Best Things to Do and See in Drumheller
Planning a trip to Drumheller and Canadian Badlands, Alberta, can be as challenging as exploring this incredible place itself. In this Drumheller travel guide, we've put together the best things to do, and tips on how to get, what to expect, and where to stay. Explore the top places such as Horseshoe Canyon, Royal Tyrrell Museum, Bleriot Ferry, Horsethief Canyon, Little Church, and much more.
Drumheller is quite a small town in the Canadian Badlands in Alberta province that offers many beautiful places to explore and even more things to do.
And if you are reading this travel guide, you are probably planning your trip to Drumheller in the near future or debating if you should include this fascinating area in your itinerary. No worries, we were at the same point not that long ago too.
As the winter was still in full swing in Calgary, we decided to plan our summer adventures and road trip to the Canadian Rockies to cheer ourselves up. However, there was one place on our list of must-visit places in Alberta we were not so sure about.
At first, we could not decide if Drumheller was worth a visit.
We had often heard only the words of praise from our colleagues and friends in Calgary, who were saying that we can't leave the province without a visit to Drumheller and without seeing the badlands, that in the end, they persuaded us, although we, same as other travelers, could not wait to head west, to the mountains.
Were they right, and is really Drumheller worth visiting? Let's find out!
From dramatic landscapes and odd-looking rock formations, impressive canyons, scenic drives, coal mines, and cowboy life to Royal Tyrrell Museum or World's Largest Dinosaur, Drumheller offers a wide range of activities, things to do, and attractions for all visitors.
When talking about Drumheller, we feel we must speak more about dinosaurs here as these giant prehistoric animals are the main reason to visit, after all.
More than 70 million years ago, the province of Alberta looked nothing like today. With its tropical climate, this place was full of lakes, lush green vegetation, and, most importantly, dinosaurs. These epic animals that once roamed the earth were huge, seriously dangerous, and in a nutshell, they ruled the area.
It's no surprise that today this area is called Dinosaur Valley. Many geologists and scientists state that this region has one of the richest fossil beds in the world. For any dinosaurs enthusiasts out there, Drumheller is a must-visit place!
For us, a trip to Drumheller was a welcomed change as it gave us a chance to see something new that we had never seen before.
One of the best things about Drumheller and its attractions is that you don't have to break the bank to get the most of your trip, so it’s perfect even for budget travelers like us.
Yes, you need to rent a car in order to get to Drumheller (more about it later on), pay for the hotel, plus there is an entrance fee to the Royal Tyrrell Museum (which is not that high for what it offers) or Atlas Coal Mine, but you don't have to buy the annual pass or fight for space with the same number of travelers as you have to in the Canadian Rockies.
On top of that, all hikes are free of charge, and the accommodation is way more affordable, so budget travelers and avid hikers like us can really enjoy this stunning area on a fairly tight budget.
Drumheller's landscape is spectacular, and in this travel guide, we are excited to show you the best things to do and top activities the Canadian Badlands has to offer.
WHAT TO DO IN DRUMHELLER
Drumheller is a popular weekend getaway for people living in Calgary, but it is still an unknown destination among international visitors. We spent in Drumheller two wonderful summer days, and we did not have time to get bored during these 48 hours.
Based on our experience, Drumheller is a place for every type of traveler. Families with kids, elderly travelers, young adventurers, or dinosaur geeks.
Feel free to get inspired by the top things to do in Drumheller and create your own itinerary based on your plans and interests.
We've put together the sites we visited in the same exact order, but feel free to see them in any order you wish.
HORSESHOE CANYON
Located just off the main highway (SH9), Horseshoe Canyon is one of the best places to see in the Drumheller area.
As you will find it on the way to Drumheller, it might be a good idea to explore Horseshoe Canyon before you arrive in the town. At least, that's what we did.
We also soon found out that we will need plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat to enjoy this place on a hot sunny day in July.
Staying hydrated is essential when exploring Canadian Badlands; therefore carry plenty of water with you, and use reusable water bottle to lower your plastic footprint.
The Horseshoe Canyon parking lot is near the canyon's rim, and the viewpoint offers superb views of the area. However, the true adventure starts when you climb down to the canyon floor and set off on a hike in Horseshoe Canyon. Take your time to enjoy this spectacular scenery.
And what to expect from Horseshoe Canyon?
