This idyllic town is one of the most unique places to visit in Alberta
If you’re looking for a change of scenery, one Alberta town offers a particularly unique mix of landscapes, attractions, and history.
Located just over an hour east of Calgary, Drumheller is best known for its striking badlands, dinosaur history, and unusual attractions, but the town has a history that goes well beyond its famous fossils.
According to Travel Drumheller, the town was named after Samuel Drumheller, who surveyed the original Drumheller townsite and put lots on the market in 1911. He also began coal mining operations near the town, which helped kick-start its early growth.
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Drumheller got its first railway station in 1912, before officially becoming a village in 1913 and a town in 1916.
In 1998, Drumheller amalgamated with the Municipal District of Badlands No. 7, which included absorbing six hamlets that were under its jurisdiction. This led to the town becoming Alberta’s largest town in terms of land area at the time.
While the history is fascinating, it’s the dinosaurs that have really helped put the town on the map. Known as the Dinosaur Capital of the World, Drumheller is surrounded by fossil-rich badlands that have attracted paleontologists and dinosaur enthusiasts from around the world.
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One of the biggest draws is the Royal Tyrrell Museum, which opened its doors in 1985 and is home to one of the world’s largest collections of dinosaur fossils. It has even collected five Guinness World Records for its unique fossil collection.
Another dinosaur attraction that puts the town on the map is the World’s Largest Dinosaur, affectionately known as Tyra, who sits near the town’s hockey arena. However, if you’re planning on visiting it, you’re going to want to go sooner rather than later, as the iconic dinosaur is set to close in 2029.
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Aside from its rich history and dinosaur attractions, the town itself is surrounded by plenty of unique sights and outdoor experiences that make it worth the trip.
Some popular options include exploring Horseshoe Canyon, where you can take a trail down to the canyon floor to get a closer look at the unique landscape that has formed over thousands of years.
Travel Alberta
Another spot worth checking out is the Star Mine Suspension Bridge, located just nine kilometres from town. The 117-metre-long bridge crosses the Red Deer River and offers views of the surrounding badlands.
The town itself also offers plenty to explore, from local shops and restaurants to parks, trails, and other attractions, including plenty of dinosaur statues scattered throughout the area.