Drumheller is a captivating town in Southern Alberta’s Badlands, famous for its dinosaurs and the world-renowned Royal Tyrrell Museum. But there’s much more to Drumheller than just dinosaurs. The region boasts dramatic landscapes, canyons to hike through, historic coal mines, the iconic hoodoos, and plenty of old-town Alberta charm! This blog post highlights all the must-see sights and attractions you should visit during your trip to Drumheller.
WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT DRUMHELLER
Since moving to Alberta in 2012, Drumheller has become one of our favorite places to visit. We’ve camped there, taken friends and family for day trips, and visited the incredible museum multiple times.
It still amazes me how Drumheller's landscape differs so much from the prairies and mountain scenery we are used to seeing, especially considering that it is only a 90-minute drive East from Calgary. It makes for a really easy day trip or weekend getaway.
We've pulled together this list of the best things to do in Drumheller, drawn from our experiences living and traveling across Alberta. We've also written a day trip itinerary post: How to make the most of a Day Trip to Drumheller, as well as our 2 day itinerary post: 2 Days in Drumheller: The Perfect Itinerary for your first visit, that you can read for some more inspiration and to help you plan your trip.
THINGS TO DO IN DRUMHELLER OVERVIEW
Use the drop-down menu to quickly navigate to different sections of the blog. Simply click on a topic to jump directly to the information you’re interested in!
So without further ado, here is our top 40 list of best things to do in Calgary, starting with a map to show where everything is located.
MAP OF ATTRACTIONS IN DRUMHELLER
Whenever we plan a trip, we always start with Google Maps. It helps us visualize locations and create efficient itineraries. We’ve added all the sights and attractions to the map below to help you see where everything is and plan your own itinerary.
To use this map, click the tab in the top left corner to toggle between layers and for more details about each attraction. To save the map to your Google Maps account, click the star next to the title. To access it later, open Google Maps, go to “Your Places,” and find it under “Maps.”
THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN DRUMHELLER
The Royal Tyrrell Museum
The Royal Tyrrell Museum is an amazing place to visit and one of the worlds best paleontology museums. If you only do one thing in Drumheller, then this should be it! With its huge collection of over 130,000 fossils, including full size dinosaur skeletons, this world-class museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in dinosaurs. We’ve been to the museum several times, and it’s always been a hit with our kids, even when they were toddlers. There’s a wide range of exhibits and activities that keeps them entertained.
The museum also offers educational programs and talks. On our last visit, there was an educational talk about the 'Big Bang', which our kids really enjoyed and still remember facts from. There are also some extra activities you can try for an additional fee, like a simulated outdoor dig, fossil casting, and guided tours of the Badlands Interpretive Trail. Plus, there's a large outdoor playground that the kids always have to get pulled away from!
You can purchase tickets online, and during the summer tickets often sell out, so it’s a good idea to buy them early to secure your preferred time slot. Adult tickets are $21 CAD, admission for children aged 7-17 is $10, and kids under six get in for free. A family day pass (2 adults and 2 children) costs $50. For those planning multiple visits, a yearly pass is available for $60 CAD per adult and $30 CAD per child (ages 7-17), which gives unlimited entry throughout the year.
Horseshoe Canyon
Horseshoe Canyon is a stunning canyon that is just a short drive from Drumheller, and is definitely worth a visit. The canyon is famous for its namesake horseshoe-shaped rock formations and highlights the rugged and striking landscape that the Badlands is famous for.
You can either take in the views from the observation deck or hike down into the canyon using wooden steps. If you’re up for some exploration, there are several hiking trails within the canyon to enjoy.
If you do decide to hike inside the canyon, you'll find a desert-like terrain that kids seem to love exploring. We saw several groundhogs and even some cacti—quite a surprise in Alberta! Although we didn’t complete the full hike, the 3km trail within the canyon is definitely worth considering if you have time. Just remember to bring water, as it can get really hot.
