Stories of Discovery & Wonder

Calgary to Drumheller Day Trip: Dinosaurs, Hoodoos & Badlands Views

A full-day drive from Calgary into the Canadian Badlands that pairs sweeping viewpoints with world-class paleontology. Visit Horseshoe Canyon, the Royal Tyrrell Museum, the Hoodoos, and local heritage sites in a single, accessible day trip.

Drumheller, Alberta•

9 hours

•By Adventure Collective•October 2025

The Experience

You leave Calgary before the heat of the day, the highway flattening into grain fields until the land abruptly rips open into the Badlands. The first vista — Horseshoe Canyon — throws a broad U of layered cliffs and shale; the air tastes of dust and sage, and the silence seems to hold time itself.

Before You Go

Start early

Leave Calgary before mid-morning to avoid peak traffic and secure parking at popular stops like the Royal Tyrrell Museum.

Sun protection

Badlands offer little shade—bring sunscreen, a wide-brim hat, and sunglasses even on cool days.

Footwear for uneven terrain

Trails around Horseshoe Canyon and the Hoodoos are loose and rocky; choose hiking shoes with good traction.

Museum tickets and timing

The Royal Tyrrell Museum sells timed-entry and can be busy; factor 90–120 minutes for exhibits and lines.

Local Knowledge

Hidden Gems

•Wayne ghost town and the Last Chance Saloon for historic atmosphere and local fare
•Quiet overlooks along the Red Deer River downstream from the suspension bridge for early-morning light and birdwatching

Wildlife

•Red-tailed hawk and other raptors
•Mule deer and pronghorn in open grasslands

Conservation Note

Stay on marked trails to protect fragile hoodoo caps and fossil sites; collecting fossils is illegal on public lands and harms scientific context.

The Drumheller region is rich in fossil beds and coal-mining history; 20th-century coal operations and 19th-century paleontological discoveries both shaped local communities.

What to Bring

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Sturdy hiking shoesEssential

Provides traction on soft shale, sandstone, and uneven trail sections.

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Sun hat & sunscreenEssential

Protects from prolonged sun exposure on exposed viewpoints.

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Reusable water bottle (2L+)Essential

Hydration is crucial in the dry Badlands climate; refill where available.

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Light windproof jacket

Wind can be strong in the valley; layers keep you comfortable between stops.

Common Questions

How long is the drive from Calgary to Drumheller?

Expect roughly 1.5 to 2 hours each way depending on traffic and your exact start point in Calgary.

Is admission included to the Royal Tyrrell Museum?

No — museum admission is not included; purchase tickets directly from the museum or reserve timed entry in advance.

Are the Hoodoos wheelchair accessible?

The main hoodoos viewpoint has limited accessibility; the immediate walking areas are uneven, so full access may be restricted for wheelchairs.

Can I climb inside the World’s Largest Dinosaur?

Yes — there is an internal staircase to a viewpoint in the dinosaur’s mouth, but it involves steep steps and may not be suitable for those with mobility issues.