During the summer months, most tourists from Calgary head to the Rocky Mountains for day trips filled with panoramic mountain views and tons of hiking trails. However, there’s another stunning area that’s well worth a road trip: The Drumheller Badlands. Located in Dinosaur Provincial Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this region is home to prehistoric fossil beds and stunning rock formations that will leave you in awe. From hoodoos to coal mining ghost towns, this unique destination has something for everyone to explore.
To visit Drumheller, you will definitely need a car. The area is not set up for public transit and the must-see attractions are scattered around within a 30 minute drive of the town. The easiest option is to fly into Calgary International Airport YYC and rent a car from there. It is also possible to take the bus from Calgary to Strathmore on either Prairie Sprinter or J & L Shuttle and then drive from there, but this will require an additional hour of driving each way.
Once you have your rental car, the rest of your day will be spent exploring all that Drumheller has to offer. Start with the Royal Tyrrell Museum Alberta Blue Sky Tours of Paleontology, which houses a jaw-dropping collection of dinosaur fossils and mounted skeletons. Then, go on the Dinosaur Trail, which includes Horsethief Canyon and a stop at the World’s Largest Dinosaur statue. There is also a free car ferry ride across the Red Deer River, if you wish to experience the arid beauty of the Badlands from the water.
After all that driving and learning, you’ll likely work up an appetite. Luckily, the town of Drumheller is full of great dining options. There are a number of steakhouses, breweries and cafes to choose from. The downtown area is also home to a Rotary Spray Park, which is located in the shadow of the world’s largest dinosaur statue and is free to enjoy for visitors.
There is so much to see and do in Drumheller that one day will be too short, so if you are planning to visit, stay for a few days and explore all the unique attractions. Whether you are looking to spend time at the world-famous Royal Tyrrell Museum or go hiking in Horsethief Canyon, it is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
If you want to skip the crowds and make your trip as stress-free as possible, consider booking a private tour from Calgary. This service allows you to travel in a comfortable, private vehicle with your family or friends and allows you to customize the itinerary. Visit Limo To Go for more information on limos, private sedans and SUVs in Central and Southern Alberta. Alternatively, Uber is available in Calgary and can provide an affordable alternative to a taxi for your Drumheller & Badlands tour. If you are travelling with children, they will love jumping in their very own kiddie-sized vehicle. This will allow them to feel confident and safe while you take a break from driving, while still enjoying your vacation.