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Badlands Dinosaur Dig near Drumheller1

Tucked in southern Alberta's vast prairie lies one of the province's most fascinating landscapes—the Badlands. Visible layers of mudstone, sandstone, coal and shale found throughout the area's rocky terrain are a testament to the Badlands' geological past, which dates back 70 million years. Canyons, buttes and gulches compose the spectacular scenery and odd shapes of this region, carved by the timeless pressure of ice, water and wind. Sunrise and sunset are particularly indelible sights in the Badlands, as sunlight reflected off the area's diverse palette of coloured rocks can yield hues ranging from vibrant pinks and oranges to rich reds and mauves. In addition to the arresting natural settings, the area boasts an array of interesting activities and attractions, including sites that delve into Drumheller's mining history, as well as the famous Royal Tyrell Museum of Palaeontology. The Drumheller Valley's wealth of dinosaur fossils has spawned an entire tourism industry based on these prehistoric creatures. From historic sites and museums to natural wonders and recreational opportunities, the Drumheller Valley beckons visitors to discover all its treasures.

	Click for larger map of Dinosaur Valley

TRANSPORTATION

The majority of Drumheller Valley attractions are located on the 48-km (30-mi) Dinosaur Trail, making sightseeing easy. The scenic driving loop through the Badlands begins and ends in Drumheller, visiting many landmarks on the way, such as the Little Church, Horsethief Canyon, the Homestead Antique Museum and the Orkney Viewpoint, where travellers can take in an amazing panoramic view of the Red Deer River Valley. At the northern tip of the trail, the historic Bleriot Ferry—one of the few cable ferries still in use in Alberta—carries vehicles across the Red Deer River.

Because the distance between the attractions on Dinosaur Trail is quite far, a car is the best way to explore the area. There are, however, several attractions centrally located in Drumheller that can be toured on foot. The closest airport is Calgary International Airport, which is served by a host of major airlines and offers car rentals. Drumheller is roughly 140 km (87 mi) away from Calgary and can be accessed via a route of secondary and primary highways. Summer is the best time to visit, as many of the outdoor attractions, such as the Hoodoos and canyons, are difficult to tour in the winter, if not covered in snow.

Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology2

ATTRACTIONS

Museums and Historic Sites
The flagship of Drumheller tourism is the Royal Tyrell Museum of Palaeontology, a must-see for visitors interested in learning about the long history of our planet and its amazing diversity of life, from tiny insects to towering dinosaurs. As the only Canadian institution devoted entirely to palaeontology, this larger-than-life museum showcases some of the world's most impressive fossil displays. The preparation lab gives visitors an up-close look at the process of preparing fossils for research and display. Perhaps the most dramatic dinosaur models are found in the museum's Extreme Theropods Gallery, where meat-eating creatures like the allosaurus and the tyrannosaurus rex are brought to life. At the museum's Nexen Science Hall, visitors have the opportunity to view interactive displays that demonstrate basic scientific concepts. Anyone with an interest in science, natural history or palaeontology can't afford to miss this attraction located in Midland Provincial Park, 6 km (4 mi) northwest of Drumheller along North Dinosaur Trail.

Open since the 1960s, Drumheller Valley Interpretive Centre goes beyond the realm of dinosaurs and charts the history of the Dinosaur Valley, spanning the Ice Age, the history of the First Nations peoples and early mining. The centre also chronicles the story of dinosaur hunters, palaeontologists who flocked to the region eager to uncover dinosaur bones in the area's rich fossil beds. Expect to see displays of carnivorous dinosaurs, petrified forests, First Nations artifacts, the geology of the Badlands and more. The gift shop features an extensive selection of Alberta fossils, and the facility's L.A. Duncan room houses an array of natural science and creative art objects, including gemstones from around the world, crystallized minerals, ores from exhausted mines and the rare botryoidal jade. Drumheller Valley Interpretive Centre is located in the heart of Drumheller on Dinosaur Trail.

	Badlands Historical Centre3

Also located in Drumheller on North Dinosaur Trail is the Homestead Antique Museum and the Murray House, which expands on the theme of Drumheller's late 19th-century settlers. Tractors, tools, clothing, quilts, coins and clocks are among the items on display at the museum, open from May to mid-October. Automobile enthusiasts appreciate the museum's collection of vintage cars and trucks. Visitors are sure to gain a palpable understanding of the homesteaders' daily lives through a range of exhibits.

Badlands Historical Centre, just down the street from Reptile World in Drumheller, is another attraction history buffs will appreciate. The diverse history of Drumheller Valley, from early settlers and the coal boom to inventions and distinguished citizens, is on display. Travel back to the 1880s, when reports of vast coal reserves drew pioneers and ultimately led to the creation of the Drumheller townsite.

Atlas Coal Mine4

Visitors interested in an in-depth journey through the area's mining history should be sure to visit Atlas Coal Mine, open daily from May to September and located across from East Coulee, just southeast of Drumheller. At this industrial heritage site, the last of Drumheller's 139 coal mines, visitors can tour the eight-storey-high wooden mine, see restored mine offices and browse artifacts from 140 different coal mines. Also on site is an original miner's shack constructed of straw, mud and manure. The price of admission includes tours, demonstrations, storytelling and rides that run throughout the day.

Another coal mining-related attraction is the East Coulee Big School Museum, situated just southeast of Drumheller in East Coulee. Each of the 12 rooms at this historic 1930s schoolhouse recounts the history of the coal mining era, delving into mining culture and family life. View a restored 1930s classroom and restored miner's quarters in the grade nine room. Refreshments and lunches are available at the on-site cafe.

