Drumheller & badlands day trip
Drumheller lies about 1.5 hours northeast of Calgary, famous for dinosaur fossils, badlands scenery, and the Royal Tyrrell Museum — a great family day trip.
Sample itinerary
- Morning at the Royal Tyrrell Museum — allow 2–3 hours.
- Afternoon drive the Dinosaur Trail, stop at Horseshoe Canyon lookout and the town's giant dinosaur statue.
- With extra time, hike Horsethief Canyon for red canyon views.
Passes & costs
- The museum charges admission; family tickets are good value — book peak slots online.
- Outdoor lookouts are mostly free — budget for fuel and meals.
- Summers are hot and dry; bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water.
Practical tips
- Badlands are windy — wear grippy shoes and stay back from cliff edges.
- Town dining is limited; eat in Calgary first or pack snacks.
- Opposite direction from Banff — easy to pair with a northeast weekend plan.
School zoning, transit, and merchant details can change — always confirm on official sites and in person before moving.