The Hoodoos
The Hoodoos are striking geological formations and are some of the most iconic features of the Badlands. The Hoodoos are tall, thin spires of rock that have been shaped by centuries of erosion into fascinating 'top-heavy' structures that are really interesting to see up close and in person. Best yet, they are free to visit!
While climbing on the Hoodoos themselves is prohibited to preserve their integrity, the rocky hillside behind is a fantastic area for kids to explore and climb. If climbing on the rocks isn’t your thing, there's a short boardwalk that loops around the Hoodoos so you can get a closer look.
Atlas Coal Mine Tour
Before Drumheller was known for its dinosaurs, coal mining was the main industry in town. The Atlas Coal Mine offers a fascinating look into this era, and gives an insight into what the old mine was like and learn about the lives of the miners. The mine tipple, which was used for sorting and preparing coal is particularly impressive!
To fully explore the Atlas Coal Mine, you should consider booking a guided tour, as the underground part of the mine and tipple areas are only accessible this way. Tours often sell out, so it's a good idea to book your tickets early. The tours are an extra cost on top of the regular admission of $15.95 CAD for adults and $12.65 CAD for children. These are the available tours:
Train Ride Tour - on this tour you ride on a historic 90-year-old locomotive that circles the surface of the site. This tour is what we did and it lasted around 30 minutes. There was very little walking involved so was great for young children. ($8.55 p/person)
Processing Plant Tour - this tour focuses on the mine’s famous wooden tipple. It is around 1.5 hours long and provides insights into how coal was sorted, stored, and shipped at the mine. ($16.25 p/person)
Mine Portal Hike - This 75-minute hike explores both underground and upper site areas of the mine. The tour involves heights, enclosed spaces, and many rugged stairs, so it might not be suitable for everyone. ($18.45 p/person)
Check availability and make reservations through the Atlas Coal Mine's official website.
Climb the World’s Largest Dinosaur
No visit to Drumheller is complete without stopping by the World’s Largest Dinosaur, affectionately known as "Tera," located in the heart of town. While it may seem a bit tacky, climbing to the top for is always a hit with kids.
The staircase up the 106 steps to the dinosaur’s mouth is filled with dinosaur-themed murals to keep the little ones engaged. Once at the top, there are some great view of the town from the observation deck. It's $5 per person to go up and you access through the visitor centre. While you’re there, don’t forget to check out the gift shop for some dino-themed souvenirs!
11 Bridges of Wayne and the Last Chance Saloon
After a busy day exploring Drumheller, consider making the short, scenic drive to Wayne. This 6 km trip from Rosedale crosses 11 bridges, earning a spot in the Guinness World Records for the most bridges in such a short distance.
Wayne itself is pretty quiet - more of a ghost town - but it’s home to the historic Last Chance Saloon, that was built way back in 1913 and is the only remaining structure from Wayne's mining past. It's a great spot to grab one of its burgers or smoked meats, and they even have a dog-friendly patio, which was great for us as we had Ellie with us!
Rotary Splash Park
The Rotary Splash Park is situated right next to the World's Largest Dinosaur, and is the perfect spot to cool off on a hot summers day. The Splash Park is operational from Victoria Day weekend to Labour Day weekend, and opens from 9am to 9pm. Don’t forget your sunscreen and water shoes, and be prepared to stick around for an hour or two.... the little ones won't want to leave!
Orkney Viewpoint
The Orkney Viewpoint offers stunning views of the Red Deer River Valley, and is a great place to take a moment to appreciate the region's vast landscape - photos don’t quite do it justice. There are some benches up there too where you can sit and take it all in.
It can get really windy up there so make sure you hold onto your hats! There has recently been a toilet built in the parking lot which is a nice addition, as we often head straight to the viewpoint from Calgary if we are doing the Northern loop around Drumheller.
Eat a Dino Sized Burger at Bernie and the Boys!
