- Top Attractions
- See & Do
- Eat & Drink
- Hotels
- Apartments
- Vacation Rentals
- Bed & Breakfasts
- Villas
Why Visit Drumheller
Drumheller's 100-year history, shaped by coal mining and unique badlands geology, defines its distinct architecture. The Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site preserves early structures. The Hoodoos offer striking natural forms, showcasing what is Drumheller famous for.
Amidst the unique Alberta Badlands and Red Deer River, the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology, with over 130,000 fossils, is among top attractions in Drumheller. Hike through Horseshoe Canyon's dramatic landscape. Enjoy evening badlands views, a key Drumheller tourist guide recommendation.
Drumheller's local life centers on its unique landscape. Fossil-hunting tours offer a genuine hands-on experience in the badlands. Discover local artisan crafts at independent shops, reflecting the region's geological finds. Summer brings outdoor markets with local produce and unique souvenirs.
- DrumhellerCanada
- DrumhellerCanada
- DrumhellerCanada
- DrumhellerCanada
Quick Travel Essentials
- Apr-Junmild, blooming landscapes, fewer crowds
- Jul-Aughot, peak tourist season
- Sep-Octcooler, colorful fall foliage, fewer crowds
- Wintercold, occasional snow
- #ComfortableShoes
- #Layers
- #SunHat
- #ReusableWaterBottle
- #Camera
- #Binoculars
- 2-4 days for highlights
- 5-7 days with side trips
- Canadian Dollar (CAD)
- English & French
- Both are official languages
- #RoyalTyrellMuseum
- #HorseshoeCanyon
- #DrumhellerValley
- #World'sLargestDinosaur
- #AtlasCoalMine
- #ReptileGardens
- Explore fossil exhibits
- Hike in the badlands
- Take a guided tour of the canyon
- Visit the dinosaur park
- Drive along the scenic routes
Things to do in Drumheller
Discover
Browse things to do in Drumheller, featuring the Royal Tyrrell Museum, Hoodoos, and Horseshoe Canyon. These Drumheller attractions showcase extraordinary landscapes and rich paleontological history.
Experience
For things to experience in Drumheller, enjoy hiking at Dinosaur Provincial Park, participate in cultural events, or explore the scenic trails. Outdoor activities and local festivals add dynamic vibrance to your visit.
Royal Tyrrell Museum
Paleontological museum hosting impressive fossil collections.
Hoodoo Trail
Unique rock formations offering stunning photo opportunities.
Horseshoe Canyon
Breathtaking canyon views and hiking opportunities.
Badlands Amphitheatre
Natural outdoor venue hosting plays and concerts, notably the Passion Play.
Star Mine Suspension Bridge
Historic footbridge over the Red Deer River in the Rosedale area.
World's Largest Dinosaur
Giant Tyrannosaurus Rex structure with an observation deck in its mouth.
Before You Arrive
Getting There
To reach Drumheller, fly into Calgary International Airport (YYC). The drive to the city takes 1.5 hours by rental car. For non-drivers, pre-booked private shuttle bus or taxi services are available.
Getting Around
The small city center is great for walking. However, car rental in Drumheller is essential for exploring the Badlands attractions. Public transport (municipal buses) does not exist here. Drumheller shuttle bus and taxi must be arranged privately.
Local Essentials
For Drumheller travel tips for first-timers, plan ample time to reach attractions as driving in Drumheller is the only way to get around the region. Parking is typically ample, and almost all shops/restaurants accept card payment.
Where to Stay in Drumheller
Where to Eat and Drink
Celebrate
For traditional food in Drumheller, try the hearty bison stew and rich butter tarts. Dining typically features a casual atmosphere with friendly service, perfect for families. Explore local cuisine in Drumheller to savor genuine flavors.
Enjoy
Try O'Shea's Eatery for simple, satisfying American comfort food, or unwind at Vintage Tap House, one of the best bars in Drumheller, with a lively ambiance. Don't forget top cafes in Drumheller like Black Mountain Roasters for a delightful coffee.
O'Shea's Eatery And Ale House
Casual pub fare with a cozy vibe; book ahead for busy nights.
Athens Greek Restaurant
Mediterranean dishes served with warm hospitality, reserve ahead.
Bernie & The Boys Bistro
Quick bites and Canadian comfort food, casual seating available.
Maddy's Chicken
Delicious chicken meals in a casual setting, popular with locals.
Events & Festivals
Celebrate
Drumheller honors its prairie roots with rodeos, heritage fairs, and community festivals surrounded by stunning badlands. These Drumheller cultural activities are a must-see glimpse into Alberta's proud frontier past.
Enjoy
From outdoor concerts and art walks to dinosaur-themed events and summer film nights, there are plenty of things to experience in Drumheller. Each celebration blends creativity, adventure, and the town's one-of-a-kind landscape.
Loud As Hell Open Air Metal Festival
August outdoor metal fest with fierce riffs, mosh & full-throttle energy.
Go Badlands
An indie rock festival featuring local and national bands.
East Coulee SpringFest
Two-day music festival every May in East Coulee with 30+ acts.
Apple Festival
Autumn festival with apples, cider, hayrides, and country fun.
Roots, Blues & BBQ
An August event featuring blues and roots music artists.
Festival of Lights
Winter kickoff in Drumheller with lights, rides, Santa & family fun.
Badlands at their absolute best
The hoodoos along Hoodoo Trail are just wild to see in person. Nothing quite prepares you for how strange and beautiful the landscape looks. Great spot for anyone who loves the outdoors.
Dinosaur fans, this is your place
The Royal Tyrrell Museum is genuinely one of the best natural history museums I have visited. The dinosaur skeletons are massive and the exhibits are really well put together. Kids and adults both loved it. The drive through the valley getting there is stunning too.
A road trip stop that totally delivered
We swung through on a road trip and ended up staying two extra nights. The Canadian Badlands scenery is unlike anything else. Walking through the coulees felt almost unreal. Small town but has what you need.
Unique landscape worth every km of driving
Drove out from Calgary and it was absolutely worth it. The Red Deer River valley views just keep getting more dramatic as you get closer. Drumheller itself is a quirky little town with a lot of character. The World's Largest Dinosaur in the middle of town made us all laugh - you can climb up inside it!
So much better than just a day trip
Spent a few days here and it never felt like enough. The hoodoos, the Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site, and the general weirdness of the landscape kept things interesting. It is a small town but the people are super welcoming and the local diners serve solid comfort food.
Incredible geology, great for photography
As someone who loves landscape photography, Drumheller is a dream. The light on the badlands in the late afternoon is something else. Horseshoe Canyon was a highlight - the scale of it catches you off guard. Quiet, peaceful, and totally photogenic.