Drumheller simply often is the coolest place to go to in Alberta. Most individuals make a beeline to the Canadian Rockies in Banff or Jasper, however the Canadian badlands are to not be missed. The city of Drumheller makes for a fantastic base to discover a few of Alberta’s quirkiest and most superb sights. So let’s discover the dinosaur capital of the world and take a look at all of the cool issues to do in Drumheller.
The Outstanding Panorama of Drumheller
Drumheller is a small city 90 minutes east of Calgary. It could possibly simply be accomplished on a day journey from Calgary, however to essentially expertise the entire superb issues to see and do close to Drumheller, you want not less than 3 days. We’ve got created this journey information to encourage you to spend a while in Drumheller and discover extra of Alberta exterior the Canadian Rockies.
If you happen to plan to go to Drumheller, you will have a automobile. We’ve got this stretch of street as the most effective drive in Canada. You’ll be able to decide up vehicles immediately on the Calgary Airport. Examine charges for automobile leases in Alberta right here.
Issues to do in Drumheller
An previous coal-mining city that’s dwelling to the richest dinosaur fossil assortment on the planet, Drumheller presents loads of actions for outside fans, historical past buffs, and images lovers. The encircling Drumheller space is simply as fascinating because the gorgeous Canadian Rockies, so let’s get began and take a look at what to do in Drumheller and past!
Dinosaur Path
The Dinosaur Path in Drumheller, Alberta, presents a charming journey by the guts of Canada’s dinosaur nation, unveiling the distinctive landscapes and prehistoric heritage of the area. Winding by the dramatic badlands and rolling hills, this scenic route options an array of notable sights, together with the famend Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology, which homes one of many world’s largest shows of dinosaur fossils.
The Path is split into the North Dinosaur Path and the South Dinosaur Path and we’ll break this journey information into totally different elements to deal with every. However when visiting Drumheller you must ensure that to see all of it.
South Dinosaur Path
1. Hoodoos of Drumheller
The Hoodoos are the star attraction of Drumheller. They’re a cluster of skinny rock spires with a dense rock cap sitting on high. The cap protects the spires from fully eroding away. They’re smaller than you’d count on as a bit cluster on the facet of a hill, however they’re superior. The hoodoos are situated simply off the facet of the street a brief stroll from the car parking zone, however they’re fascinating.
In case you are up for a bit mild mountaineering, you possibly can climb to the highest of the hill to miss the hoodoos.
Manufactured from sandstone, they shaped over tons of of years of abrasion. These fairytale chimneys are very delicate and two to 4 ft each 100 years. Many individuals solely keep on the hoodoos for a couple of minutes taking within the tiny cluster of pillars sitting on the facet of the street. However take your time to see them from all angles and ensure to hike as much as the excessive lookout. Examine our expertise right here.
2. Atlas Coal Mine Nationwide Historic Website
The Atlas Coal Mine Nationwide Historic Website is what this space was constructed round on the flip of the twentieth century. Working from 1936 to 1970 the Atlas Coal Mine produced coal to energy steam engines for CN and CP rail heading to the prairies. It’s thought of Canada’s best-preserved full coal mine and guests can tour the mine and may climb the final wood tipple in Canada.
You are able to do a self-guided tour of the grounds, however to entry the underground and tipple you will have to take a guided tour. You will note And that’s the place all of the cool stuff is! The Tipple was used to move coal to the prepare vehicles and also you’ll be taking a visit by the underground tunnels.
Admission is Adults: $14.00 Youth/Senior: $11.00 (Self-guided) The place to Keep in Drumheller: In case you are on the lookout for lodging in Drumheller, we suggest Heartwood Inn and Spa. There’s a evaluation on the backside of this put up.
3. East Coulee College Museum
If you wish to pop right into a museum to be taught a bit extra about life within the coal mining days. The East Coulee College Museum is a ghost city set in an previous schoolhouse that focuses on life at dwelling for the households of the miners from 1930 – 1971.
It serves as each a commemorative institution and an academic middle, aiming to protect and depict the historical past and heritage of the East Coulee space and its individuals, notably specializing in the lifetime of coal miners and their households. If you happen to cease in for a go to you will notice the historic faculty constructing and expertise what it was like within the classroom and there’s a coal mining exhibit, artifacts, and images.
4. Final Probability Saloon
It could be the primary cease in your drive south from Drumheller, however we recommend stopping right here in your manner again, it’s a fantastic place for lunch or dinner. The Final Probability Saloon is likely one of the coolest locations to eat in Alberta! To get there, it is advisable detour off Freeway 10 to Freeway 10x and drive west.