If you are looking for a place to eat in Drumheller, I HIGHLY recommend eating at Bernie and the Boys, Drumheller's renowned restaurant that was featured on the Food Network’s “You Gotta Eat Here”, for a tyrannosaurus rex sized burger!
They have loads of milkshake flavours and pretty much all of the food there is kid friendly. It's not the healthiest establishment in town, but hey, you're on holiday!
Drumheller Valley Golf Course
This one is definitely on my to do list! If you’re a golf enthusiast, the Drumheller Valley Golf Course looks to be a completely different experience to most golf courses! It has a one-of-a-kind backdrop, and it doesn't exactly look like a forgiving course with all the rocky 'rough'. I have a feeling I might need to take a few extra balls with me! A round with cart is $70, which is pretty reasonable to experience such a unique round of golf.
Enjoy a pint at Valley Brewing
At the end of a hot summers day spent exploring Drumheller, calling for a quick drink on the patio at Valley Brewing is a perfect way to wind down. As Drumheller’s first and only microbrewery, it’s got a great selection of craft beers, including some interesting sour beers which are a pretty unique taste if you haven't tried them before. Valley Brewing are quite popular around Alberta, and I often find them stocked at my local liquor store.
Cross the Red Deer River on the Bleriot Ferry
If you’re looking for a unique experience in Drumheller, then crossing the Red Deer River on the Bleriot Ferry should be on your list. This historic cable ferry has been in operation since the 1920s, and is a short but enjoyable crossing. Even though it's only a few minutes long, we got out the car and had a great time chatting with the friendly ferry operator.
It also happens to be really convenient (presumably why it was built!!) for creating a 'loop' itinerary around Drumheller, making it easy to access nearby attractions like Orkney Viewpoint and Horsethief Canyon. Plus, it’s free to use and usually only requires a short wait.
Horsethief Canyon
Whenever we visit Drumheller, we always make sure to stop by Horsethief Canyon, which is just a short drive to the north end of town. In my opinion it has some of the most stunning views in the Badlands and is even more impressive than Horseshoe canyon.
There is a viewing area that is easily accessible by car, so you can enjoy the expansive views of the canyon without having to hike down. Alternatively, you can scramble down the unmarked paths to a small hill near the canyon’s start or explore the canyon floor on your own.
There’s also a bit of local legend behind the name “Horsethief.” It’s said that outlaws once hid stolen horses in the canyon’s hidden valleys! Whether you’re intrigued by the history or just want to take in the natural beauty, Horsethief Canyon is definitely worth a visit.
Barney's Adventure Park
Barney's Adventure Park is a fun place to combine as part of a multi-day itinerary around Drumheller when the kids need to blow off some steam. The park features a playground with a zip line, a huge tube slide, and a small pedal-kart track. There’s also a petting zoo and dinosaur-themed attractions, making it a fantastic spot for children, especially those under 10 years old.
It's $23 per person for a day pass, or for $49 you can purchase an annual pass, which is pretty good value if you plan to visit regularly.
Cactus Coulee Fun Park
Cactus Coulee Park is a another park designed for kids, although aimed at slightly older children. The park has a go kart track, euro bungee and a dinosaur-themed mini-golf course. Our kids are getting to the age where they really want to try the go-karting now (we've promised them that they can give it a try on our next visit).
The mini golf course and euro bungy costs $10 per person, and the karting ranges from $25-50 per person, depending on the type of kart and duration.
Star Mine Suspension Bridge
The Star Mine Suspension Bridge is actually located in the nearby town of Rosedale, but its just a 5-10 minute drive away from Drumheller. The bridge was originally used by miners back in the days when Drumheller was a coal-producing community. Now the bridge is a fun, and completely free, tourist attraction and provides access to some short hiking trails on the other side. Our kids had a blast trying to 'scare Daddy' by jumping up and down on the bridge (though I’m not sure everyone on the bridge was too impressed)!
