikes and benefit from the viewpoints. The complete appeal of this a part of Alberta is experiencing the awe-inspiring surroundings.
Another nice Alberta Road journey is the Icefields Parkway. Check it out right here.
8. World’s Largest Dinosaur
Canadians love roadside sights, and it’s becoming that the dinosaur capital of the world shows the world’s largest Dinosaur. The construction is a mannequin Tyrannosaurus rex that stands roughly 86 toes (26 meters) tall and 151 toes (46 meters) lengthy, making it practically 4 instances bigger than an actual T. rex would have been.
Across the Street is Rotary Spray Park which is a well-liked vacation spot for households, particularly throughout the hotter months. The park provides a wide range of actions and amenities to maintain guests of all ages entertained. The park options a big spray pad with numerous water options, fountains, and spray nozzles that kids can run by way of and play in. It’s a good way to chill off on a sizzling day.
10. Hoodoo Trail
The hoodoos of Drumheller are your entire cause we needed to go to Drumheller in Alberta. So beginning on the Hoodoo Trail is our primary factor to do. From Drumheller, begin driving south alongside Highway 56 to freeway 10 following the Red Deer River. Most of the route is situated in Midland Provincial Park which provides loads of pull-offs and picnic stops. The Hoodoo Trail is an out-and-back route totaling solely 50km. (23.5 km every manner) Read extra: The Hoodoos of Drumheller
We recommend going on to the Hoodoos within the morning earlier than they get too busy after which take your time exploring the remainder of the path. Read extra of our southern Alberta Road Trip right here.
11. Royal Tyrrell Museum
We aren’t ones to gush over museums, however the Royal Tyrrell Museum is superb! 75 million years in the past, dinosaurs roamed this land and so they left their mark throughout Drumheller. The Royal Tyrell Museum is the very best dinosaur museum on the planet displaying the finds which have been found all through Drumheller and the Badlands. Unlike most museums all over the world the place dinosaur skeletons are faux, the Royal Tyrell sows actual dinosaur bones.
Plus, The Royal Tyrell Museum has the best-preserved genuine T-Rex skulls on the planet and there are precise Paleontologists engaged on bones. You can strategy them to speak to them, and there are others working behind glass exhibiting you what’s concerned in excavations.
12. Badlands Interpretive Trail
While you’re on the Royal Tyrrell Museum, take a stroll alongside the Badlands Interpretive Trail situated in Midland Provincial Park.
Once you arrive on the park, you’ll be able to comply with the indicators to find the start line of the Badlands Interpretive Trail. The path provides a possibility to be taught in regards to the geology, paleontology, and ecology of the Canadian Badlands.
13. Horsethief Canyon
The first viewpoint you will notice alongside this drive is Horsethief Canyon. It is the basic Alberta Badlands website and what a sight to behold! Horsethief Canyon received its identify from cowboy outlaws hiding stolen horses within the 1800s. When trying on the canyon beneath, you’ll be able to see the way it made for an amazing hiding place!
You can really see the layers of time etched within the canyon partitions. There are platforms to absorb the scenic views and you may go mountaineering. I extremely suggest mountaineering by way of the badlands. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime alternative. Just remember to deliver loads of water, it will get sizzling!
14. Little Church
As we stated above, Canadians love a street aspect attraction and the Little Church of Drumheller is unquestionably that! Built in 1968 as a spot for meditation and worship. It can be a vacationer attraction in Drumheller attracting 10,000 folks six at a time. It seats six folks and nonetheless operates as a marriage chapel and holding companies. How cool wouldn’t it be to get married right here?
15. Bleriot Ferry
Cross the Red Deer River through the use of the Bleriot Ferry. It’s free and it’s all the time cool to take a ferry. Operating every day from 8 am to 11 pm from May by way of September, this little ferry crossing has been in operation since 1913. It’s the oldest cable ferry in North America! And the ferry is free!
