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Day trips

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.