After crossing 11 bridges zigzagging over the Purple Deer River, you arrive on the Final Probability Saloon. This was a wild west sort of saloon the place coal miners spent their paycheck on the weekends and lots of a brawl broke out. They’ve made certain to go away bullet holes on the partitions to point out the rowdy heritage. You’ll undoubtedly wish to stroll by and peruse the images and memorabilia. It’s a dwelling museum!
5. Wayne
The Final Probability Saloon, is situated within the ghost city of Wayne situated 14km southeast of Drumheller. This was the guts of the mining trade the place as soon as 3000 individuals lived within the city, and 10,000 lived within the surrounding communities.
The 11 one-lane bridges are definitely worth the drive alone, they’re within the Guinness E-book of World Information as essentially the most bridges situated within the shortest distance. (Guinness will measure something!) The one construction left standing at this time is the Rosedeer Lodge which is related to the Final Probability Saloon. Examine our full street journey at The Cowboy Path – A Southern Alberta Street Journey
6. Star Mine Suspension Bridge
Observe: The Rosedale Suspension bridge is completely closed however we thought we’d depart in a bit bit in regards to the historical past.
Constructed in 1931 the Star Mine Suspension Bridge, (aka Rossdale Suspension Bridge) is a bridge spanning the Purple Deer River you could stroll throughout. This 117-meter-long suspension bridge was created to offer coal miners from the Rosedale neighborhood entry to the Atlas Coal Mine. Earlier than that, they rowed throughout the river.
7. North Dinosaur Path Drumheller
The North Path takes you on a loop north of Drumheller alongside Hwy 837 and 838. There’s a lot to see on this 48 km loop. Heading out of Drumheller the path will lead you alongside the north facet of the Purple Deer River. This route presents lovely views of the badlands, the Little Church, and the Bleriot Ferry crossing.
Be sure that to take your time to go for hikes and benefit from the viewpoints. The entire allure of this a part of Alberta is experiencing the awe-inspiring surroundings.
One other nice Alberta Street journey is the Icefields Parkway. Test it out right here.
8. World’s Largest Dinosaur
Canadians love roadside sights, and it’s becoming that the dinosaur capital of the world shows the world’s largest Dinosaur. The construction is a mannequin Tyrannosaurus rex that stands roughly 86 ft (26 meters) tall and 151 ft (46 meters) lengthy, making it almost 4 instances bigger than an actual T. rex would have been.
Throughout the Avenue is Rotary Spray Park which is a well-liked vacation spot for households, particularly in the course of the hotter months. The park presents quite a lot of actions and amenities to maintain guests of all ages entertained. The park options a big spray pad with varied water options, fountains, and spray nozzles that youngsters can run by and play in. It’s a good way to chill off on a scorching day.
10. Hoodoo Path
The hoodoos of Drumheller are the whole motive we wished to go to Drumheller in Alberta. So beginning on the Hoodoo Path is our primary factor to do. From Drumheller, begin driving south alongside Freeway 56 to freeway 10 following the Purple Deer River. Many of the route is situated in Midland Provincial Park which presents loads of pull-offs and picnic stops. The Hoodoo Path is an out-and-back route totaling solely 50km. (23.5 km every manner) Learn extra: The Hoodoos of Drumheller
We recommend going on to the Hoodoos within the morning earlier than they get too busy after which take your time exploring the remainder of the path. Learn extra of our southern Alberta Street Journey right here.
11. Royal Tyrrell Museum
We aren’t ones to gush over museums, however the Royal Tyrrell Museum is superb! 75 million years in the past, dinosaurs roamed this land they usually left their mark throughout Drumheller. The Royal Tyrell Museum is the most effective dinosaur museum on the planet displaying the finds which have been found all through Drumheller and the Badlands. In contrast to most museums around the globe the place dinosaur skeletons are pretend, the Royal Tyrell sows actual dinosaur bones.
Plus, The Royal Tyrell Museum has the best-preserved genuine T-Rex skulls on the planet and there are precise Paleontologists engaged on bones. You’ll be able to method them to speak to them, and there are others working behind glass exhibiting you what’s concerned in excavations.
12. Badlands Interpretive Path
When you are on the Royal Tyrrell Museum, take a stroll alongside the Badlands Interpretive Path situated in Midland Provincial Park.
When you arrive on the park, you possibly can comply with the indicators to find the place to begin of the Badlands Interpretive Path. The path presents a chance to be taught in regards to the geology, paleontology, and ecology of the Canadian Badlands.
