Dubbed the “Dinosaur Capital of the World”, Drumheller offers dramatic, breathtaking scenery in the heart of the Canadian Badlands. Just a 1 1/2 hour drive northeast of Calgary, you will be wowed by the prehistoric landscape. Steep, dry coulees, ridged with the colourful strata of stones, have eroded over hundreds of years by wind, time and water. It all looks like a giant layer cake. You will encounter these dramatic canyons as you drive through rolling fields.

The Badlands gets it name from the Lakota people who, because of the difficult rugged terrain, lack of water and extreme temperatures, called it “maco sika” or “land bad”. And then in the 1900‘s, the early French Canadian Fur Trappers called it “les mauvais terres pour traverse”, which literally means, “bad land to travel through”. But don’t let the name deter you from visiting – Drumheller and the Badlands have some of the most picturesque and unusual landscapes that you will ever see. And don’t forget your camera!

Photo Credit @cruisinchristine

Horsethief Canyon which is northwest of town on North Dinosaur Trail is a must do for hikers. After a day hiking around the mysterious rock formations, stay for the spectacular sunset. (the sunrises are great too!) Imagine the thieves that gave this canyon it’s name. They would hide out in the coulees and rebrand their stolen horses.

Horseshoe Canyon, 40 km southeast of Drumheller is perfect for all levels of hikers. Beautiful wildflowers line this looped trail.

Dinosaur mad visitors from around the globe are attracted to the area, as this area is considered to hold the richest dinosaur fossil beds in the world. You can hike in the surrounding coulees and canyons and search for dinosaur fossils. (you can look, but not take any rocks or fossils from the area). The amazing Hoodoos, shaped in iconic mushroom rock formations, are a wonder.The strong “capstones” protect the softer rock underneath, creating this unusual shape.

The Royal Tyrrell Museum, houses the world’s largest display of dinosaurs, and brings the prehistoric back to life. Visitors come from around the world to visit this place of wonder.

And Drumheller is not all dinosaur bones…..

Cultural and Historical Drumheller

The Canadian Badlands Passion Play, held every year in July, is an internationally “must see” cultural event. Over 200 performers recreate the story of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. Set in the dramatic natural badlands canyon bowl, it mirrors the geography of ancient Israel.

Drumheller was once a thriving town based on it’s mining industry but the coal mines are all now abandoned. If you want to see how the miners and their families lived, the Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site is worth a side trip. See original mine buildings, take a ride on an antique train and through the local guides, you will hear the true tales of mines and men. There is an underground Tunnel Tour where you put on a cap lamp and hike up the tunnel to the mine entry. (it is dark and enclosed…not for those with a fear of the dark) Wear sturdy shoes!

The Homestead Museum houses over 10,000 artifacts from the Victorian and Edwardian era, including a two-headed calf. In fact, a complete house bought from a 1919 Eaton’s catalogue, is what you will see. And we think we are good at on-line shopping!

Forgotten places

The tiny village of Wayne is a Ghost Town in the Badlands (10 km out of Drumheller). Although it was once a thriving coal boom town, with a population of more than 3000, Wayne is now home to fewer than 40 diehards! Because of it’s decline, abandoned homes and mining equipment and countless coal mining relics can be seen along the way. See the old Rosedeer Hotel, and browse through the Saloon with it’s walls lined with old black and white photographs. The hotel restaurant prepares a great meal.

Photo credit @pierre.giroux

Things to do

Finally, looking for a lazy afternoon? Raft or kayak down the Red Deer River and view the wildlife as you drift past the willows and cottonwoods that line the river. (rentals available in town) All in all a great way to spend the day.

The kids will love the HUGE fiberglass Tyrannosaurus Rex. You can climb the stairs inside the Worlds Largest Dinosaur, and come out through his mouth. You will be rewarded with an incredible view of the Badlands and the town of Drumheller.

The Alberta Tourism Team

PS. Take a selfie with one of the decorative dinosaurs on most street corners throughout the town. Maybe a little kitschy, but a fun souvenir photo to share with friends.

Drumheller

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