Badlands Tour: Drumheller with Museum, Hoodoos & Coal Mine

If you’re looking to escape the city buzz and step into a landscape that feels straight out of a sci-fi movie, this Badlands Tour to Drumheller might just be your perfect day trip. Promising a blend of incredible geological formations, fascinating history, and close encounters with dinosaurs, this tour offers a well-rounded experience for anyone curious about Canada’s unique natural and cultural gems.

What really catches the eye here are the breathtaking scenery of the Hoodoos, the chance to walk through one of Canada’s most important paleontology museums, and the opportunity to explore historic coal mines. Plus, with comfortable transportation included, you can relax and take in the views without worrying about navigating on your own.

One thing to consider—while the tour is packed with highlights, some visitors noted it can feel a bit more like a scenic drive with commentary rather than a highly guided, narrated experience. Nevertheless, this is a flexible choice for those eager to explore at their own pace, especially if you’re a lover of outdoor beauty and history.

This trip suits nature lovers, history buffs, families, and photography enthusiasts eager to capture the iconic landscapes and learn about the area’s natural history.

Good To Know

• Stunning Landscapes: Get set for dramatic canyons, colorful rock layers, and the iconic Hoodoos formations.
• Educational Experience: The Royal Tyrrell Museum provides a fascinating look at dinosaurs, with some of the most complete skeletons on display.
• Historic Sites: Explore the Atlas Coal Mine and learn about Alberta’s coal-mining past.
• Comfortable Transportation: Travel in an air-conditioned vehicle with a small group for a more personalized experience.
• Expert Guides: Guides are praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and flexibility.
• Ideal Duration: A full 10-hour day that balances sightseeing, learning, and relaxation.

You can check if your dates are available here:

The Itinerary: A Deep Dive into the Day

Early Morning Departure and Scenic Drive from Calgary

The tour kicks off early from Calgary, with pickup points at key hotels such as the Delta Hotels Calgary Downtown, Hyatt Regency, and Holiday Inn. You’ll hop into a comfortable, air-conditioned van or SUV—perfect for a day of sightseeing—you’ll leave around 8:25 to 9 AM, depending on your pickup location. The roughly 1.5-hour drive offers great views of Alberta’s prairies, which slowly give way to the rugged Badlands terrain.

Traveling in a small group means a more intimate experience, and most reviews emphasize how smooth and friendly the ride is. The driver often doubles as the guide, providing general insights along the way. As one reviewer noted, some felt it could be more instructive, but overall, the journey is comfortable and scenic.

Horseshoe Canyon: A Geological Marvel

Your first stop is Horseshoe Canyon, a U-shaped valley carved into the Badlands. It’s a place where you’ll want your camera ready, as the vibrant layers of rock and steep cliffs make for dramatic photos. The canyon’s historical and geological significance is apparent in its colorful strata that tell stories of millions of years of Earth’s history.

Hiking here is optional but highly recommended; the trails are winding and accessible, giving you a chance to explore the canyon floor and appreciate the landscape’s layered beauty.

Royal Tyrrell Museum: A Dinosaur Lover’s Dream

Next, your destination is the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Paleontology, Canada’s only museum dedicated solely to ancient life. Its impressive collection includes some of the biggest dinosaur skeletons you’ll ever see—think Tyrannosaurus rex, Triceratops, and Albertosaurus. On review, visitors describe the museum as “very interesting” and the experience as “overwhelming” in the best way possible.

Admission is included in the tour, making this a fantastic value. The museum is renowned not just for its fossils, but for its engaging exhibits and educational displays that bring prehistoric times to life. During the season when the museum is open, you’ll have ample time to explore the exhibits, learn about dinosaur evolution, and even download the museum’s app for an audio tour.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

The Quirky Little Church and the World’s Largest Dinosaur

Before heading into Drumheller town, optional stops include the Little Church, a tiny, fully operational church that seats only six—quirky but charming, and a fun photo opportunity. Then, it’s only a short walk to see the World’s Largest Dinosaur, a 26-meter tall T-Rex sculpture. Visitors love climbing inside, peering through the open mouth, and taking in panoramic views of Drumheller.

Lunch and Downtown Drumheller

Midday, you’ll pause for a well-deserved lunch at a top-rated local cafe or restaurant. Many reviewers highlight how this break gives a chance to relax and soak in the small-town vibe before more adventures.

