Drumheller Day Trip: Alberta Badlands and Dinosaur Country

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403-926-4046

Rates & Specials ✦

Save 15% on stays of 7+ nights ✦

Save 25% on stays of 30+ nights ✦

Special consideration for extended medical stays ✦

Minimum stay: 2 nights ✦

Rates & Specials ✦

Save 15% on stays of 7+ nights ✦

Save 25% on stays of 30+ nights ✦

Special consideration for extended medical stays ✦

Minimum stay: 2 nights ✦

Cancellation Policy ◇

Short Stays: Under 28 Nights ◇

Full Refund If Cancelled 14+ Days Before Check-In ◇

50% Refund If Cancelled 7-14 Days Before Check-In ◇

Extended Stays: 28+ Nights ◇

Full Refund If Cancelled 30+ Days Before Check-In ◇

First 30 Days Non-Refundable After That ◇

Cancellation Policy ◇

Short Stays: Under 28 Nights ◇

Full Refund If Cancelled 14+ Days Before Check-In ◇

50% Refund If Cancelled 7-14 Days Before Check-In ◇

Extended Stays: 28+ Nights ◇

Full Refund If Cancelled 30+ Days Before Check-In ◇

First 30 Days Non-Refundable After That ◇

Introduction

Drumheller offers a completely different experience from the Rocky Mountains. The Alberta Badlands, paleontology attractions, hoodoos and coal-mining history make it a useful day-trip choice for families and visitors interested in dinosaurs, geology and Alberta history.

Drumheller

Royal Tyrrell Museum

The Royal Tyrrell Museum is the major anchor attraction for many Drumheller visitors. It focuses on paleontology and natural history and offers extensive fossil displays and educational experiences. The museum operates on seasonal schedules, so check its current hours and admission information before leaving Calgary.

Drumheller Badlands and Hoodoos

The region’s distinctive badlands landscape and hoodoo formations provide excellent scenery and photography opportunities. Follow designated paths and local signage when exploring exposed terrain.

Horseshoe Canyon

Horseshoe Canyon is another way to experience the region’s eroded landscape. It can work as a scenic outdoor stop before or after time at the museum.

Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site

Atlas Coal Mine provides insight into Alberta’s coal-mining history. Tours and seasonal operations can change, so confirm current opening dates before planning this stop.

A Family-Friendly Day

Families can use the museum as the main activity and choose one or two outdoor stops afterward. This is easier than trying to see every attraction in Drumheller in a single day.

Suggested Day Structure

Leave Calgary with enough time to reach Drumheller comfortably, spend the morning at the museum, have lunch, then choose a small number of outdoor or historical stops in the afternoon. Begin the return trip with sufficient daylight and a realistic driving buffer.

What to Bring

Comfortable walking shoes, water, snacks, sun protection and weather-appropriate layers are useful. Outdoor conditions can differ from those in Calgary, especially during warmer or windy periods.

Return to VakayHaus

After the drive back from Drumheller, guests can return to their Calgary accommodation and continue the trip without changing hotels. This makes Drumheller easy to combine with a Calgary-based vacation itinerary.

Official Visitor Resources

Royal Tyrrell Museum — Hours & Admission Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site Tourism Calgary — Things to Do