Destination

Drumheller Day Tour from Calgary – Explore Alberta’s Badlands

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Duration
9 Hours
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Tour Type
Guided Tour
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Group Size
Up to 14 People
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Tour Guide
1 Tour Guide
Drumheller

Drumheller Day Tour from Calgary – Explore Alberta’s Badlands

Drumheller Day Tour – Explore Alberta’s Badlands

Embark on an unforgettable Drumheller Day Tour from Calgary and explore breathtaking landscapes, fascinating dinosaur fossils, and Alberta’s rich Badlands history.


  • Marvel at the unique landscapes of Horseshoe Canyon
  • Discover dinosaur fossils at the Royal Tyrrell Museum
  • Climb the World’s Largest Dinosaur for panoramic views
  • Visit Alberta’s famous Hoodoos and suspension bridge
  • Optional stops at Atlas Coal Mine and Last Chance Saloon

Set out on a full-day adventure through Alberta’s stunning Badlands, starting your journey in Calgary. As you travel northeast, the scenery quickly shifts from endless prairies to the dramatic, rugged formations that make Drumheller so famous.

Horseshoe Canyon

Your first stop is the spectacular Horseshoe Canyon, where layered cliffs and deep valleys reveal millions of years of geological history. Take in the breathtaking views or enjoy a short trail walk through the canyon floor to truly feel the Badlands terrain beneath your feet.

Royal Tyrrell Museum of Paleontology

Next, continue to the iconic Royal Tyrrell Museum of Paleontology, one of the world’s leading dinosaur museums. Wander through incredible exhibits featuring complete skeletons, lifelike reconstructions, and hands-on learning areas. You’ll come face-to-face with fossils that date back over 75 million years, making this a highlight for families and dinosaur enthusiasts alike.

Downtown Drumheller

After exploring the museum, head into Downtown Drumheller to see the famous World’s Largest Dinosaur. Climb 106 stairs inside the 26-meter-tall T-Rex for panoramic views of the surrounding valley. The nearby streets are filled with charming cafés, gift shops, and fun photo ops featuring dinosaur sculptures on every corner.

Hoodoos

In the afternoon, journey to the surreal landscape of the Hoodoos—towering sandstone pillars shaped by wind and water erosion over thousands of years. A short walk allows you to admire their intricate shapes and capture unforgettable photos against Alberta’s bright blue sky.

Star Mine Suspension Bridge

Just a short drive away, stroll across the Star Mine Suspension Bridge, a 117-meter steel structure spanning the Red Deer River. Originally built for coal miners, the bridge now offers incredible photo opportunities and sweeping river views.

Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site

If time and season allow, you can also visit the Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site (open May to October). Step back into Alberta’s mining past as you explore tunnels, climb the wooden tipple, and hear fascinating stories of miners who once worked these grounds. This optional stop brings history to life in a hands-on way.

Last Chance Saloon

Round off your day at the historic Last Chance Saloon in Wayne, Alberta—a quirky spot known for its Western charm, hearty meals, and live music. Located in the Rosedeer Hotel, it’s a favorite stop for both locals and travelers.

After a full day of discovery, your tour wraps up with a scenic drive back to Calgary. Watch the sun dip below the horizon, casting golden light over the prairies—a perfect end to your Badlands adventure.

  • ✅ Comfortable shoes
  • 📸 Camera
  • 🌞 Sunscreen
  • 🧥 Jacket

Please note that the itinerary is for reference only and may change due to weather, traffic, park conditions, or other circumstances. Our guides always select the safest and most scenic route for the best possible experience.

Free Cancellation — Cancel up to 48 hours in advance for a full refund!


Departure Time8:30 AM from Calgary
Pickup Locations
  1. 08:30 AM – Delta Hotels Calgary Downtown, 209 4 Ave SE
  2. 08:50 AM – Tim Hortons, 10125 19 St NE
  3. 09:00 AM – Holiday Inn & Suites, 20 Freeport Pl NE
Included
  • Pickup & drop-off in AC vehicle
  • Professional interpretive driver-guide
  • Royal Tyrrell Museum admission
  • Complimentary bottled water
  • Photo stops & scenic viewpoints
Excluded
  • Meals & beverages
  • Personal expenses
  • Gratuities (optional)
  • Travel insurance
  • Atlas Coal Mine tickets (optional add-on)
You’ll enjoy a comfortable ride, tailored to your group size. Please arrive 5 minutes early, and your guide will greet you by your name.

Details

Begin your day early with a scenic drive from Calgary to Drumheller, which takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Enjoy wide open views of Alberta's prairies slowly transitioning into the striking canyons and hoodoos of the Badlands.

Your first and most iconic stop is Horseshoe Canyon, located near Drumheller, Alberta, is a dramatic U-shaped valley carved into the Canadian Badlands. Its steep cliffs and colorful, layered rock formations reveal millions of years of geological history.Things to Do at Horseshoe Canyon:
  • Visitors can enjoy panoramic viewpoints.
  • Hike the winding trails through the canyon floor, and explore unique landscapes.
Next stop is the world-renowned Royal Tyrrell Museum of Paleontology. It’s Canada’s only museum dedicated exclusively to ancient life and features one of the largest displays of dinosaur skeletons in the world.Things to Do at Royal Tyrrell Museum:
  • View real fossil skeletons, including Tyrannosaurus rex, Triceratops, and Albertosaurus
  • Take a short hike behind the museum on the Badlands Interpretive Trail
  • Download the Royal Tyrrell Museum App for the Audio Tour Guide.
Before heading out, an optional stop by the charming and quirky Little Church – a fully functional church that only seats six people.
Drive just 5 minutes into Drumheller town to see the World’s Largest Dinosaur, a massive 26-meter-tall T-Rex sculpture towering over the valley. You can even climb inside the dinosaur and peek through its open mouth for panoramic views of Drumheller. Walk around the nearby Downtown Plaza, visit small gift shops, grab snacks or souvenirs.
Stop for lunch at one of Drumheller’s top-rated cafes or restaurants. Take time to relax and fuel up for your afternoon adventures.
Just 15 minutes southeast of Drumheller lies the famous Hoodoos Trail, home to bizarre, mushroom-shaped rock formations that were formed over millions of years through erosion. These natural sculptures are one of the highlights of the Canadian Badlands.Things to Do at Royal Tyrrell Museum:
  • Enjoy a short, accessible hike suitable for all ages
  • Learn about hoodoo formations via interpretive signs.
On the way, you’ll pass the Star Mine Suspension Bridge, a 117-meter pedestrian bridge over the Red Deer River. Stop here for a quick walk and historic insights about Drumheller’s coal-mining past.
Next, The Last Chance Saloon in Drumheller is a historic bar and restaurant located in the ghost town of Wayne. It offers classic western charm, great food, and a glimpse into Alberta’s wild past — an optional stop on your Drumheller adventure!
If you’re visiting between May and October, make an optional visit to the Atlas Coal Mine, one of Canada’s most complete historic coal mines.Things to do at Atlas Coal Mine:
  • Take a guided tour of the coal tipple and tunnels
  • Learn about Drumheller’s coal mining heritage
  • Ride the mine train (available seasonally)
  • Excellent for history lovers and photographers

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