Fossil World Dinosaur Museum
Have you been to the Royal Tyrrell Museum and still can’t get enough dinosaurs? If that sounds like you, then a much smaller option you can also try is the Fossil World Dinosaur Museum. We haven't visited this museum, and admittedly it does has mixed reviews online. That said, it does sound like there are some fun hands on activities for kids, including a dinosaur dig and a mineral mining program. It might be worth checking out.
Badlands Amphitheatre
The Badlands Amphitheatre is one of the largest outdoor venues in Canada, with a capacity of around 2,500 people. It hosts performances throughout the year, including the Badlands Passion Play and various music festivals. While we haven’t seen a show there ourselves, we’ve visited the amphitheater and could tell how incredible it would be. If there's a live show during your visit, it’s definitely worth trying to get a ticket to enjoy a concert under the stars!
You can check out the upcoming events here.
East Coulee School Museum
The East Coulee School Museum is a great place to learn some local history and see what school was like in the 1930's. The museum is located in a former school building, and has plenty of old-school artifacts from the early 20th century, including many that you can touch and feel.
It’s a fun way to show the kids just how much things have changed; and maybe they will appreciate that school isn’t so bad after all.
The Little Church
The Little Church in Drumheller is a tiny church, located just around the corner from the Royal Tyrrell Museum on the Dinosaur trail. It's still an active church, and is left permanently open for people to go inside and use. But it's so tiny! It only has enough seats inside for 6 people!
It’s a fun little photo op or, if you’re lucky, you might catch one of the multiple weddings they host each year. Our kids loved it, and Evelyn (of course) took center stage to hold a mini service for us!
THE BEST PLACES TO STAY IN DRUMHELLER
Drumheller is a relatively small town, so accommodation options are limited, plus we quite often go there just for the day. However, when we do stay in Drumheller, we have a few places we tend to go back to.
Hotels in Drumheller
The hotel we visit the most often is the Surestay Plus Best Western. The hotel itself isn't flashy, but they do offer a free breakfast and it has a swimming pool with water slide. Hotel pool + water slide = happy kids! We've stayed once at the Ramada as well which also has a pool and is similarly priced.
Camping in Drumheller
Our favourite campground is River Grove Campground, as there is a pretty good play area in the camp ground, and it is just a short walk away from the Rotary Spray Park and the World's Largest Dinosaur.
THE BEST TIME TO VISIT DRUMHELLER
Drumheller is a fantastic destination to visit from late spring through early fall, when the weather is generally dry and suited to exploring its unique landscape. However, summer temperatures often reach the high 20s and 30s Celsius, and in many areas, shade is hard to come by. Don't get caught out - bring plenty of water and apply sunscreen regularly.
Winter in Drumheller is much quieter, with the trade off being that temperatures often fall to -30°C, and some outdoor activities are off-limits. That said, winter is a wonderful time to visit the museum, and the canyons and hoodoos look stunning with a light dusting of snow, provided you time it right.
HOW TO GET AROUND
Hiring a Car
If you don't have a car, hiring one is a great option for exploring Drumheller and its beautiful surroundings. A rental car gives you the flexibility to travel at your own pace, access the more remote attractions, and easily navigate the scenic routes in the area.
We tend to stick with the big guys when it comes to car hire, so tend to use one of either Avis, Enterprise or Hertz. I've heard great things about Turo which is a peer to peer rental company where you rent directly from a local, but haven't used the service myself.
Other Methods of Transport
There really aren't many great options to get there other than by car, as there is no train service and the buses would take a long time to get there, with a number of changes required.
ENJOY YOUR VISIT TO DRUMHELLER
Drumheller is a great place for anyone interested in fossils, dinosaurs or interesting landscapes to visit. As always, if you have any questions about Drumheller, feel free to reach out to us!
Remember, be sure to read our other posts if you would like some tips on how to plan a day trip to Drumheller, or on how to plan a 2 day itinerary.
With so much to see and do, I’m sure you’ll have a great time exploring Drumheller!
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