16. Orkney Viewpoint
Once you cross the river, you at the moment are on the best way again alongside the Dinosaur Trail and the Orkney Viewpoint provides stunning views of the Red Deer River Valley. Located on excessive purple rock cliffs, it’s the quintessential Alberta view.
17. Horseshoe Canyon
When driving from Calgary this would be the first cease you see in your method to Drumheller. Or in case you are us, the final cease you see in your manner out. But it might probably completely be completed on the Dinosaur Trail. Horseshoe Canyon has a 3.9 kilometer loop path for higher views of its coulees and hoodoos and the abundance of wildflowers that develop within the canyons. Keep in thoughts, it might probably get highly regarded within the Alberta Badlands, so all the time carry water.
18. Dinosaur Provincial Park
After spending a few days in Drumheller exploring the Dinosaur Trail and the Hoodoo Trail, make your method to Dinosaur Provincial Park to actually dig into the dinosaur tradition.
19. Centrosaurus Quarry Hike
Located within the coronary heart of the Alberta Badlands, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is residence to the richest assortment of dinosaur fossils on earth. You can take a tour out to The Centrosaurus Quarry to see precise dinosaur fossils. Once you recognize what you’re on the lookout for (which you find out about on this guided hike) they’re in every single place. Much of the park is off-limits as it’s nonetheless a working excavation website, however there are a couple of tour alternatives.
We actually loved our hike, however we additionally took a sundown tour by bus taking us out to all of the superb lookouts in the hunt for its wealthy deposits of dinosaur bones. Dinosaur Provincial Park deserves a few days to discover. Read all about it right here.
When to Visit Drumheller
When visiting the Drumheller space there are some things to consider. We have damaged down the very best time to go to.
- Late Spring (May to June):
- The climate begins to heat up, and the panorama comes alive with blooming wildflowers.
- Outdoor sights and trails are open for exploration.
- There is perhaps fewer crowds in comparison with the height summer time months.
- Summer (July to August):
- This is the height vacationer season in Drumheller, with heat temperatures and lengthy days.
- Most occasions, festivals, and outside actions are scheduled throughout these months.
- Popular sights just like the Royal Tyrrell Museum and the World’s Largest Dinosaur could be busy, so plan accordingly.
- Early Fall (September):
- The climate stays nice, however the crowds begin to diminish.
- The panorama options stunning fall colours, and outside actions are nonetheless fulfilling.
Things to Consider:
- Weather: The climate in Drumheller could be fairly variable, so it’s clever to verify the forecast and are available ready with layers, solar safety, and acceptable footwear.
- Crowds: If you favor a quieter expertise, take into account visiting throughout the shoulder seasons (late spring or early fall) to keep away from peak crowds.
- Attractions Availability: While summer time provides probably the most accessibility to sights, some websites and actions stay open within the low season, providing a unique expertise.
- Events: Check the native occasion calendar for festivals, exhibitions, or different happenings throughout your go to.
Regardless of once you go to, Drumheller provides a singular and enriching expertise with its fascinating dinosaur heritage, putting badlands panorama, and a wide range of indoor and outside actions.
Drumheller Itinerary in Two Days
To assist you to plan a visit to Drumheller, we put collectively a simple downtown Drumheller Itinerary in two days. Enjoy!
Day 1: Exploring Prehistoric Wonders
Morning: Royal Tyrrell Museum
- Time: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM
- Activity: Begin your Drumheller journey on the Royal Tyrrell Museum. Explore the fascinating displays showcasing Canada’s prehistoric previous, that includes one of many world’s largest shows of dinosaurs.
- Tips: Arrive early to keep away from crowds. Don’t overlook to take a look at the museum’s rotating particular displays!
Lunch: Bernie and the Boys Bistro
- Time: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
- Activity: Enjoy a hearty meal at this native favourite, identified for its mammoth-sized burgers and milkshakes.