13. Horsethief Canyon
The primary viewpoint you will notice alongside this drive is Horsethief Canyon. It’s the basic Alberta Badlands website and what a sight to behold! Horsethief Canyon obtained its title from cowboy outlaws hiding stolen horses within the 1800s. When wanting on the canyon under, you possibly can see the way it made for a fantastic hiding place!
You’ll be able to truly see the layers of time etched within the canyon partitions. There are platforms to absorb the scenic views and you’ll go mountaineering. I extremely suggest mountaineering by the badlands. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime alternative. Simply remember to deliver loads of water, it will get scorching!
14. Little Church
As we mentioned above, Canadians love a street facet attraction and the Little Church of Drumheller is certainly that! Inbuilt 1968 as a spot for meditation and worship. Additionally it is a vacationer attraction in Drumheller attracting 10,000 individuals six at a time. It seats six individuals and nonetheless operates as a marriage chapel and holding providers. How cool wouldn’t it be to get married right here?
15. Bleriot Ferry
Cross the Purple Deer River through the use of the Bleriot Ferry. It’s free and it’s at all times cool to take a ferry. Working day by day from 8 am to 11 pm from Could by September, this little ferry crossing has been in operation since 1913. It’s the oldest cable ferry in North America! And the ferry is free!
16. Orkney Viewpoint
When you cross the river, you at the moment are on the best way again alongside the Dinosaur Path and the Orkney Viewpoint presents lovely views of the Purple Deer River Valley. Positioned on excessive pink rock cliffs, it’s the quintessential Alberta view.
17. Horseshoe Canyon
When driving from Calgary this would be the first cease you see in your strategy to Drumheller. Or in case you are us, the final cease you see in your manner out. However it will possibly completely be accomplished on the Dinosaur Path. Horseshoe Canyon has a 3.9 kilometer loop path for higher views of its coulees and hoodoos and the abundance of wildflowers that develop within the canyons. Remember, it will possibly get extremely popular within the Alberta Badlands, so at all times carry water.
18. Dinosaur Provincial Park
After spending a few days in Drumheller exploring the Dinosaur Path and the Hoodoo Path, make your strategy to Dinosaur Provincial Park to essentially dig into the dinosaur tradition.
19. Centrosaurus Quarry Hike
Positioned within the coronary heart of the Alberta Badlands, this UNESCO World Heritage Website is dwelling to the richest assortment of dinosaur fossils on earth. You’ll be able to take a tour out to The Centrosaurus Quarry to see precise dinosaur fossils. As soon as you recognize what you’re on the lookout for (which you find out about on this guided hike) they’re all over the place. A lot of the park is off-limits as it’s nonetheless a working excavation website, however there are a number of tour alternatives.
We actually loved our hike, however we additionally took a sundown tour by bus taking us out to all of the superb lookouts searching for its wealthy deposits of dinosaur bones. Dinosaur Provincial Park deserves a few days to discover. Learn all about it right here.
When to Go to Drumheller
When visiting the Drumheller space there are some things to think about. We’ve got damaged down the most effective time to go to.
Late Spring (Could to June): The climate begins to heat up, and the panorama comes alive with blooming wildflowers. Outside sights and trails are open for exploration. There could be fewer crowds in comparison with the height summer season months. Summer time (July to August): That is the height vacationer season in Drumheller, with heat temperatures and lengthy days. Most occasions, festivals, and outside actions are scheduled throughout these months. Widespread sights just like the Royal Tyrrell Museum and the World’s Largest Dinosaur could be busy, so plan accordingly. Early Fall (September): The climate stays nice, however the crowds begin to diminish. The panorama options lovely fall colours, and outside actions are nonetheless fulfilling.
Issues to Take into account:
Climate: The climate in Drumheller could be fairly variable, so it’s clever to test the forecast and are available ready with layers, solar safety, and acceptable footwear. Crowds: If you happen to want a quieter expertise, take into account visiting in the course of the shoulder seasons (late spring or early fall) to keep away from peak crowds. Points of interest Availability: Whereas summer season presents essentially the most accessibility to sights, some websites and actions stay open within the low season, providing a unique expertise. Occasions: Examine the native occasion calendar for festivals, exhibitions, or different happenings throughout your go to.
No matter while you go to, Drumheller presents a singular and enriching expertise with its fascinating dinosaur heritage, putting badlands panorama, and quite a lot of indoor and outside actions.
Drumheller Itinerary in Two Days
That will help you plan a visit to Drumheller, we put collectively a simple downtown Drumheller Itinerary in two days. Take pleasure in!
