Take a road trip to the Canadian Badlands
Explore Canada's Badlands with these 20 things to do in and around Drumheller Alberta.
This list of things to do near Drumheller Alberta Canada was pretty easy to put together. Over the years I have explored this unique area quite a bit, and I just keep going back for more! Here are some of the options for what to see, where to go, and what to do in the stunning Canadian Badlands of Drumheller Alberta Canada.
20 Things To Do Near Drumheller Alberta Canada
1. Visit The Many Museums
The Royal Tyrrell Museum is not the only museum worth checking out in Drumheller! Don't get me wrong though, I really do recommend a stop at the Royal Tyrrell Museum, it is huge and extremely interesting and informative. Luckily, located just up the street, and a bit smaller if you're pressed for time, is the Fossil World Dinosaur Museum, which features animatronic Dinos that are quite the hit for both kids and adults alike. Fossil World is also home to the largest fossil and souvenir gift shop in all of Drumheller! Furthermore, you'll find museums that are open seasonally such as The Homestead Antique Museum, The East Coulee School Museum, and more. Located at various locations around the Alberta town.
2. Make a Stop at The Hoodoo Trail
The Hoodoo Trail is a must see destination in Drumheller in my opinion. With unique formations that are not found everyday, you're sure to be impressed with this quick easy viewing area. Although they call this a trail, there is no need to do any hiking here if you don't want to. You can enjoy the Hoodoos from your car if needed, or simply walk along the platforms winding through the hoodoos. Located 15 minutes east of downtown Drumheller.
3. Take in the Views of Horseshoe Canyon
An amazing hike to check out in Drumheller that gives stunning views from the parking lot! You will find interpretive signs telling you all about the area as well as a lovely decent sized day use area, without having to descend into the canyon. Although, a trip down into the canyon is recommended by this Canada Adventure Seeker. There is even a pavilion to enjoy at this location on our list of Things to do near Drumheller Alberta Canada. Conveniently located, this cool destination is less than a 20 minute road trip from Drumheller.
4. Hike Horse Thief Canyon
Such a stunning area with amazing colours in the layers of exposed hills. Climb over different rocks, sands, and many other geological layers of the Badlands. I found the hike to be easier than it looked from the parking lot and more interesting the further into the Canyon you go. Convieniently, you can take in these amazing canyon views from the parking lot area and a hike is not necessary to be amazed by this beautiful valley. Located less than 20 minutes from Drumheller.
5. Make a Stop at the Last Chance Saloon
Located in the ghost town of Wayne Alberta just minutes from Drumheller you'll find this interesting and historic Saloon.
While this is an absolutely fantastic place to grab something to eat or drink, I would still recommend a stop by here regardless of your appetite at the time. The history of this place is pretty cool and goes all the way back to around 1913. This badlands bar had the nickname the “Bucket of Blood” in the 1920s from all the fights between the coal miners. You can still find bullet holes in the wall here! Another interesting tale about this location is the attached Rosedeer Hotel’s third floor is apparently haunted by a former coal miner. And yes, you can still stay in this hotel! Not surprisingly, this has been the location for a few Hollywood films over the years. An engrossing Alberta Badlands destination showcasing the history of the area and if you're lucky, maybe you'll catch one of the live music events put on here including WayneStock which happens annually! Located 15 minutes from downtown Drumheller.
6. Drive the 11 Bridges of Wayne
The ghost town of Wayne holds a Guinness World Record! "11 Bridges of Wayne," is a neat little series of single-lane bridges criss-crossing the Rosebud River and takes the world record for "Most Bridges to be Found within the Shortest Distance". Worthy of a nice drive, it's cute and something to see. Don't expect to be blown away by marvels of construction, they're just 11 cute, numbered, bridges that will lead you to The Last Chance Saloon and beyond to some nice scenic badlands viewing. From downtown Drumheller, you're only about 10 minutes away from the 1st bridge.
7. Geocaching
One of the many fun things to do in the Badlands would be Geocaching! I love Geocaching in different areas because you never know where they might bring you. In one example, I found a huge Yeti hiding in Drumheller! Unexpected and made me smile and laugh in an area full of dinosaurs, finding a yeti was quite fun. Geocaches can be found at many various locations all around the Badlands.
8. Take a Tour of the Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site
Take a historic tour through the Atlas Coal Mine and enjoy this National Historic Site of Canada located near Drumheller Alberta. Open seasonally, this is a fun and interesting destination in Alberta that brings you back in time to the coal mining days of the area. Located 20 minutes southeast of Drumheller.
9. Visit Tyra - The Worlds Largest Dinosaur
Well, you can't really miss her when you're in Drumheller, Tyra is the world's largest dinosaur after all! You can make it a quick stop and see all her 26 meters from ground level, ooooooor for a small fee you can venture up to the top and check out the views of Drumheller from this oversized dinosaur's mouth! Open year round, with a neat gift shop, this is definitely worth a quick visit if you're near the area. Interestingly, Tyra did not receive a name until her 20th birthday in 2020. Located right in downtown Drumheller near the river and splash park.