This place is a great introduction to the Canadian Badlands, and you can spend a couple of hours exploring the canyon, spot some wildlife, check out bizarre rock formations and get really sunburnt (if you didn't listen to our advice).
We were genuinely surprised how deserted this place actually was. There were a few cars at the parking lot, but we had almost the whole valley floor for ourselves.
Our only remark is that the trails in the canyon should be a little bit better sign-posted in order to protect this remarkable area even more, as sometimes the path that looks officially will take you to a place where you realize that this is not probably where you are supposed to be, though rangers have made some improvements recently.
DRUMHELLER
Founded in 1911, Drumheller is a small town located ninety minutes northeast of Calgary in the Canadian Badlands and serves as a base for visitors who want to explore the badlands and learn more about dinosaurs and the history.
Drumheller has many fascinating attractions such as Rotary Spray Park, Miners Memorial Park, Visitor Center, or World's Largest Dinosaur (we'll talk about it down below). However, you will find the best places outside the city.
The city has an excellent infrastructure and offers a wide range of services for tourists. You will find everything you need there, hotels, grocery stores, restaurants, cafes, and 24/7 gas stations.
The history of the town is also very interesting. It all started when the Newcastle Mine opened. Drumheller became quite an important town in the area; the nickname had changed from Hell's Hole to The Wonder Town of the West, which says a lot about the transformation.
In total, 139 coal mines were registered in Drumheller, thought the work conditions were hazardous, and many workers lost their lives in fatal accidents. The last coal was shipped from the town in 1979.
Nowadays, Drumheller is a popular tourist place best visited on a day trip from Calgary.
ROYAL TYRRELL MUSEUM
Without any doubt, the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Paleontology is one of the best museums we've ever visited. Jump in a car and drive a few kilometers west from Drumheller until you arrive at the well-hidden gem of Alberta.
The museum is well laid out, the exhibits are great, and the interpretative signs are very educational. Despite the fact that neither of us is really into dinosaurs, we spent the whole day in the museum and had a great time.
This doesn't happen to us very often, as many museums usually start to bore us after some time. But this one was different.
The museum is home to some of the most amazing fossils, and other discoveries and interpretative boards tell the whole story of dinosaurs from how it all started until their extinction and the time when the rule of mammals began.
Those few hours you spend in the museum will take you on an unforgettable journey back in time, and you will learn so much about dinosaurs.
You will need at least half a day, but we think more is better in this case and suggest you not rush through the museum and reserve enough time for the visit.
Royal Tyrrell Museum admission is 21 CAD for adults, or you can buy a two-day ticket for 27 CAD.
DRUMHELLER'S LITTLE CHURCH
Drumheller's Little Church seats ten thousand people, but only six at a time.
We stopped here on the way from Royal Tyrrell Museum to Horsethief Canyon. This tiny and adorable little church makes a great stop along the Dinosaur Trail road, though you don't need to spend much time there.
The church was erected in 1968 as a place of worship by a local contractor and reconstructed by inmates of the Drumheller Institution in 1991; however, it has become a tourist attraction over the years, thanks to its cuteness.
You can go inside and sit, meditate and pray; there are just a few seats and a stand. Moreover, you will probably be passing by anyway, so why not make a quick stop here?
HORSETHIEF CANYON
Firstly, don't confuse Horsethief Canyon with Horseshoe Canyon. Horsethief Canyon is on the road between the Royal Tyrrell Museum and Bleriot Ferry.
In fact, this is rather just a viewpoint, although you can hike down and explore this area on foot as well. The viewpoint offers incredible vistas of this natural sight, dramatic colors, layers, and unusual shapes, and it's definitely worth a visit even if you are short on time.
If you are more adventurous and have enough time, climb down the steep hill and wander around as long as you want. Again, at least if you are visiting this place in summer, bring plenty of water, stay hydrated, cover your head, use sunscreen. You know, the usual drill.
When hiking in Horsethief Canyon, try to stay on the trails and don't step on vegetation. That's easily said than done as the trails are unmarked.
Horsethief Canyon parking lot is pretty large, so you won't have a problem finding a place for your car. Allow yourself at least fifteen minutes for the viewpoint and anything between one to three hours for hiking in the canyon.
We recommend reading the informative board on the parking lot to learn more about the history and how the Horsethief Canyon got its name.