	Horseshoe Canyon5

Natural Attractions
Horseshoe Canyon, declared a conservation area by the Nature Conservancy of Canada, is located 17 km (11 mi) southwest of Drumheller on Highway 9. Dubbed Canada's mini-Grand Canyon, Horseshoe Canyon showcases a picturesque Badlands landscape well worth the visit. For an incredible adventure, take a helicopter ride and explore the canyon from the skies. The canyon is roughly 3 km (2 mi) long and attracts thousands of visitors every year, especially hikers eager to experience the indelible scenery. Visitors should, however, be aware that the canyon walls can be quite slippery when wet, and hiking in these conditions is not recommended.

Equally impressive, although slightly less visited because of its location on a secondary highway, Horsethief Canyon is situated 16 km (10 mi) from Drumheller, just past the Royal Tyrrell Museum on North Dinosaur Trail (Highway 838). A viewpoint on North Dinosaur Trail affords dramatic views of the canyon, which owes its name to a legend that dates back to the area's early ranching days. It was said that horses would disappear into the canyons of the Red Deer River and reappear carrying a different brand, hence the name Horsethief Canyon. Hiking is a popular activity at the canyon, although it can be easy to get lost as there are no interpretive signs.

The Hoodoos6

No trip to the badlands is complete without visiting the area's most recognizable feature: the Hoodoos rock formations. Located 8.5 km (5 mi) southeast of Drumheller on the Hoodoo Trail (Highway 10), the Hoodoos are an impressive phenomenon of nature. These five- to seven-metre-tall (16 to 23 ft) rock pillars were formed by water and wind erosion over millions of years. A walking trail helps visitors navigate the terrain, although it is prohibited to climb on these fragile, mushroom-like sandstone structures.

	Dinosaur Trail Golf & Country Club7

Recreation
Skiers and snowboarders appreciate Ski the Badlands ski hill, which features beginner, intermediate and expert runs, a terrain park, a 930-sq-m (10,000-sq-ft) day lodge, lessons and a full-service rental shop. Located on South Dinosaur Trail next to the Passion Play Site, the ski hill covers 12 ha (30 acres) and is open from approximately mid-December to mid-March.

Golf enthusiasts will want to play a round at the 18-hole Dinosaur Trail Golf & Country Club, located on the banks of the Red Deer River on North Dinosaur Trail. Negotiate a setting of rolling terrain, flat plateaus and scenic valleys on this challenging Badlands course. The facility is open from roughly mid-April through September.

Specialty Attractions
A must-see, the World's Largest Dinosaur is a massive t-rex model that towers 26 m (86 ft). By climbing the 106 steps to the viewing platform inside the dinosaur's mouth, visitors can enjoy spectacular views of the Red Deer River Valley. On the way up, peruse mural paintings by local artist Gary Cox. Also worth checking out is the chilling black-light area that reveals skeleton bones within its recesses.

The Little Church8

On the opposite scale of the spectrum is the tiny Little Church. This adorable 2-m by 3-m (7-ft by 10-ft) building features six one-person pews, a pulpit and a steeple with a brass bell. First constructed in 1958 and rebuilt in 1991, the pint-size church has seen thousands of visitors since its inception. Access the church from North Dinosaur Trail, just outside of Drumheller town site.

Reptile enthusiasts don't want to miss Reptile World, Canada's largest live reptile display, which showcases over 100 species in bright, naturalistic cages, from cobras and crocodiles to gila monsters and anacondas. The friendly staff is on hand to introduce visitors to the friendly boa constrictors and answer any questions. Educational programs are provided in the summer.

One of the few arts-oriented attractions in the area is the renowned Canadian Badlands Passion Play. The play is presented every summer in a natural amphitheatre along the South Dinosaur Trail on the western outskirts of Drumheller. Offering a powerful portrayal of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ in first-century Palestine, the Canadian Badlands Passion Play is not to be missed. With an authentic set and costumes, script and music that are scripture-based, talented performers, and an atmosphere that bears a striking resemblance to the Holy Land, this play is known for its stark realism. Each year changes are made to the script, production, cast and set, resulting in a spectacle worth visiting again and again. The epic performance is three hours long with a 20-minute intermission. Although the Passion Play only spans two weekends, the site is worth visiting year-round. Middle Eastern artifacts and scale models of Biblical places are on display at the Canadian Badlands Interpretive Centre. At the design shop, visitors can see scale models of the set and try on actual costumes from the play.

Canadian Badlands Passion Play9

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PHOTO COURTESY

1. Travel Alberta; Badlands Dinosaur Dig; Drumheller, AB, Canada
2. Travel Alberta; Royal Alberta Museum of Palaeontology; Drumheller, AB, Canada
3. Travel Alberta; Badlands Historical Centre; Drumheller, AB, Canada
4. Travel Alberta; Atlas Coal Mine; East Coulee, AB, Canada
5. Travel Alberta; Horseshoe Canyon; Drumheller, AB, Canada
6. Travel Alberta; The Hoodoos; Drumheller, AB, Canada
7. Travel Alberta; Dinosaur Trail Golf & Country Club; Drumheller, AB, Canada
8. Travel Alberta; The Little Church; Drumheller, AB, Canada
9. Travel Alberta; Canadian Badlands Passion Play; Drumheller, AB, Canada