COVID-19 still presents a very real and dangerous threat to public health. While much of Alberta’s outdoors have been reopened to visitors, it is recommended to plan ahead, check local restrictions and current public health measures, and avoid any areas that may be too crowded.
Oh, Drumheller. The fabled land of the dinosaurs. The badlands. The heller of drums.
The place that is just far enough away from Calgary that it has to compete with Banff as a day-trip destination.
See also:
- Awesome Alberta: Horseshoe Lake will be your new favourite swimming spot
- Awesome Alberta: Elbow Falls is a truly refreshing sight (PHOTOS)
- Awesome Alberta: Panther Falls is Banff’s best secret treasure (PHOTOS)
Well, it’s about time you take a break from those mountains (they’re way too steep, anyway) and head east, and just a little north.
For your own safety, please make sure you are prepared before heading out on your next adventure. Information on how to prepare for your trip and stay safe while on your hike is available from Albertaparks.ca and AdventureSmart. Parks Canada visitor guidelines are available here. Always remember to leave no trace, pack out what you pack in, stick to designated trails, and refrain from feeding wildlife — and please note that irresponsibly taken selfies (even if they look great for the ‘gram) can be fatal.
Drumheller offers more than just the Royal Tyrrell Museum – though if you haven’t been, you seriously gotta go – and gigantic plastic dinosaurs. The town is full of things to do, people to see, and sights to gawk at.
Between the natural landscape and the not-so-natural sculptures, Drumheller is a must-visit for any Calgarian with a day to spare.
Where is it?
Drumheller is located 1.5 hours’ drive northeast of Calgary, in east-central Alberta – otherwise known as the Badlands. It is surrounded by eroded rock that forms hoodoos; formations up to 20 feet tall, sculpted by wind and time.
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How do you get there?
Driving from Calgary, Drumheller is an easy 135 km away. Head east to Highway 9, take that north route until you hit Beiseker, and then it’s straight east again to Drumheller. If you don’t have your own vehicle, tours are offered by Round The Block Tours that will give you the full experience.
Those heading from Edmonton will be facing a three-hour drive on Highway 21 to Highway 56 south all the way to Drumheller.
What’s there?
Okay, okay, dinosaurs first.
Drumheller is home to both the world’s largest dinosaur – an 86-foot tall T-Rex – and Canada’s largest collection of dinosaur fossils at the Royal Tyrrell Museum.
The town also features some interesting hoodoos to check out, the Trekcetera Museum, the Star Mine Suspension Bridge, the Atlas Coal Mine, some great restaurants, a huge 75-foot fountain, and the ghost town of Wayne, which sits only 15 minutes away.
But yeah, the dinosaurs are pretty cool too.
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