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Start your day with a scenic 1.30 hours drive from Calgary to Drumheller, where Alberta’s prairies transform into the dramatic canyons of the Badlands.
Your first stop is Horseshoe Canyon, a breathtaking U-shaped valley with layered cliffs and hiking trails.
Next, visit the world-renowned Royal Tyrrell Museum, home to one of the largest collections of dinosaur skeletons, and enjoy a short hike on the Badlands Interpretive Trail. (Note: Closed Mondays Sept–May, except holidays. On closures, we visit the Last Chance Saloon.)
Stop by the tiny yet Little Church before heading into town to see the 26m-tall World’s Largest Dinosaur.
Stroll Drumheller’s Downtown Plaza for shops and snacks, then enjoy lunch at a local café.
In the afternoon, explore the Hoodoos Trail with its iconic mushroom-shaped rock formations and visit the historic Star Mine Suspension Bridge.
If time allows, discover the Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site. Conclude with a scenic sunset drive back to Calgary.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
We offer pickup from any location within Calgary or nearby areas.
Itinerary
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1
Horseshoe Canyon, Drumheller – Located just outside Drumheller, Horseshoe Canyon is a stunning U-shaped valley carved into the prairie, revealing striking layers of sandstone, mudstone, and coal. Often called the “gateway to the Badlands,” it offers breathtaking views, unique geology, and a glimpse into millions of years of natural history.
40 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2
World’s Largest Dinosaur – Drumheller – Standing 26 meters (86 feet) tall, this giant Tyrannosaurus rex is an iconic landmark in Drumheller. Visitors can climb 106 stairs to its mouth for a panoramic view of the town and surrounding Badlands, making it a fun and unique stop for all ages.
20 minutes • Admission ticket not included -
3
Located in the heart of Alberta’s Badlands, the Royal Tyrrell Museum is Canada’s leading paleontology museum and a must-visit for dinosaur enthusiasts. It houses one of the world’s largest collections of dinosaur fossils, with over 160,000 specimens and dozens of complete skeletons on display. Visitors can journey through 3.9 billion years of Earth’s history, from ancient marine life to the age of the dinosaurs, through immersive galleries and interactive exhibits. Highlights include life-size reconstructions, fossil preparation labs, and captivating displays that bring prehistoric creatures to life. The museum also offers educational programs, fossil digs, and breathtaking views of the surrounding Badlands landscape, making it an unforgettable stop for both families and science lovers.
2 hours • Admission ticket included -
4
Nestled in the heart of the Canadian Badlands, Drumheller is world-famous for its striking landscapes, rich fossil beds, and deep ties to prehistoric history. Known as the “Dinosaur Capital of the World,” this small town is home to the Royal Tyrrell Museum, the World’s Largest Dinosaur, and numerous fossil discovery sites. The surrounding Badlands feature dramatic hoodoos, canyons, and layered rock formations that reveal millions of years of geological history. Visitors can explore scenic drives, hiking trails, historic coal mining sites, and unique attractions that blend natural beauty with cultural heritage. Drumheller offers a perfect mix of adventure, education, and small-town charm, making it a must-visit destination for travelers of all ages.
40 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5
Built in 1931 for coal miners working at the nearby Star Mine, this 117-meter (384-foot) pedestrian suspension bridge spans the Red Deer River and offers a unique glimpse into Drumheller’s coal mining past. Originally used by miners to cross from the town of Rosedale to the mine site, the bridge is now a popular attraction for visitors seeking a mix of history, scenery, and a little thrill. As you walk across, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the river, surrounding Badlands cliffs, and the remnants of the historic mining community. It’s a short but memorable stop that combines local heritage with natural beauty.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free -
6
Located in East Coulee, just outside Drumheller, the Atlas Coal Mine is one of the best-preserved examples of an early 20th-century coal mining operation in Canada. Designated a National Historic Site, it offers a fascinating look into Alberta’s coal mining heritage through guided tours, original buildings, and authentic equipment. Visitors can explore the iconic wooden tipple—the last of its kind in the country—walk through underground tunnels, ride in a coal car, and learn about the lives of miners who worked in challenging conditions. Surrounded by the rugged Badlands landscape, the site blends industrial history with striking scenery, making it a unique and educational stop for history lovers and curious travelers alike
1 hour 20 minutes • Admission ticket not included -
7
The Hoodoos Trail showcases some of the most unique and iconic rock formations in the Canadian Badlands. Hoodoos are tall, thin spires of rock topped with a harder stone cap that protects them from erosion. Formed over millions of years through the natural processes of wind and water, these otherworldly formations rise dramatically from the surrounding landscape, creating a striking and photogenic scene. Located just a short drive from Drumheller, the trail offers easy access, interpretive signs explaining the geology, and opportunities to explore the area up close. A visit here provides both a natural wonder and a glimpse into the forces that shaped Alberta’s Badlands.
40 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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