10. Stop at Drumheller's Little Church
Another quick but worthwhile stop in Drumheller is this adorable little church. First built in 1958, it was later reconstructed in 1991 by Drumheller Institution inmates. This Little Church is open year round to the public and there is no admission fee to check this neat little attraction out. If you want to book it for a ceremony or event, that is still absolutely possible but cannot be 100% closed off to the public. This tiny church can seat about 6 people at a time! An adorable mini church in the Canadian Badlands located near the Royal Tyrrell Museum on the Dinosaur Trail about 10 minutes from downtown Drumheller Alberta.
11. Take a Drive to Orkney Lookout
Orkney Lookout is a bit of a lesser-known viewpoint just west of Drumheller in Kneehill County. This gorgeous area sits above the Red Deer River overlooking the beautiful Red Deer Valley. Not open during the winter months. Located 15 minutes west of Drumheller.
12.Stop at the many cool Dino inspired shops, cafés, restaurants
As you drive through Drumheller you will quickly realize there is no shortage of neat little shops, cafés, and restaurants in town. Pop by The Old Grouch restaurant and grab a Grouch-O-Saurus Burger, stop by the Black Mountain Roasters for a delicious coffee, explore the many fossil shops, or take a wander through Wanderlust Boutique and General Store for a special treat.
13. Hit up an event at the Badlands Amphitheatre
Here is a unique opportunity in the cool unique badland valley, the Badlands Amphitheater. Home to Canada's largest outdoor stage, set amongst the hills of the badlands and under starry skies, this is a fun unique place to catch a performance or show. Conveniently, just check The Badlands Amphitheatre website for upcoming events. Located in Drumheller towards the small industrial area of town.
14. See the Suspension Bridge (Reopened February 1, 2024)
Known as the Rosedale Suspension Bridge or the Star Mine Suspension Bridge. This bridge was unfortunately closed to the public for a few years. But has reopened to the public as if February 1, 2024! This is still a pretty neat piece of history ot check out. They repaired the bridge, so hopefully it will be open for everyone to enjoy again for a long time. This pedestrian suspension bridge is 117 metres long crossing over a wide area of the Red Deer River. Back when the coal mines were booming in the area, the bridge was constructed in 1931 but was later rebuilt in 1958 to memorialize the history of those mining days. A fun Thing To Do in Drumheller, Alberta, Canada!
15. Fun Parks
Drumheller is home to 2 fun adventure parks! Each with their own personalities, both open through the summer season. Barney's Adventure Park is home to Drumheller's largest outdoor playground! Whereas at Cactus Coulee Fun Park if you buy 20 minutes of personal Go-Karting minutes, you get free ice cream! Both even have their own campsites to check out.
16. Spot the Brazilian flair
Ok, so this has nothing to actually do with Brazil, it just reminds me of Rio de Janeiro. If you go for a drive around Drumheller, take a look up high around the industrial area, by the amphitheater, and you'll spot this 30-foot-tall "Jesus of the Dinosaurs". Unexpected, but an interesting site to see no less. This statue is the remnant of a Christian-themed Prehistoric Park attraction that is no more. As far as I know, you cannot get right up to this statue so you'll have to view it from a bit of a distance as he overlooks Drumheller.
17. Fishing the Red Deer River
Fishing is probably not the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about the Drumheller area. But if you're into that kind of thing, perhaps it should be. The Red Deer River is a fantastic fishing destination home to walleye, sauger, pike, goldeye, and mooneye. Plenty of shore fishing areas to be found along the riverbank. I have always found the water in this area quite turned up (murky). It's possible that is not always the case, but that is my experience every time I am there, so perhaps that can help you decide what lures to bring with you.
18. Camping at one of the many Campgrounds
Camping in the Badlands is just a cool experience all around. The scenery is quite different, the night sky is amazing, and you have a ton of campground and RV park options around this area to choose from! Some have pools, some offer cabins, some even have their own adventure parks attached. This area is a fantastic option for summer camping with so many fun things to do nearby!
19. Watch for the cute Dinosaurs all around town.
It's always enjoyable while driving around Drumheller to spot all the cute Dinosaur status everywhere. Drumheller really does live up to its title of "Dinosaur Capital of the World." Some are bright and colourful popping up on street corners, others are tucked onto local businesses properties. A few could use their "makeup reapplied" but it's fun to find them no less and worth keeping an eye out for them. How many can you find?
20. View the stars!
The Drumheller region is one of my favourite areas to view the night sky. On any road trip, if I am near this area at night with clear skies, I will pull down into one of the valleys outside of town and take a break to stare up at the beautiful sparkling starry night sky. Not officially a dark sky preserve, but with minimal light pollution in the area, it is a phenomenal area for night sky viewing, stargazing and viewing the Northern Lights when they make their appearance.