In our opinion, the badlands are highly underrated. Unlike any other destination in the province, this prehistoric area and its adorable little town have a ton to offer from museums to spas, tours and even a beach or two! Not sure where to go or what to check out? Here are 10 of the best things to do in Drumheller, Alberta this summer!
VISIT THE HOMESTEAD ANTIQUE MUSEUM
We’re not going to lie, Homestead is on the ‘out of the ordinary side, but it’s definitely worth checking out. Here, among their 10,000 antiques and artifacts from the Victorian and Edwardian eras, you’ll find everything from an exhibit featuring a two-headed cow to furniture and household accessories.
Where: 901 N Dinosaur Trail, Drumheller
VISIT THE ‘GHOST TOWN’ OF WAYNE
Hidden in the Alberta Badlands day-trippers will find the unoccupied town of Wayne, Alberta. Delve deep into old mines, check out the Last Chance Saloon – a snapshot of the old west; wander the old hotel and explore the untouched artifacts and buildings left behind by a once-thriving community.
Where: 555 Jewel Street. Rosedale Station, AB
HIKE THE HOODOOS
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Feel like you’ve hiked every trail in the Rockies? Why not take a short drive to Drumheller, where guests can actually explore million-year-old hoodoo structures. Of course, because they’re extremely fragile and super old, your route will be limited to the designated trail – but it’ll be unlike anything you may have seen before.
Where: Directions here
GO GO-KARTING
A little competition never hurt anybody! At Drumheller’s Cactus Coulee fun park, go head to head in a game of mini-golf or a go-kart race (last place buys the winner a drink) or just jump around on their Eurobungy. There’s a full day of fun stuff to do here, folks – check it out!
Where: Box 388, Drumheller, Alberta
Cost: $6
TREAT YOUR SELF AT THE HEARTWOOD INN AND SPA
Surprisingly, Drumheller has far more than just dinosaurs and dry grass! it also has the perfect spa getaway! At the Calgary, Heartwood Inn specializes in Swedish relaxation massage treatments, as well as HQ manicures, pedicures and re-hydration sessions. Ahh, bliss!
Where: 320 North Railway Avenue East, Drumheller
CLIMB THE WORLD’S LARGEST DINOSAUR
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Towering over the town of Drumheller, Tyra the T-Rex is a MUST see if you’re headed to the Badlands. Not only is the world’s largest dinosaur a super cool thing to see from the ground, it’s also pretty unbelievable from deep within the attraction’s jaws. C
Where: 60 1 Avenue West, Drumheller, Alberta
EXPLORE THE ROYAL TYRELL MUSEUM
Arguably the best museum in the province, The Royal Tyrell Museum not only has an incredible collection of dino bones and fossils but also several informative and fun tours around the area as well as super cool classes that will help you fulfil your backyard paleontologist dreams.
Where: 1500 N Dinosaur Trail, Drumheller
Cost: $21+
GO CAMPING IN WRITING-ON-STONE PROVINCIAL PARK
The Writing-On-Stone provincial park campground is unlike any other place in the province. From their beach to their interpretive centre, this beautiful spot is crazy unique and has a ton to see and do. Go hiking, lounge by the water, go for a boat ride or just have a few drinks with some friends – the park is your oyster.
Where: NW 36 TW1 range 13, Milk River, AB
TOUR THE ATLAS COAL MINE
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Are you an adventure seeker? This summer lace up and explore the dark passageways, staircases and viewpoints underground in the Atlas Coal Mine. While you’re there, ride the steam train or take a walk around the processing plant. There’s plenty to do and even more to see!
Where: Box 521, 110 Century Dr. East Coulee
Cost: $15
FLOAT THE RIVER
The rivers in Alberta’s biggest cities can get pretty busy, but in Drumheller, you’ll be able to hit the water and lounge almost completely uninterrupted. Start your ride alongside Newcastle Beach and wrap things up just outside of Pinter’s campground for a full-day float but be careful! The Red Deer river can be a little faster than those in Calgary or Edmonton.
Where: Directions here
There you have it, Alberta. 10 of the best things to do in Drumheller this summer! We hope to see you out there, friends!
