Drumheller

Home to the world-class Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology and dramatic badlands terrain with dinosaur fossils, this town is essential for paleontology enthusiasts. The scenic hoodoos and eroded landscapes offer stunning photo opportunities and unique geological formations.

Things to do

• Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology — Explore Canada's premier dinosaur museum with extensive fossil collections, interactive exhibits, and paleontologist-led programs in a striking modern building.
• Hoodoos Trail — Hike through the otherworldly badlands landscape to view towering rock formations and eroded spires that create dramatic natural sculptures.
• Dinosaur Provincial Park Day Trip — Visit this UNESCO World Heritage site located about 90 minutes south to see exposed dinosaur bones, badland scenery, and take guided fossil digs.
• Drumheller Dinosaur and Fossil Museum — Browse a privately-owned collection of fossils, dinosaur replicas, and geological specimens in an intimate setting focused on local paleontological discoveries.
• Red Deer River Valley Scenic Drive — Drive along Highway 838 following the river through dramatically eroded badlands with multiple pullouts for photography and viewing hoodoos.
• Horseshoe Canyon Viewpoint — Trek to this overlook northwest of town to witness sweeping vistas of colorful layered badlands and deep canyon formations.

Food to try

• Locally-sourced bison burgers — Alberta's famous bison meat is featured prominently in local restaurants, offering a leaner and flavorful alternative to beef in burgers and steaks.
• Dinosaur bone broth and local game stews — Regional eateries celebrate paleontology with thematic comfort foods using local ingredients like elk and venison in hearty, warming dishes.
• Alberta beef and prairie heritage meals — Farm-to-table restaurants highlight premium local cattle and traditional prairie cooking techniques in upscale casual dining settings.
• Saskatoon berry desserts — This native prairie berry appears in local pies, tarts, and preserves that reflect the region's natural bounty and indigenous food traditions.

Local customs & good to know

• Plan for intense summer heat and dust — Drumheller's badlands terrain and exposed landscapes mean summer temperatures can be extremely hot and dry, so bring sunscreen, water, and appropriate footwear for uneven terrain.
• Paleontology is central to community identity — The town embraces its dinosaur heritage throughout, with local businesses, street art, and festivals celebrating paleontology, so engaging with this theme enhances the visitor experience.
• Visit during off-peak seasons for better museum access — School groups flood the Royal Tyrrell Museum during spring and early summer, so visiting in fall or winter offers shorter waits and more intimate museum experiences.