5 Exciting Locations to Visit in Drumheller, Alberta

"Dinosaur Capital"

Known as the “Dinosaur Capital of Canada”, Drumheller is a gem that any paleontology enthusiasts should visit. Filled with hiking trails, parks and a world-renowned museum, it is a perfect blend of history and fun for everyone to enjoy.

Learn about the origins of the town and whether it is your first time in Drumheller, Alberta, there are 5 exciting locations in this blog you should check out on your trip there.

Brief Overview of Drumheller, Alberta

Drumheller was founded in the 1911 by American entrepreneur and rancher, Samuel Drumheller. Primarily a coal mining town, grew during the early 20^th century until the value of coal declined after the end of the Second World War.

Nowadays, Drumheller is mainly a tourist hub that shares about the town and its historic coal mining exploits. In addition, the discovery of remains of prehistoric species in the Canadian Badlands lead to a surge in paleontology interest that spanned from the 19th century and into the present day.

5 Iconic Locations to Visit

1. Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology

Named after the Canadian geologist who discovered the first array of dinosaur bones near Drumheller in 1884, the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology hosts a collection of over 160,000 catalogued fossils in over 350 holotypes, making it the largest collection of fossil records in Canada.

On top of this impressive collection is an array of various exhibits, ranging from interactive to life-sized recreations of notable prehistoric wonders such as the Tyrannosaurus Rex and the Megalodon.

The museum is also known for several world-renowned research programs that utilize their fossil collection to further document and analyze the paleontological history of the animals that lived before our time.

Want to walk amongst giants? Then drop by the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Paleontology to relive the past by those who came before us.

2. The World’s Largest Dinosaur

An icon of Drumheller, the World’s Largest Dinosaur is an impressive feat that stands at around 25 meters high. It’s imposing, yet grand figure towers over the town and serves as the first point of contact for locals and tourists entering this historic town.

While the T-Rex statue may be visible from different viewpoints around the town and provide multiple photo opportunities, it has one unique feature. A staircase is built within the statue to allow visitors to walk from tail to jaws to witness a scenic view of Drumheller and the badlands beyond.

Scheduled to close in 2029, now would be great opportunity to visit this iconic landmark that is favorite for all those who visit.

3. Dinosaur Trail

Drumheller is a fantastic location that offers various outdoor activities for those seeking an active lifestyle. Dinosaur Trail is must for any hikers looking for a challenge.

This near 50-kilometre trail travels through the heart of the Canadian Badlands, which feature a myriad of natural rock formations that are breathtaking to witness. Throughout the trail, visitors will come across notable attractions from the Hoodoo formations to the Horse Thief Canyon. It also passes through the iconic Royal Tyrrell Museum, making it a great location to rest before continuing along the trail.

Whether you are adventurous enough to complete the whole trail, just looking to have a fun family outing, or want to relive the history of paleontology in the badlands, the Dinosaur Trail is a must on your to-do list in Drumheller.

4. Barney’s Adventure Park

For those looking to spend relaxing yet quality time with their families, Barney’s Adventure Park is a place you do not want to miss.

With a plethora of activities and attractions available, it is a place that families can easily spend a day enjoying the outdoors while children can live out their inner explorer fantasies by hunting for fossils and treasures in the park’s gem mining experience. Other attractions include slides and an interactive dinosaur themed walk that would give you a little taste of the prehistoric experience.

Barney’s Adventure Park is certainly a place for families looking to enjoy some downtime with plenty of activities and attractions for their little adventurers to be immersed in.

5. McMullen Island Day Use Area

If your someone who wants to look for a nice, quiet spot for a picnic or a great place for a get together, then stop by the McMullen Island Day Use Area.

Hosts a vast array of facilities ranging from picnic tables to washroom and drinking water amenities, it is a relaxing for anyone looking to enjoy the great outdoors that Drumheller has to offer.

Lying within a trail that links Drumheller to the Royal Tyrrell Museum, it includes riverside greenery that would be seen as a welcome change for visitors who already ventured through the badlands.

Whether you are making a brief pit stop or looking for a spot to relax and enjoy some hearty food, McMullen Island Day Use Area is the place for you.

Live Out A Perfect Prehistoric Fantasy

Whether it is paleontology enthusiasts, active lifestyle seekers or families, Drumheller is place that offers a variety of activities for anyone who want to live out their prehistoric fantasies that few places could ever offer.

While the town has become a major tourist hub for several decades, paleontology and scientific studies into its prehistoric past remains a major focus and draw for many in the academic and hobbyist communities.

Ready to excavate another fossil? Stay tuned as our next blog will feature a prehistoric titan from a beloved animated film franchise.

Be sure to leave a comment down below and journey with us into another prehistoric adventure.