BLERIOT FERRY
A small cable ferry links the Dinosaur Trail that's split in half by the Red Deer River. Simply put, in this place, you can safely cross the Red Deer River that will inevitably stand in your way. The ride, except for the fact it allows you to make a loop around Drumheller, is a cute addition to today's adventure.
The ride across the river by Bleriot Ferry is free and very short, though when on the ferry, don't just sit in the car; you might want to go outside, snap some pictures and listen to the tales of the ferryman.
The ferry itself can hold only a few cars at the time, though it runs frequently, so you shouldn't wait too long for your turn, even in the high season.
The Bleriot Ferry is seasonal and operates from April to November. They remove the ferry in the winter, so you need to drive back to Drumheller and drive along the other side of the river in order to get to Orkney viewpoint.
ORKNEY VIEWPOINT
Next stop? Orkney viewpoint. And what a stop it is!
Orkney viewpoint is one of the best viewpoints in the Drumheller area and offers stunning views of the colorful badlands, lazy Red Deer River, and the wide valley.
Although we arrived at the viewpoint around noon and had no intention to return later, Orkney viewpoint must be a perfect place to catch a sunrise or sunset while in Drumheller. You might want to consider this when creating your Drumheller itinerary.
There are a few benches and a basic washroom.
From here, you have multiple options on what to do next. You can either drive back to Drumheller and start exploring the other side of the badlands, or if it’s getting late, stay in Drumheller overnight and resume your journey the following day.
WORLD'S LARGEST DINOSAUR
To ensure that Drumheller is all about dinosaurs, walk towards Rotary Spray Park, where you will find another top attraction, which is worth a visit. Even though the city is full of dinosaurs, one of them is not like the others as it obviously escaped from the museum.
With 26 meters, the World's Largest Dinosaur is the iconic statue of the Tyrannosaurus Rex that was erected in front of the Visitor Center. Although it seems a little bit cheesy, you can't leave Drumheller without a photo of this town's landmark.
You can actually climb 106 stairs into the mouth of the dinosaur, which is the viewpoint at the top that offers nice views of Drumheller. The admission is 4 CAD, and it goes back to the local community via a fund.
We think that this is one of those attractions that will make your road trip around the badlands unforgettable, especially when traveling with kids.
HOODOOS TRAIL
You are going to love the mushroom rocks in Drumheller. These odd-looking rock formations, formally known as Hoodoos, are basically thin and tall sandstone pillars capped by a thick layer of a harder rock that erodes very slowly (unlike the much softer layers under this cap).
Erosion, together with time, creates this natural phenomenon, and these rocks will definitely remind you of mushrooms, hence the nickname.
You can walk the Hoodoo Trail at your own pace around the area as there is a boarded walkway. The area around the hoodoos is very small, and the place was quite crowded when we arrived there, especially compared to other places in the Canadian Badlands we had visited before.
The afternoon sun makes the hoodoos even more photogenic and creates a lot of great photo opportunities, don't forget to bring your travel camera or phone.
In other words, Drumheller's hoodoos are a must-visit place while exploring the area.
Before you leave, there is an informative board with a picture on the side that will show you how different this place used to look in the 1900s.
The harsh weather conditions, rain, wind, and human activity have a negative impact on this site, so make sure you stay on the designated trails, as the hoodoos are very fragile.
To get there, drive for about 15 minutes southeast from Drumheller via Highway 56 and Highway 10.
ATLAS COAL MINE
From Hoodoos Trail, follow the SH10 towards East Coulee, and once you pass this small village, turn right and cross the Red Deer River via the bridge, and once you get to the other side, turn right again to the Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site.
For anyone who is looking to learn more about the mining history of this area, this is the perfect place to visit.
The Atlas Mine is the last of all those 139 that were once used for coal mining in this area, and you will see numerous historical buildings, trackways, machines, and tools on site.
You can choose from many tours ranging from basic ones such as Tunnel Tour or Tipple Tour to more expensive tours such as Mine and Dine Tour or a Photography Tour.
Price varies from 14 to 135 CAD per person, so try to choose the tour that suits you the best. You can book tours only on the spot.
LAST CHANCE SALOON
Drumheller's Little Church is not the only strange thing to see in Drumheller.
From Atlas Coal Mine, drive to Wayne, which is a small village at the heart of Alberta's badlands. Wayne was once home to more than 3000 people, but now it's just a mere shadow of its former self.
