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 colourful, layered rock formations reveal millions of years of geological history. 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 Palaeontology. It’s Canada’s only museum dedicated exclusively to ancient life and features one of the largest displays of dinosaur skeletons in the world. 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 City centre 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. 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.
Please note : Please note that the Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site is Seasonal and it opens from June to September every Year. Visit to this spot is optional.
After a day filled with dinosaurs, badlands, hoodoos, and history, start your drive back to Calgary. Catch the warm glow of the sunset across Alberta’s prairies as the perfect close to your Drumheller adventure.
