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Start your adventure in Calgary and travel back to prehistoric times to the Dinosaur Capital of the World: Drumheller, Alberta. Explore all the Alberta Badlands have to offer during this two or three day road trip.

This itinerary is great for explorers who are intrigued by all things prehistoric and like to hike extraordinary landscapes.

At a glance

  • 3 day itinerary
  • 437 km (272 mi) total distance
  • 5 hrs 23 mins drive time
  • Your starting point is in Calgary

Dinosaur exhibit in the Royal Tyrrell Museum
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Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology

Take a 3.9-billion-year journey through time and spend the afternoon exploring the world's largest displays of dinosaurs. Search for fossils, stand next to a life-sized dinosaur, or walk through the cretaceous garden. With loads of everchanging exhibits, there's always something new to discover.

People walking up to the Rosebud Theatre
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Rosebud Theatre

Rosebud Theatre is a hidden gem that combines delicious food, gracious hospitality and live theatre. It is a short 30-minute drive from Drumheller, located in a serene and peaceful river valley. Start with a delicious buffet in the dining room and then move to the theatre for the full Rosebud experience.

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Stop by the Preparation Lab at the Royal Tyrrell Museum, where you can see technicians preparing fossils.

Young couple posing for a selfie on a platform along Hoodoo Trail in Drumheller.
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Hoodoos and Hoodoo Trail

Take a step back in time and roam where the dinosaurs did. Here you'll see breathtaking landscapes and hoodoos up to 7 m (23 ft) tall. Whether you're an avid hiker or just looking to snap a few photos, theses sandstone formations are a must see!

Couple walking through the Atlas Coal Mine

Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site

Discover Drumheller Valley's coal mining past with a truly authentic attraction. Take an underground mine portal hike, tour the original processing plant, or enjoy a ride on the 90-year-old locomotive train. There’s plenty to see and do at the Atlas Coal Mine.

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Get up early to watch the sunrise from the Hoodoos, a truly exceptional sight to see.

Couple hiking at Horsethief Canyon.

Horsethief Canyon

A short drive from Drumheller, this canyon is named after the outlaws who hid their stolen livestock here more than 100 years ago. Stand on the edge to discover spectacular views of the valley below, made up of a very rare looking landscape.

Drumheller Valley

While walking through the streets of Drumheller, keep an eye out for all the vibrant coloured dinosaur statues, and be sure to say hello to the World’s Largest Dinosaur statue, Tyra. You can climb 106 stairs to the top to experience the Badlands in a whole new way.

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Refuel at The Ice Box Mobile Café for a Jurassic ice cream, sandwich or coffee.