Explore the Best of Drumheller and the Badlands: A Fun and Educational Tour

Drumheller and the surrounding Badlands are a paradise for kids of all ages. The unique landscape offers plenty of opportunities to explore and let off steam, from walking and hiking to climbing and crawling. The colorful and rugged terrain of the Badlands can be like a giant playground for kids, where they can climb hills, explore the canyons, and even hunt for fossils. 
Exploring the badlands is not only a thrilling adventure but also an  educational opportunity for kids. It's like stepping into a real-life  Minecraft world, where they can see and touch the geological layers that  make up our planet. For instance, they can witness the black coal layer  that was formed millions of years ago and learn how it was used to  power industries and homes. They can also see the red iron rocks that  were once used to create tools and weapons, just like in Minecraft.
The badlands offer a unique chance for kids to learn about the history  of our planet in a hands-on and immersive way. They can explore and  observe the different rock formations, and with the help of a  knowledgeable guide, they can discover the stories behind each layer.  It's an unforgettable experience that can spark their curiosity and  inspire them to learn more about geology and science.
The Royal Tyrrell Museum is another highlight of the trip that will leave kids awestruck. With its impressive collection of dinosaur skeletons and fossils, it's a prehistoric wonderland that is sure to fascinate even the most hard-to-please kids. The museum offers interactive exhibits and even has a play area where kids can participate in various dinosaur-themed activities, including digging for fossils and making their own dinosaur casts. The museum also has a Junior Paleontologist program, where kids can learn about the science of paleontology and participate in hands-on activities with a real paleontologist.

At our tour, we believe that every group is unique and deserves a personalized experience. That's why our itinerary is fully customizable to meet your specific needs and preferences. Whether you're traveling with family, friends, or colleagues, we can tailor the tour to ensure you get the most out of your day trip to Drumheller. You may choose to start your day early or sleep in, depending on your schedule and interests.
Our tour typically begins in the morning, around 8 or 9 am, but the timing can be adjusted to meet your needs. You may want to spend more time at one particular attraction or add in additional stops along the way - Just give us a shout and we'll make it happen!

Here are some of the highlights of our one-day tour:
Red Deer Rivers and Horseshoe Canyons: A breathtaking natural landscape that includes the winding Red Deer River and the stunning Horseshoe Canyons.
Badlands: Known for its rugged terrain, unique rock formations, and moon-like landscapes.
Hoodoos: Tall, thin spires of rock that have been eroded into unique shapes by wind and water over thousands of years.
Fossils: The region is rich in fossils, and visitors may be able to see fossils of dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures embedded in the rocks.
Royal Tyrrell Museum: A world-renowned museum dedicated to the study of dinosaurs and other prehistoric life, featuring a wide range of exhibits and interactive displays.
Atlas Coal Mine: A National Historic Site and the last remaining wooden coal tipple in Canada, offering a glimpse into the history of coal mining in the area.
Star Mine Suspension Bridge: A suspension bridge that offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscape and provides a unique vantage point from which to appreciate the region's natural beauty.
Drumheller Town: A small town that played a significant role in the development of the region and offers insights into the lives of the early settlers and pioneers who made their homes here.

Now, let's talk food. If you have specific dietary requirements or preferences, just let me know and I'll make the necessary arrangements. Drumheller has a plethora of cafes, restaurants, and bars that offer traditional Canadian cuisine, and we can choose a venue based on our food interests. If anyone in your group follows a vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free diet, no worries! We can find a place that caters to those needs. 
But if you're feeling adventurous, how about a BBQ party in a wild? I'll bring all the necessary supplies to cook up some delicious fish or meat, and we can enjoy an open-air picnic while taking in the stunning scenery. Just give me a heads up about any dietary restrictions or preferences, and we'll make sure everyone has something tasty to eat.

Calgary is a prime spot where the Rockies and Prairies meet, and while most people ogle at the mountain views, the Prairies deserve some love too. Don't let the endless fields, ranches, and nodding donkey pumps fool you - there's more to explore in the vast expanse of Alberta to the east of Calgary.
Around 200 km away from Calgary lies an awe-inspiring landscape that will leave you speechless - the Badlands! The Badlands are a result of the Red Deer River eroding the land over millions of years, revealing Alberta's geological history and creating a breathtaking view.
This area has been through it all, including forests, wetlands, volcanic ash, glaciers, and even the bottom of the ocean at times. The earth beneath the prairies is like a scrumptious pie, with layers of different materials alternating with each other. 

