Introduction
Just 1 hour and 30 minutes northeast of Calgary lies one of the most unusual landscapes in Canada. Drumheller’s Dinosaur Valley feels almost like stepping onto another planet. Instead of alpine peaks and forested valleys, visitors discover dramatic badlands, towering hoodoos, winding canyons, and one of the richest dinosaur fossil regions on Earth.
The town of Drumheller sits at the heart of Alberta’s badlands and is famous for its prehistoric discoveries, dinosaur museums, scenic lookouts, and desert-like landscapes carved by millions of years of erosion.
For visitors staying in downtown Calgary, Drumheller makes an ideal day trip combining science, history, and incredible scenery in a single adventure.
Quick Guide
Drive time: about 1 hour 30 minutes from Calgary
Distance: about 135 km
Best for: families, photographers, history lovers, dinosaur enthusiasts
Main highlights: Royal Tyrrell Museum, Hoodoos Trail, Horseshoe Canyon, the World’s Largest Dinosaur
Best Photo Spots in Drumheller
• Horseshoe Canyon viewpoint
• Hoodoos Trail formations
• Red Deer River valley viewpoints
• The World’s Largest Dinosaur statue
• Horsethief Canyon overlook
• Royal Tyrrell Museum badlands trails
The dramatic erosion patterns and layered rock formations create some of the most unique landscapes in Alberta.
Getting There from Calgary
Driving time: approximately 1 hour 30 minutes
Distance: about 135 kilometres
From Calgary, take the Trans-Canada Highway east briefly before heading north toward Drumheller via Highway 9 or Highway 564.
As the farmland gradually opens into the Alberta badlands, the landscape changes dramatically. The green prairie gives way to dry hills, deep valleys, and layered sandstone formations that signal the approach to Dinosaur Valley.
Suggested Route (Driving Order)
1. Horseshoe Canyon
Before reaching Drumheller, make your first stop at Horseshoe Canyon.
This massive canyon carved into the prairie offers one of the most breathtaking views of the badlands landscape. The canyon overlooks reveal dramatic layers of rock formations shaped by erosion over millions of years.
It’s an excellent introduction to the geological history of the region.
Things to See and Do in Drumheller
Drumheller combines prehistoric discovery with outdoor exploration. The valley contains world-famous dinosaur fossil beds as well as scenic drives and unique geological formations.
Visit the Royal Tyrrell Museum
The Royal Tyrrell Museum is one of the most important dinosaur museums in the world. It houses an extraordinary collection of fossils, including some of the most complete dinosaur skeletons ever discovered.
Inside the museum, visitors can explore galleries dedicated to prehistoric life, ancient ecosystems, and the science of paleontology.
Behind the museum, outdoor trails lead directly into the surrounding badlands.
Climb the World’s Largest Dinosaur
One of Drumheller’s most recognizable attractions is the giant Tyrannosaurus Rex statue towering above the town.
Visitors can climb inside the structure and look out through the dinosaur’s mouth for panoramic views of the valley.
It’s a fun stop that has become a classic photo opportunity.
Explore the Hoodoos
South of Drumheller, the Hoodoos Trail leads visitors to strange rock formations known as hoodoos.
These tall sandstone pillars topped with protective rock caps were shaped by erosion over thousands of years.
The short walking paths around the hoodoos allow visitors to experience the badlands landscape up close.
Walk the Badlands Trails
Several scenic trails around the Royal Tyrrell Museum and valley areas offer easy walking routes through the badlands terrain.
These trails reveal the unique geology of the region, including fossil beds, layered rock formations, and desert-like scenery rarely seen elsewhere in Canada.
Coffee Stops in Drumheller
Drumheller has several small cafés that are perfect for a relaxed break while exploring the town.
Popular coffee stops include:
• Black Mountain Roasters — a local favourite known for freshly roasted coffee and baked goods.
• Vintage Tap House Café — a casual spot serving coffee, breakfast items, and lunch.
• Bernie & The Boys Bistro — famous for burgers and milkshakes but also a great stop for coffee and comfort food.
Restaurants in Drumheller
Visitors often stop for lunch before continuing to the surrounding canyon viewpoints.
Popular dining options include:
• Bernie & The Boys Bistro — known for large gourmet burgers and milkshakes.
• Vintage Tap House — relaxed dining with comfort food and local atmosphere.