You will pass over eleven one-lane metal bridges on the way to Wayne until you finally arrive at Last Chance Saloon, the best attraction in this ghost town.
Once you step inside the Saloon, you will find vintage decor and many photographs depicting the famous days from the mining past. When you arrive thirsty or hungry, have a beer and burger, as the saloon is actually a quite busy restaurant.
ACTIVITIES
Canadian Badlands Passion Play and Gran Fondo Badlands are one of the best activities in Drumheller to attend, though you need to plan your trip with certain dates in your mind.
Gran Fondo Badlands is a perfect activity for active travelers and avid bikers, who can join this 'race' and explore the best of the Canadian Badlands from a bike seat. There are several versions of the course, so you can choose from a short ride or quite challenging 160 kilometers long route.
If you are looking for something more artsy and unique, each summer, the Canadian Badlands hosts an epic play of love, hope, and faith. Watch the story of Jesus Christ on the largest of Canada's outdoor stages and experience the badlands in a unique way.
WHERE TO STAY
Drumheller offers affordable accommodation throughout the year, and it's the perfect place to base yourself for a couple of days to sample the best of Drumheller.
You should make a reservation in advance when visiting this area in high season.
Check out our favorite picks for the best hotels in Drumheller and Calgary.
Drumheller | Canalta Jurassic - Hotel Jurassic Canalta offers a large indoor hot tub, spacious rooms, sauna, fitness room, free Wi-Fi, complimentary hot breakfast, and a great location right off the SH 9.
Drumheller | Badlands Motel - A very classic motel features air-conditioned rooms, an on-site restaurant, and basic rooms for an affordable price. Badlands Motel has an excellent location on the Dinosaur Trail road close to the Royal Tyrrell Museum.
Calgary | Wingate by Wyndham Calgary Airport - This hotel has a great location for guests who want to catch an early flight or visit Drumheller the next day. Wingate by Wyndham Calgary Airport offers an indoor hot tub and pool, complimentary hot breakfast, a free 24-hour shuttle service, and free parking.
WHEN TO VISIT DRUMHELLER
The best time to visit Drumheller is between June to September.
Similar to the climate in Calgary, Drumheller has hot summers and cold winter. Days in summer are long, dry, and some days in summer get hotter than the normal ones (the temperatures can exceed 40 Celsius), and the outside temperatures become intolerable.
You might want to get up early, visit one of the natural attractions near Drumheller, then come back and spend the rest of the morning, noon, and afternoon in the museum protected from the sun.
We followed this advice, and it worked out really well for us. We might add to this, that we visited Drumheller at the beginning of July, and it was 35 Celsius on the day we visited the Royal Tyrrell Museum.
Make sure you have plenty of water when hiking, stay hydrated throughout the day, don't forget to wear a hat, sunglasses and use a strong sunscreen to protect your skin.
Winter in Drumheller brings snow and can be as cold as the summer is hot, though you can enjoy this destination all year long.
That's right; you can still enjoy many attractions and activities in Drumheller, even during the cold winter months.
Plus, cold temperatures mean one thing, it won't be crowded as it would be in summer during the peak season. However, some attractions may be closed in winter.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
HOW MANY DAYS FOR DRUMHELLER
Even though you can visit Drumheller on a day trip from Calgary, we suggest planning at least two days for the town and its surroundings.
Depending on how much you like to hike and how many places you want to visit, two days (or preferably three days) will allow you to see the best attractions, follow the Dinosaur Trail, and not feel rushed.
We stayed two nights in Drumheller, and think that this was a reasonable amount of time to see all the places we've mentioned above.
HOW TO GET TO DRUMHELLER
The best way to get to Drumheller is by car, especially because at the moment there is no public transportation system. There used to be a Greyhound bus, but the service is no longer available.
You can rent a car at the Calgary international airport or any other location downtown. You will find rental companies at convenient locations, and you shouldn't have any difficulties finding the best vehicle for your trip.
In other words, a car is necessary for visiting different places scattered around the badlands. The area is pretty vast, and a car makes getting around fairly easy, and you can spend at each location as much time as you want.
Some travel agencies offer tours around the badlands, so you might want to search for a tour that suits your needs the best.
The last option is to take a Private Drumheller Sightseeing Tour or hire a driver, and customize your itinerary to your preferences, though this is the most expensive way to see the Canadian Badlands.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
