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While many visitors tend to flock west towards the mountains, the east side of Alberta shouldn't be overlooked. From lakes and prairies to ancient badlands, there's plenty of worthwhile sites to see. If you're contemplating a weekend getaway, don't miss exploring the historic town of Drumheller. It is, after all, where dinosaurs once roamed. Here's how to spend an exhilarating 48 hours in the Canadian Badlands.
Fact: Drumheller was rated the fifth-most friendly town in Canada by Expedia.
Day 1: Exploring the Canadian Badlands
A 90-minute drive from Calgary makes Drumheller an ideal weekend getaway destination. Heading east on Highway 2, exit onto Highway 72 and continue east on Highway 9 the rest of the drive. Be sure to take in the scenic prairies and grasslands along the way.
Tip: The weather can change rapidly, so dress in layers and bring your hiking boots.
Follow Highway 9 southwest of Drumheller to Horseshoe Canyon, where you can hike the 3.9 km (2.4 mi) Horseshoe Canyon Trail. The loop features colourful wildflowers, possible wildlife sightings, postcard-like views and amazing landscapes you won't find anywhere else in the world.
Tip: Be sure to follow the interpretive signs as it's easy to get turned around in the canyons.
After exploring the canyon, it's time to head over to Bernie and the Boys Bistro for lunch. It's one of the top-rated restaurants in Drumheller and was featured on the hit television show You Gotta Eat Here. The restaurant serves all-natural Alberta beef burgers and more than 75 different handcrafted milkshake flavours. Anticipate that choosing your meal will be a feat in itself.
After conquering your burger and shake, navigate your way to the Badlands Amphitheatre to tour Canada's largest outdoor stage. This incredible non-profit theatre is naturally formed by the massive coulees and seats 2,500 spectators. (Coulee is a North American term meaning deep ravine.) Throughout the summer season, the amphitheatre holds a variety of concerts, theatre productions and light shows.
Tip: Align your weekend getaway with an upcoming show.
Wrap up your day with a homestyle meal at Yavis Family Restaurant. This restaurant has been around since 1917 and was the first named “family restaurant” in Alberta. To this day, it remains a family-owned business.
Next, it's time to check into to River Grove Campground and Cabins on the banks of the Red Deer River. Choose from tenting sites, RV sites and cozy cabins that can accommodate up to six guests. Spend the rest of the evening relaxing in front of a campfire, while gazing at the stars.
Tip: Be sure to book your accommodations well in advance as Drumheller can get busy.
Day 2: Dinosaur day
To start the day, fuel up with a hearty breakfast at the Sunny Spot. This scenic outdoor eatery is located on farmland near the Hoodoo RV Campground.
Tip: They serve ice cream! A perfect treat to start out a sunny day in hoodoo country.
For your first big adventure of the day, head downtown for a self-guided DinoWalk tour. Through this walk you'll learn about 20 dinosaur species that have been discovered in the area. After locating each of the statues on the Dino Walk, it's time to visit the biggest statue of them all. Tyra, the World's Largest Dinosaur, stands 25 m (82 ft) tall. She's four-and-a-half times larger than a real T-rex and has been watching over the town since 2001. Climb 106 stairs into the mouth of Tyra for a breathtaking view of the badlands.
Fact: Drumheller is internationally famous for its many fossil discoveries and is known as the dino capital of the world.
Next, rest your legs by driving to North Dinosaur Trail (Hwy 838). Head northwest for 24 km (15 mi) to the cable-operated Bleriot Ferry for a scenic view of the Red Deer River. Once across the river, head back toward town on South Dinosaur Trail (Hwy 837). Be sure to stop at Orkney Viewpoint for stunning views of the Red Deer Valley.
Break up the day with a late lunch/early dinner at Vintage Taphouse. The menu is vast at this neighbourhood-style pub, where families are welcome on the restaurant side of the business. Tuck into hearty salads, pizza and fun pub grub like battered donair dunkers and pickle fries.
Finally, make your way to the famous Royal Tyrrell Museum — one of the most important paleontology museums in the world. The museum is also home to one of the world's largest displays of dinosaur fossils. Be sure to check out the gift shop before unwinding at River Grove for the night.
Tip: The museum is open until 9 p.m. during the summer. Evenings are less crowded, making it easier to explore millions of years of prehistoric history.