• Athens Greek Restaurant — a well-known family restaurant offering Mediterranean dishes.
Dessert and Sweet Stops
Exploring the badlands can work up an appetite, and Drumheller has a few great stops for dessert.
Popular sweet stops include:
• Yavis Family Restaurant Ice Cream Counter — a classic local stop for ice cream treats.
• Valley Brewing Ice Cream & Snacks — a great place to cool down after exploring the badlands.
Shopping and Souvenirs
Dinosaur-themed souvenirs are everywhere in Drumheller, making it easy to bring home a fun memory from the valley.
Popular shops include:
• Little Church Gift Shop
• Royal Tyrrell Museum gift store
• Downtown Drumheller souvenir stores
Suggested Day Itinerary
Morning
Drive from Calgary to Drumheller and begin with the Horseshoe Canyon viewpoint before arriving in town.
Midday
Visit the Royal Tyrrell Museum and explore the nearby badlands trails.
Stop for lunch in downtown Drumheller.
Afternoon
Drive south to the Hoodoos Trail and explore the rock formations.
Climb the World’s Largest Dinosaur before beginning the drive back to Calgary.
Evening
Return to Calgary and continue your evening exploring restaurants, cafés, and nightlife along Stephen Avenue Walk.
Local Experiences You Shouldn’t Miss
Beyond the main attractions, Drumheller offers several memorable experiences that give visitors a deeper sense of the valley’s unique atmosphere.
Badlands Sunset
The badlands landscape changes dramatically in the evening light. The layered canyon walls glow in shades of orange and red as the sun drops toward the horizon.
Scenic Valley Drives
Several roads wind through the badlands valleys, offering spectacular viewpoints around almost every corner.
Historic Coal Mining History
Drumheller was once a major coal-mining region, and remnants of this history still appear throughout the valley.
Hidden Gems Most Visitors Miss
Even though the main attractions are famous, there are several quieter places in the Drumheller valley worth discovering.
Horsethief Canyon
A massive canyon just west of Drumheller offering dramatic panoramic views with fewer visitors.
Midland Provincial Park
Located beside the Royal Tyrrell Museum, this park offers scenic trails through badlands terrain and excellent viewpoints.
Star Mine Suspension Bridge
A historic pedestrian bridge crossing the Red Deer River with great views of the valley.
Travel Tips
Best time to visit
Late spring through early fall offers the best weather for exploring the badlands trails.
Weather
The badlands climate can be hot and dry in summer, so bring water and sun protection.
Walking difficulty
Most attractions require only short walks, making the area accessible for families.
Photography
Early morning and sunset produce the most dramatic lighting across the canyon landscapes.
Why This Day Trip Works
• It offers a completely different landscape from the Rocky Mountains
• The valley contains world-class dinosaur discoveries
• The attractions are close together and easy to visit in one day
• The badlands scenery is unlike anywhere else in Alberta
Interactive Map
Calgary
→ Horseshoe Canyon
→ Drumheller Town
→ Royal Tyrrell Museum
→ Hoodoos Trail
→ return to Calgary
Drumheller Dinosaur Valley Day Trip Route from Calgary
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Drumheller from Calgary
How far is Drumheller from Calgary?
Drumheller is about 135 kilometres northeast of Calgary and typically takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach by car.
Is Drumheller worth visiting on a day trip?
Yes. Drumheller is one of the most unique landscapes in Alberta and offers world-class dinosaur exhibits, canyon viewpoints, and unusual badlands scenery.
What is Drumheller most famous for?
Drumheller is famous for dinosaur fossil discoveries and is home to the Royal Tyrrell Museum, one of the world’s leading paleontology museums.
Can you visit the Royal Tyrrell Museum and the hoodoos in one day?
Yes. Most visitors combine the museum visit with a drive to the hoodoos and canyon viewpoints in a single day trip.
When is the best time to visit Drumheller?
Late spring through early fall offers the most comfortable weather and best conditions for exploring the valley.
Other Stops Near Drumheller
• Midland Provincial Park
• Horsethief Canyon
• Star Mine Suspension Bridge
• Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site
• Dinosaur Provincial Park (farther south but also worth visiting)
Continue Exploring Calgary
After returning from Drumheller, visitors can continue exploring Calgary’s historic downtown district along Stephen Avenue Walk — a pedestrian avenue filled with restaurants, shopping, architecture, and entertainment.
