From the Rocky Mountains and bright blue lakes to big cities and farmland, Wild Rose Country is one of the most incredible places in Canada – but it’s also full of surprises! Located in the eastern part of the province, adventure seekers will find Dinosaur Provincial Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site credited for having the greatest concentration of Late Cretaceous dinosaur fossils on Earth.
Not to be confused with Drumheller (which is two hours away), this history-rich destination is wide, open and enchanted with low-lying coulees, hoodoos and mesas that will transport you way back to a land before time.
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Here, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, primitive mammals and dinosaurs once roamed, swam and slithered through the valley, leaving behind an impressive collection for modern explorers to discover.
In fact, just along the Red Deer River is where more than 300 intact skeletons have been found since digging began there in the 1880s, according to Parks Canada.
“Dinosaur Provincial Park contains some of the most important fossil specimens discovered from the “Age of Dinosaurs” period of Earth’s history,” UNESCO writes on their website.
“The property is unmatched in terms of the number and variety of high-quality specimens which, to date, represent more than 44 species, 34 genera and 10 families of dinosaurs, dating back 75-77 million years. The park contains exceptional riparian habitat features as well as badlands of outstanding aesthetic value.”
Want to check it out? While the park is open all year round, we’d recommend visiting in the warmer months or early fall as there are tours, camping and activities nearby.
Happy wandering, Alberta! There’s really no place quite like it!
Dinosaur Provincial Park, Alberta
Where: Directions here
