Discover Drumheller's Dinosaur Legacy
About 75 million years ago, the area now known as Drumheller was home to dinosaurs, thriving in a tropical climate by a vast inland lake. In 1884, geologist J. B. Tyrrell accidentally discovered dinosaur bones in the Alberta Badlands, sparking a rush of paleontologists to the region. Today, Drumheller is a hub for dinosaur enthusiasts, with fossils displayed in museums locally and worldwide. For a guide to the best dinosaur sites and other attractions, check out our list of top tourist spots in Drumheller.
See also: Where to Stay in Drumheller
1. See the Dinosaurs at the Royal Tyrrell Museum
The Royal Tyrrell Museum, just six kilometers north of Drumheller, showcases a vast collection of over 160,000 fossils, including numerous dinosaur skeletons. Opened in 1985, the museum is renowned for its paleontology research and interactive exhibits. Visitors can enjoy a prehistoric garden, workshops, lectures, and guided tours. The museum also offers a multilingual app and has a café and gift shop on-site.
Address: 1500 N Dinosaur Trail, Drumheller, Alberta
Official site: www.tyrrellmuseum.com
2. Drive the Dinosaur Trail
The Dinosaur Trail is a 48-kilometer scenic drive along Highways 838 and 837, offering views of the Badlands' unique geological formations, including hoodoos. Attractions along the route include a giant T-rex sculpture, Midland Provincial Park, and the historic Bleriot Ferry.
3. Hike the Badlands & Horseshoe Canyon
Horseshoe Canyon, 17 kilometers west of Drumheller, is a popular hiking spot with a 3.9-kilometer trail through its unique landscape. The area's sparse vegetation includes sagebrush and cacti.
4. Cruise the Hoodoo Trail Scenic Drive
The Hoodoo Trail between Rosedale and Lehigh offers views of the Badlands and its sandstone pillars. Attractions include the Rosedale Swinging Suspension Bridge and the Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site.
5. Explore the Geology of Horsethief Canyon
Horsethief Canyon, once a hideout for horse rustlers, now attracts hikers to its fossilized oyster beds and colorful sedimentary rock layers.
6. Learn about Mining at the Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site
The Atlas Coal Mine offers tours of its historic mining tunnels and train rides, providing insight into the mining conditions of the past. Nearby, the East Coulee School Museum showcases school life in 1936.
Address: 110 Century Drive, East Coulee, Alberta
Official site: www.atlascoalmine.ab.ca
7. Climb inside the World's Largest Dinosaur
Drumheller is home to the World's Largest Dinosaur, a 26-meter-tall structure named Tyra. Visitors can climb 106 steps inside to a viewing platform.
Address: 60 1 Ave W, Drumheller, Alberta
Official site: https://worldslargestdinosaur.com
8. Explore Dinosaur Provincial Park
Dinosaur Provincial Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is rich in dinosaur fossils and offers guided hikes, bus tours, and hands-on excavations.
Official site: www.albertaparks.ca/dinosaur.aspx
9. Visit Dry Island Buffalo Jump Provincial Park
This park, where Cree First Nations people historically hunted bison, offers camping, bird-watching, fishing, and canoeing, along with fossil exploration.
Address: Hwy 585, Elnora, Alberta
Official site: http://www.albertaparks.ca/dry-island-buffalo-jump.aspx
Where to Stay in Drumheller for Sightseeing
For accommodations, consider the Heartwood Inn & Spa, Ramada by Wyndham Drumheller Hotel & Suites, and Jurassic Inn by Canalta Hotels for mid-range options. Budget travelers can look at the SureStay Plus by Best Western Drumheller or Econo Lodge Inn & Suites Drumheller.
More Related Articles on tripates.com
Explore Alberta's capital, Edmonton, or visit Calgary during the Calgary Stampede. Don't miss the stunning sights of Banff, including Lake Louise. For Canada vacation ideas, consider Toronto's CN Tower, Vancouver's Stanley Park, and Victoria on Vancouver Island.