Day 1: Exploring Prehistoric Wonders
Morning: Royal Tyrrell Museum
Time: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM Exercise: Start your Drumheller journey on the Royal Tyrrell Museum. Discover the fascinating displays showcasing Canada’s prehistoric previous, that includes one of many world’s largest shows of dinosaurs. Ideas: Arrive early to keep away from crowds. Don’t neglect to take a look at the museum’s rotating particular displays!
Lunch: Bernie and the Boys Bistro
Time: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM Exercise: Take pleasure in a hearty meal at this native favourite, identified for its mammoth-sized burgers and milkshakes. Location: 305 4 St W, Drumheller, AB T0J 0X0, Canada
Afternoon: Drumheller’s Large Dinosaur & Fossil World
Time: 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM Exercise: Climb contained in the World’s Largest Dinosaur and benefit from the panoramic views of Drumheller. Afterward, head to Fossil World Dinosaur Discovery Heart for interactive displays and fossil digging actions. Ideas: The climb contained in the Large Dinosaur entails stairs, so put on snug sneakers!
Dinner: Chic Meals and Wine
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Exercise: Bask in a positive eating expertise at Chic Meals and Wine, having fun with locally-sourced dishes in a comfortable environment. Location: 109 Centre St, Drumheller, AB T0J 0Y0, Canada
Night: Drumheller Valley Lookout
Time: 8:30 PM – 9:30 PM Exercise: Finish your day by watching the sundown over the gorgeous landscapes of the Drumheller Valley from one of many scenic lookouts. Ideas: Convey a lightweight jacket, as it will possibly get chilly within the night.
Day 2: Journey & Scenic Magnificence
Morning: Horsethief Canyon & Bleriot Ferry
Time: 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM Exercise: Begin with the picturesque Horsethief Canyon, adopted by a experience on the historic Bleriot Ferry throughout the Purple Deer River. Ideas: Put on sturdy sneakers for mountaineering and convey your digicam for some lovely panorama images!
Lunch: WHIFS Flapjack Home
Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM Exercise: Savor some scrumptious pancakes and different hearty breakfast fare at this native gem. Location: 680 2 St E, Drumheller, AB T0J 0Y0, Canada
Afternoon: Horseshoe Canyon & ATV Journey
Time: 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM Exercise: Discover the breathtaking landscapes of Horseshoe Canyon. Take into account reserving an ATV tour for an exhilarating experience by the canyons. Ideas: Gown appropriately for outside actions and convey water to remain hydrated.
Dinner: Yavis Household Restaurant
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Exercise: Conclude your adventure-filled day with a calming meal at Yavis Household Restaurant, a neighborhood institution providing a various menu. Location: 1102 AB-9, Drumheller, AB T0J 0Y3, Canada
Night: Ghost Stroll Tour
Time: 8:30 PM – 10:00 PM Exercise: If obtainable, be part of a neighborhood ghost stroll tour to discover the eerie and mysterious facet of Drumheller, studying about native legends and folklore. Ideas: Put on snug strolling sneakers and convey a flashlight.
This two-day itinerary presents a mixture of journey, historical past, and pure magnificence, showcasing the distinctive allure of Drumheller, Alberta. Be sure that to test the provision of actions and opening hours of venues prematurely, as they’ll range relying on the time of yr. Secure travels!
The place to Keep in Drumheller
Heartwood Inn and Spa is a well-liked selection in Drumheller. We stayed right here and beloved it! Jackie Chan and Owen Wilson stayed right here in the course of the filming of Shanghai Midday. If it’s ok for them it’s ok for Dave and Deb! It’s a fantastic inn with elegant rooms and pleasant house owners. It’s the kind of place that takes an curiosity in what you see and do and offers wonderful recommendation.
We particularly loved their well-known French Toast within the morning. It’s the one factor they serve for breakfast. Because the proprietor mentioned to us “I do one factor and one factor very nicely.” Yum!
Different Locations to Keep in Drumheller
Cactus Coulee Enjoyable Park & RV Resort is a good place to remain in Drumheller with youngsters. Even in case you are not staying at Cactus Coulee Enjoyable Park & RV Resort, you possibly can go to for the day and benefit from the sights like go-karting, mini golf and EuroBungy
Horseshoe Canyon Campground is one other excellent place to stick with tenting, cabins, and RV hook-up.
Dinosaur Provincial Park has tenting as nicely. Learn: Dinosaur Provincial Park – Glamping Tour within the Alberta Badlands
And these are the highest sights close to Drumheller. Have you ever been to the Alberta Badlands? The place is your favourite place to go to in Alberta?