- Location: 305 4 St W, Drumheller, AB T0J 0X0, Canada
Afternoon: Drumheller’s Giant Dinosaur & Fossil World
- Time: 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM
- Activity: Climb contained in the World’s Largest Dinosaur and benefit from the panoramic views of Drumheller. Afterward, head to Fossil World Dinosaur Discovery Center for interactive displays and fossil digging actions.
- Tips: The climb contained in the Giant Dinosaur includes stairs, so put on snug sneakers!
Dinner: Sublime Food and Wine
- Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Activity: Indulge in a advantageous eating expertise at Sublime Food and Wine, having fun with locally-sourced dishes in a comfy ambiance.
- Location: 109 Centre St, Drumheller, AB T0J 0Y0, Canada
Evening: Drumheller Valley Lookout
- Time: 8:30 PM – 9:30 PM
- Activity: End your day by watching the sundown over the beautiful landscapes of the Drumheller Valley from one of many scenic lookouts.
- Tips: Bring a lightweight jacket, as it might probably get chilly within the night.
Day 2: Adventure & Scenic Beauty
Morning: Horsethief Canyon & Bleriot Ferry
- Time: 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM
- Activity: Start with the picturesque Horsethief Canyon, adopted by a experience on the historic Bleriot Ferry throughout the Red Deer River.
- Tips: Wear sturdy sneakers for mountaineering and produce your digital camera for some stunning panorama pictures!
Lunch: WHIFS Flapjack House
- Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
- Activity: Savor some scrumptious pancakes and different hearty breakfast fare at this native gem.
- Location: 680 2 St E, Drumheller, AB T0J 0Y0, Canada
Afternoon: Horseshoe Canyon & ATV Adventure
- Time: 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM
- Activity: Explore the breathtaking landscapes of Horseshoe Canyon. Consider reserving an ATV tour for an exhilarating experience by way of the canyons.
- Tips: Dress appropriately for outside actions and produce water to remain hydrated.
Dinner: Yavis Family Restaurant
- Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Activity: Conclude your adventure-filled day with a calming meal at Yavis Family Restaurant, an area institution providing a various menu.
- Location: 1102 AB-9, Drumheller, AB T0J 0Y3, Canada
Evening: Ghost Walk Tour
- Time: 8:30 PM – 10:00 PM
- Activity: If accessible, be a part of an area ghost stroll tour to discover the eerie and mysterious aspect of Drumheller, studying about native legends and folklore.
- Tips: Wear snug strolling sneakers and produce a flashlight.
This two-day itinerary provides a mixture of journey, historical past, and pure magnificence, showcasing the distinctive appeal of Drumheller, Alberta. Make positive to verify the supply of actions and opening hours of venues upfront, as they will range relying on the time of 12 months. Safe travels!
Where to Stay in Drumheller
Heartwood Inn and Spa is a well-liked selection in Drumheller. We stayed right here and liked it! Jackie Chan and Owen Wilson stayed right here throughout the filming of Shanghai Noon. If it’s adequate for them it’s adequate for Dave and Deb! It’s an amazing inn with elegant rooms and pleasant house owners. It’s the kind of place that takes an curiosity in what you see and do and provides glorious recommendation.
We particularly loved their well-known French Toast within the morning. It’s the one factor they serve for breakfast. As the proprietor stated to us “I do one thing and one thing very well.” Yum!
Other Places to Stay in Drumheller
Cactus Coulee Fun Park & RV Resort is a superb place to remain in Drumheller with youngsters. Even in case you are not staying at Cactus Coulee Fun Park & RV Resort, you’ll be able to go to for the day and benefit from the sights like go-karting, mini golf and EuroBungy
Horseshoe Canyon Campground is one other great spot to stick with tenting, cabins, and RV hook-up.
Dinosaur Provincial Park has tenting as effectively. Read: Dinosaur Provincial Park – Glamping Tour within the Alberta Badlands
And these are the highest sights close to Drumheller. Have you been to the Alberta Badlands? Where is your favourite place to go to in Alberta?