This history has  been recorded in countless pages, but there are two pages that stand out  - one talks about coal and the other about dinosaur fossils. The ironic  thing is that both date back to the same era, but their fates are quite  different. While coal is extracted in massive quantities and burned for  energy, dinosaur fossils are delicately excavated with a toothbrush and  studied by scientists for years to uncover more about our planet.
Let's time travel to a more recent period in history, not millions of years ago, but just a few centuries back. This land has been home to indigenous peoples for thousands of years, and they had a fantastic way of living in harmony with nature, except for that one thing - the bison. Yup, they were kind of a big deal and formed the foundation of their way of life. Unfortunately, things got messy when the bison population got systematically wiped out, railroads were built, and millions of European immigrants showed up. It was like a chaotic reality TV show - "Surviving the Wild West."
As newcomers arrived in the area, some decided to settle down and build ranches, while others started working in Alberta's burgeoning industries. In Drumheller, we can get a sneak peek into what life was like for settlers a century ago, especially those who worked in the coal mines. It was a tough gig, with people working in harsh conditions, long hours, and sometimes with low pay. But hey, at least they had a job, right? The work was risky, with accidents and injuries being common. Despite the challenges, many mines operated in the area, and the town flourished as the main supplier of coal for the railroad industry. Its center was constructed with sturdy stone buildings that were built to last, a testament to the prosperity brought by the coal boom.
Unfortunately, in the 1940s, the railroad industry decided to switch to oil as its primary fuel, and most of the coal mines closed down. It was like going from VIP to VIB (very important to very irrelevant) real quick. The last coal mine operated until the 1970s, but eventually, it had to shut down too. On the bright side, Drumheller's original look and feel have been preserved until now, so it's like walking through a living museum. You won't find any skyscrapers or big corporations here, just some old-school charm that reminds us of a time when life was much simpler (and much more dangerous).

No trip to Drumheller is complete without a visit to the Royal Tyrrell Museum. This world-renowned museum is a mecca for dinosaur enthusiasts and home to one of the largest displays of dinosaur fossils in the world. From the massive T-Rex to the dainty but deadly velociraptor, the museum has it all. The museum is named after Joseph Tyrrell, a geologist and explorer who discovered the first known dinosaur fossils in the area in 1884.
As soon as you step into the museum, you'll feel like you've been transported back in time to the Mesozoic era. The exhibits are set up in a way that allows you to see these magnificent creatures up close and personal. The museum has over 160,000 fossils in its collection, and they're not just limited to dinosaurs - you can also see specimens of marine life, insects, and plants from that period.
But be warned, if you're easily intimidated by large creatures, you might want to stick to the gift shop. The museum's star attraction is a life-sized replica of a T-Rex, which stands at an impressive height of 20 feet and stretches 40 feet in length. It's hard not to feel a sense of awe and terror when standing next to this massive predator, even though it's not real.
If you happen to be traveling with a dinosaur enthusiast, be prepared to spend hours exploring the exhibits - they'll want to examine every bone, scale, and tooth. The museum has various exhibits that showcase the different species of dinosaurs and how they lived, including the impressive "Badlands" exhibit, which displays fossils found in the surrounding area.
But even if you're not a paleontologist at heart, the museum is still an awe-inspiring sight. The displays are set up in a way that's both educational and entertaining, making it a great destination for families with kids. The museum also offers a range of programs and events for all ages, including guided tours, fossil casting, and even a junior paleontologist program for kids.
In addition to the permanent exhibits, the museum also hosts special exhibits throughout the year, highlighting different aspects of dinosaur science and research. One exhibit that's sure to be a hit with visitors is the "Dinosaurs in Motion" exhibit, which features interactive sculptures that show how scientists use technology to bring dinosaur skeletons to life.
Outside of the museum, the surrounding area is full of opportunities to explore the Badlands and learn about the geological history of the region. The museum offers guided tours of the area, taking visitors to sites where fossils have been discovered and providing insight into how the landscape has changed over time.

So, have you heard of the world's largest artificial dinosaur? It's kind  of a big deal. I mean, Alberta is already bragging about being one of  the top fossil regions in the world by putting a dinosaur on every  driver's license, but Drumheller took it one step further. They filled  their town with dinosaur statues and art, but none compare to this  behemoth. In 1999, they decided to build the biggest dinosaur statue in  the world, because why not? It was finally completed on October 13,  2000, a day that will go down in history as the greatest achievement in  dinosaur statue construction. 
For a small admission fee, you can climb  the stairs inside and get a bird's eye view of the surrounding area.  Imagine being in the shoes (or rather, the feet) of a dinosaur millions  of years ago. Although, let's face it, their prey probably didn't pay an  admission fee. But hey, you're not a dinosaur, you're a tourist. And if  you're traveling with kids, get ready for them to roar with excitement.  This will be the highlight of their trip to Calgary.

At our tour company, we are frequently asked why our prices are so much lower compared to other tour operators. While we cannot claim to have the absolute lowest prices in the market, we can definitely say that we keep our prices very affordable.
One of the main reasons why we can offer such low prices is that we are a family business with over 7 years of experience in the industry. We have learned to operate our tours without renting an office or hiring a large number of people, which allows us to pass on the savings to our customers. We do not hire guides for a season and pay them low hourly wages. Instead, we mostly conduct tours ourselves, which is a win-win situation for both you and us. You get a dedicated guide who knows the ins and outs of the destination, and we earn a fair profit without inflating our prices.
As a result, if you are traveling with a partner, family, or a group of friends, you will most likely pay less with us than with a group tour operator. We offer custom private tours with a fixed price for the entire group, which can often be more cost-effective than joining a pre-organized group tour.

TOUR Highlights

Greg and Alisa love hoodos and badlands!

Why is it amazing for kids?

GREAT Deal

How to Schedule the Tour?

BBQ in a Wild?

Gentle Dive into Geography

...and History!

Royal Tyrrell Museum

Why Our Prices are so Low?

Gallery