Following lunch, the tour takes you to the Hoodoos Trail, about 15 minutes southeast of Drumheller. Here, you’ll hike among the mushroom-shaped rock formations—a highlight for many. These natural sculptures are formations shaped by erosion over millions of years, creating a landscape right out of a fantasy scene. Interpretive signs help explain how these shapes came to be, making it both a visual and educational stop.

On the way, you’ll pass the Star Mine Suspension Bridge, a 117-meter pedestrian bridge over the Red Deer River. It offers quick, scenic views and a glimpse into the area’s coal-mining past.

Optional Visit to the Atlas Coal Mine

For those with extra time and an interest in industrial history, the Atlas Coal Mine is a real treat. It’s one of Canada’s best-preserved coal mines, offering guided tours of tunnels and historic machinery. Keep in mind, tickets aren’t included in the base price but are available for purchase. Several reviews praise the guide’s knowledge here, with visitors describing the tour as “well-maintained” and “informative.”

Sunset Drive Back to Calgary

As the day winds down, the return journey starts, typically around 3 or 4 PM. The drive back is a scenic cruise through Alberta’s prairies, with many catching the sunset—a beautiful, peaceful end to a day full of natural wonders and history.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

For $126 per person, the tour packages in a lot of what makes Alberta’s Badlands special. The admission to the Royal Tyrrell Museum alone makes it a worthwhile deal, given the museum’s extensive dinosaur exhibits. The guided aspect, praised by multiple reviewers like “very knowledgeable” guides who “explained each stop in detail,” adds educational value that’s hard to match with independent travel.

Transportation in a small, air-conditioned vehicle ensures comfort and a relaxed pace, with most reviews mentioning the driver’s friendliness and helpfulness. The small group size (limited to 14 participants) makes interactions more personal and allows for spontaneous questions or extra stops.

Highlights such as Horseshoe Canyon, Hoodoos, and the Dinosaur Museum are well-chosen to give you a broad sense of the area’s natural and historical significance, all within a manageable 10-hour window.

The Honest Balance

While most guests rave about the guided experience, some noted that the drive could benefit from more narration or audio commentary. This suggests that if you’re after a deeply narrated tour, you might need to bring your own audio guide or expect some moments of silence during the drive. However, for those who prefer a relaxed, flexible approach, the tour strikes a good balance.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This trip is perfect for families with kids, as the dinosaur exhibits and colorful landscapes inspire young imaginations. It’s also fantastic for photographers eager to capture dramatic rock formations and wide-open skies. Nature lovers will appreciate the scenic views and geological formations, while history enthusiasts enjoy the coal mine and interpretive signs.

The Sum Up: Who Should Book This Tour?

This Badlands Tour from Calgary offers a compelling mix of geology, paleontology, and history, making it an excellent choice for anyone wanting a comprehensive day trip. The included museum admission and the small-group setting add great value, while the stunning landscapes and iconic attractions keep it memorable.

If you’re after a well-organized, educational, and scenic experience that balances sightseeing with some downtime, this tour is a smart pick. It’s particularly suited for those who appreciate learning on the go, love snapping photos of unusual landscapes, and want to explore Alberta’s unique Badlands without the hassle of planning transportation or tickets.

For travelers who enjoy guided insights and hassle-free logistics, this trip delivers in spades. Just be prepared for a day of walking, exploring, and soaking in some of Canada’s most striking natural scenery.

FAQs

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, transportation is provided in a comfortable, air-conditioned van or SUV from Calgary and back, with pick-up and drop-off at designated locations.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 10 hours, including travel, sightseeing, and breaks.

Are tickets to the Royal Tyrrell Museum included?
Yes, admission to the museum is included in the price of the tour.

Can I visit the Atlas Coal Mine?
Tickets to the Atlas Coal Mine are not included but can be purchased separately if you want to explore this historic site.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, camera, sunscreen, a jacket, and a reusable water bottle are recommended for a comfortable day.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, especially since the stops like the Dinosaur Museum and Hoodoos are engaging for kids, and the small group size makes for a relaxed environment.

Are there any days when the museum is closed?
Yes, the Royal Tyrrell Museum is closed every Monday from September 1 to May 14, except on public holidays. When closed, the tour will visit the Last Chance Saloon instead.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to 14 participants, ensuring a more personalized experience.

This Drumheller day trip promises a rewarding glimpse into Alberta’s dramatic landscapes and prehistoric past. Whether you’re a geology buff, a history lover, or simply seeking beautiful scenery, this tour offers a well-rounded adventure you won’t forget.

You can check if your dates are available here: