Alberta Badlands - Family Day Trip to Drumheller, Alberta
Dinosaur Capital of the World
located in the Badlands of Drumheller, Alberta
Ninety minutes from Calgary, AB is the town of Drumheller. It is also known and the Dinosaur Capital of the World.
Recently our son who LOVES dinosaurs got to attend the camp of his dreams, Badlands Science Camp. It was though the Royal Tyrrell Museum in Drumheller, Alberta. He was able to experience being a paleontologist for an entire week. On pick up, we decided to check out all the sites of Drumheller.
So after all missed hugs and a good amount of smothering mother-love, we hopped in the car to check out some sites!
Since we were already at the Royal Tyrrell Museum, a must-see if you are in Drumheller, we started here. The admission prices are so reasonable $48 for a family (including two adults and all children). Plan on spending two or three hours here depending on which activities you choose. I highly recommend Fossil Casting, Raptor Assembly and Express Dig. If you have more time I would add on Dinosite, a 90-minute hike searching for fossils and real dinosaur remains. After all the fun exploring the museum, we decided on the next four activities. We decided due to time we would check out
Canada’s Largest Dinosaur ~ Drumheller, AB
Suspension Bridge ~ Rosedale, AB
11 Bridges to Wayne ~ Wayne, AB
Horseshoe Canyon ~ 17 KM outside of Drumheller on Highway 9
Towering high over the town centre is Worlds Largest Dinosaur. Climb all 106 steps (for a price) to the top of this T-Rex, you will get an incredible view of the town, and it’s glorious surroundings. After you have climbed down and back into the gift shop, check out the artifact and pick up a souvenir.
8.5KM from Downtown is Rosedale and the Lone Star Mine Suspension Bridge. Built in 1931 for the booming mining of Wayne, AB. An excellent stop for lunch, looking for fossils and exploring, hiking and even fishing.
6km from Rosedale is Wayne, AB. or known as the 11 bridges to Wayne. An interesting fact is that this town is in the Guinness Book of World Records for the most bridges per distance. Drive and discover all 11. If you are hungry, you can always stop at Last Chance Saloon (est. 1913). The town of Wayne used to be home to more than 3000 people and now is ghostly with about 40 residents. Shanghai Noon was filmed at the Rosedeer Hotel. So this town may be small but famous!!
So with a tired camp kid in the car, we decided to make a short but sweet stop at Horseshoe Canyon. Scenic hiking trails and stunning vistas await for you at Horseshoe Canyon, a must-see for me in when travelling to Drumheller. The endless views and layers of rocks are stunning. If you are planning an overnight in Drumheller, I would stop for a sunset; it is breathtaking. Who knows maybe you will even discover a dinosaur or find a fossil on one of the endless trails.
We would love to hear about some of your must-see attractions in Drumheller or Alberta!
From our Suitcase to yours, Happy Travels.
