Drumheller Tour: Museum, Hoodoos,Horseshoe Canyon & Lot More

If you’re dreaming of walking in a landscape that looks like it belongs on another planet, the Drumheller tour from Calgary offers an unforgettable peek into the Canadian Badlands. This full-day adventure, led by knowledgeable guides, combines striking scenery, fascinating geology, and a touch of prehistory — all in just 8 hours. It’s a balanced mix of outdoor exploration and museum-level dinosaur treasures, making it perfect for curious travelers craving authentic experiences.

What we love about this tour? First, the priority access to the Royal Tyrrell Museum means you skip the long lines and go straight to the fossils and exhibits. Second, the variety of stops — from the colorful Hoodoos to the dramatic Horseshoe Canyon — ensures you’ll see a landscape unlike anything else. One potential consideration? The day is full, so expect a fair amount of driving and walking. Still, it suits those interested in geologic wonders and history quite well, especially if you’re eager to get a comprehensive taste of Alberta’s famed Badlands.

Key Points

• Stunning landscapes like Hoodoos, Horseshoe Canyon, and the Badlands provide incredible photo opportunities and geological insight.
• Skip-the-line access to the Royal Tyrrell Museum allows more time to enjoy exhibits and fossils.
• Expert guides enhance the experience with engaging stories and explanations about the landscape’s formation and dinosaur history.
• All-in-one day offers diverse sights, including a historic suspension bridge and the world’s largest dinosaur sculpture.
• Family-friendly and suitable for those with moderate mobility (though not recommended for mobility-impaired travelers).
• Flexible booking with free cancellation and pay later options make planning easier.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour begins with a pickup from Calgary, with four convenient locations: the Holiday Inn near the airport, Hyatt Regency downtown, Tim Hortons at 19th Street NE, and the Holiday Inn hotel. Pickup times range from 8:25 to 9:00 AM, giving travelers a bit of flexibility depending on where they stay. The transport is in a van or SUV, depending on group size, which helps keep the experience intimate and comfortable. This is ideal for those who prefer avoiding large bus tours, giving each group a more personalized feel. The ride into the Badlands is scenic, with your guide sharing background on the geology and history of the region, setting the stage for what’s to come.

The First Stop: Drumheller Welcome Sign

The tour kicks off with a quick photo stop at the iconic Drumheller Welcome Sign. It’s a brief 10-minute moment to stretch your legs, grab a few snapshots, and get your first glimpse of the landscape’s vastness and color. This sets an anticipatory tone for the day ahead.

The Royal Tyrrell Museum: Dinosaur Central

By mid-morning, you arrive at the crown jewel: the Royal Tyrrell Museum. Thanks to the included skip-the-line admission, you’ll bypass queues and dive straight into the exhibits. Most visitors comment on how the museum’s fossils are displayed in engaging ways, with interactive exhibits and life-sized models.

Expect to spend around 2.5 hours here. The museum boasts the world’s largest collection of prehistoric fossils, including impressive skeletons of T-Rex, Triceratops, and other dinosaurs. The highlight is the 26-meter T-Rex sculpture, which is perfect for photos. One traveler appreciated how the museum balances scientific detail with accessibility, making it enjoyable even for children or casual visitors.

The guides often share stories about the fossils and what they reveal about the prehistoric environment, adding layers of understanding to the exhibits. We loved the way the exhibits are laid out to tell a story of evolution and extinction, making it both educational and awe-inspiring.

Visiting the Little Church and the World’s Largest Dinosaur

After leaving the museum, your journey continues with a short stop at The Little Church in Drumheller, a quaint historic site that makes for a charming photo opportunity. Then, you’ll visit the World’s Largest Dinosaur, a 26-meter-high sculpture that you can climb for panoramic views of the town and surrounding landscape. Visitors have noted that climbing the dinosaur adds fun and a bit of adventure to the day.

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Exploring the Badlands: Horseshoe Canyon and Hoodoos

The highlight of any Badlands trip involves seeing the landscape’s natural sculptures. You’ll head to Horseshoe Canyon, renowned for its steep, multilayered, vividly colored rock formations shaped over millions of years. Your guide will explain how glaciers, water, and wind carved this landscape, creating a setting that’s both dramatic and instructive.

Next, you’ll visit the Hoodoos, tall sandstone pillars carved by erosion into surreal shapes. These formations are rare and found in only a few places worldwide, making them a genuine geological marvel. Visitors often comment on the otherworldly feel here — like stepping onto a different planet.

