DeirdreDrumheller, also known as the Dinosaur Capital of the World, is a small town located in Alberta, Canada. With a population of under 8000 people and a climate that boasts extreme temperatures year round, it’s no surprise that the town isn’t on everyone’s bucket list; which is unfortunate, because it should be. While practically unknown outside of Canada, this town is very popular destination for Albertan’s as well as anyone who is a fan of dinosaurs and unique landscapes. Spending a weekend in Drumheller is the perfect family friendly adventure.
Location
Drumheller is located 135km northeast of Calgary. It’s about an hour and a half drive on long straight roads past long flat farm fields; nothing to write home about.
The landscape does suddenly and very drastically change near the final approach into town as the road slopes down into a massive dry canyon with towering sandstone hills.
Nearest Airport: Calgary International Airport (YYC)
Drumheller has no public transport and bus services to and from Calgary are no longer available. The best option is to drive from Calgary or Edmonton (282km or 3hrs 15 mins).
The downtown core is walkable with a few hotels, retail and food options close-by although most of the attractions are on the outskirts and do require transportation.
Weather/Climate
Drumheller has a semi arid climate, which means the temperature can go either way: extremely hot during the summer, or freezing cold during the winter. The region is often referred to as the Badlands due to its steep sedimentary slopes, barren landscapes and clay rich soils.
When to visit
While technically speaking, you can visit Drumheller year round, the chances of below zero temperatures (0r -30 degrees Celsius) in the winter can make for an uncomfortable experience.
Late spring is a great time to visit, as you avoid both the crowds and summer heat. Some attractions (like fossil digging at the Royal Tyrell Museum) are only opened from May to September.
I’ve visited in both the months of May and August and found the temperatures are more tolerable in the spring, especially if you are keen on hiking.
Safety In the Badlands
The landscape in the Badlands is unique and beautiful, however precautions should be made while visiting. As with many areas in Alberta, wildlife and terrain are two things to consider before venturing out on your own.
Wildlife:
- Rattlesnakes emerge from their hibernation around late April and stick around until October. Do not try to provoke or approach any snakes
- Take extra precautions when travelling with pets or small children, especially near low lying brush
Terrain:
- Very rocky ground which can become incredibly slippery when wet
- Exposed barren landscapes lack shade coverage during the summer
- Pack extra water and sunscreen
Always bring a GPS or map and try to stick to designated paths and known trails as signage is often lacking around the area.
Places to Stay
Despite being small in size, Drumheller has a large selection of affordable accommodations. They range from RV camp sites, motels and three star hotels.
Ramada by Wyndham Drumheller Hotel & Suites
Popular Attractions to Explore
So what is there to do in a small former coal mining town in the middle of nowhere you may ask? Quite alot actually. Below are some of the main attractions that bring visitors to Drumheller:
Royal Tyrell Museum
This museum opened in 1985 and houses over 160,000 fossils. Each exhibit is divided into geologic eras including Cenozoic, Cretaceous and Palaeozoic. It typically takes between 1-3 hours to explore the entire museum. There are many activities including fossil digs and educational experiences, which are great for both families and kids. These activities usually begin in the late spring until the fall.
- Location: 1500 N Dinosaur Trail, Drumheller, AB T0J 0Y0
- Parking: Free
- Admission:
- $21 per adult
- Children 6 years and under are free
- More info here
For those looking for more adventure, there are many trails in and around the museum perimeter. The Badland Interpretive Trail is a short, family friendly walk, suitable for all ages. The trail is around 1.4km long and is mostly on paved/gravel trails.
Fossil World Dinosaur Discovery Centre is another alternative to the Royal Tyrell Museum. It boasts an animatronic T.Rex, fossil digs and mineral mining.
Hoodoos
Aside from Dinosaurs, tourists head to Drumheller to see the famous Hoodoos. These naturally occurring sandstone rock spirals are formed by erosion. Because these fragile rocks are protected, climbing the spirals is forbidden. That being said, climbing around the Hoodoos seems to be accepted.
- Location: Coulee Way, Drumheller, T0J 1B0
- Price: Free (as of May 2022, subject to change)
There are paths leading up through the rock that eventually meet up with the Hoodoo Trail. This 1.1km hike provides stunning views and loops around the backside of the Hoodoos.
If climbing, I highly recommend staying to the left. The path to the right is very steep and there is alot of loose gravel.
During the late spring, local shops open across from the Hoodoos, selling fossils, gems and drinks!
World’s Biggest Dinosaur
At 25m tall, Tyra the T-Rex towers over tourists in central Drumheller. The World’s Largest manmade dinosaur was constructed in 2000, and provides stunning views of the Badlands. Tourists can pay a small fee to climb the 100 stairs and enjoy the views from the mouth of the dinosaur.
- Location: 60 – 1 Avenue West, Drumheller, T0J 0Y0
- Hours: 10AM-5:30pm
- Admission: $5/person
- Children under 5 years old are free.
An information center is located at the foot of the dinosaur and gift shops across the street.
Local Eats
Featured on “You Gotta Eat Here”, Bernie and the Boys Bistro is a locally owned restaurant in Drumheller. It’s known for the 24oz mammoth burger and over 80 unique flavours of milkshakes.
- Location: 305 4 St W, Drumheller, AB T0J 0Y0
- Parking: free
Other recommendations here
Further Exploring
If you want to extend your weekend, there are several areas to explore nearby.
Dinosaur National Park
- Distance from Drumheller: 164km or 1.5 hrs
- UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring camping, fossils and hiking
Horseshoe Canyon
- Distance from Drumheller: 17.5km or 15 mins
- A beautiful canyon filled with endless hiking opportunities and rolling hills
For such a small town, there is a lot on offer. If ever in Canada, I would definitely stay a day or two in Drumheller.
The landscape is so unique and interesting. I’d love to visit the museum and see the fossils and dinosaur skeletons.
What a unique place to visit! I’d love to check out Dinosaur National Park – I hadn’t heard of it until reading your post. Thanks for putting this unique spot on my radar!
You’re welcome!
I haven’t heard of this place before but sounds like a fun destination to visit. Love the world’s tallest dino!
Not many people outside of Canada know about it
Drumheller looks amazing! I love learning about the history here.
It’s definitely worth checking out