Rosedale Suspension Bridge: A Scenic Walk

For a quick change of pace, the tour includes a walk across the Rosedale Suspension Bridge, spanning the Red Deer River. It’s a fun, photo-worthy stop with sweeping views on both sides. The bridge’s design and setting offer a sense of adventure and an opportunity for some memorable shots.

The Atlas Coal Mine: A Glimpse into Alberta’s Mining Past

Next, you will visit the Atlas Coal Mine, a historic site where guides reveal stories of Alberta’s coal-mining era. Walking through the old mine structures and hearing about the region’s industrial past adds a layer of cultural understanding to the natural wonders. Some reviews highlight how the guided tour at the mine is engaging and informative, bringing history to life.

Additional Scenic Spots and Free Time

The tour includes a 25-minute scenic drive with beautiful views en route to the final stops, providing plenty of opportunities to appreciate the rugged landscape. You’ll also get some free time to explore Drumheller town, where the World’s Largest Dinosaur stands prominently. Optional climbs of the dinosaur are available and appreciated by many for the fun challenge and great photos.

Returning to Calgary

By late afternoon, the group returns to Calgary, with drop-offs at the original pickup points. The entire experience is designed for convenience, with easy logistics and a well-paced itinerary.

What makes this tour stand out? It’s the way the guide’s expertise enhances each stop, making the landscape and history come alive. Several travelers mention how the guides are knowledgeable, friendly, and eager to share stories that add depth to the scenery.

The combination of outdoor sightseeing and museum time makes for a well-rounded experience. The skip-the-line access to the Tyrrell Museum ensures you maximize your time among fossils, rather than waiting in crowds. And the variety of stops — from geological formations to historic sites — keeps the day interesting.

In terms of value, the tour covers all major sights at a reasonable price, given the inclusions and expert guides. It’s especially good for families, geology buffs, or anyone wanting a comprehensive look at Alberta’s Badlands in a single day.

However, the long day means some walking and vehicle time, which could be tiring for travelers with mobility issues. The tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility impairments, but most visitors find the pace manageable.

This tour is ideal for those who want a well-organized, engaging overview of Alberta’s iconic landscapes and dinosaur fossils without the hassle of planning multiple trips themselves. It’s perfect for travelers with a curiosity for natural history, geology, or outdoor adventures. If you enjoy photo opportunities and learning from passionate guides, this experience will hit the mark.

Families with children often find the mix of museums and outdoor scenery a hit, especially with the fun stops like the dinosaur sculpture and suspension bridge. But active travelers should be prepared for a full day of sightseeing and some walking.

The Drumheller tour offers a wonderful window into Alberta’s extraordinary Badlands, combining natural beauty, fascinating fossils, and historical insight. The expert guides make the experience engaging and educational, while the variety of sights ensures you leave with a sense of having truly experienced the region’s uniqueness.

If you’re after a day trip that blends geology, paleontology, and scenic landscapes, this tour provides excellent value. It’s a great way to see a landscape that looks almost alien, learn about its past, and capture memorable photos along the way.

For those who want a hassle-free, informative, and visually stunning adventure, it’s worth considering. Just be sure to wear comfortable shoes, bring your camera, and get ready for a full day of awe-inspiring sights.

How long is the tour?
The full experience lasts around 8 hours, from pickup to return, covering multiple stops and a good amount of sightseeing.

Are meals included?
No, meals are not included. You might want to bring snacks or water, especially since it’s a full day.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, families often enjoy the stops, especially the Dinosaur Museum and the dinosaur sculpture. Keep in mind, there is some walking and vehicle time.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a camera for photos, and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended since you’ll be outdoors quite a bit.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, plus you can reserve now and pay later.

Is the tour accessible for mobility-impaired travelers?
This experience is not suitable for people with mobility impairments due to walking and outdoor terrain.

What languages are available for the guide?
The tour is offered in English, Hindi, and Punjabi, with live guides available in those languages.

Where do I meet for pickup?
Pickup locations include hotels and specific addresses in Calgary, with times assigned based on your chosen location.

In summary, this Drumheller tour offers a well-rounded look at Alberta’s astonishing Badlands, perfect for those eager to learn, photograph, and experience the landscape’s wild beauty. It’s a smart choice for curious travelers who appreciate guided insights and want to make the most of a day exploring dinosaur fossils and dramatic rock formations.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby