From Calgary: Canadian Badlands Private Geological Tour

Exploring the stunning Canadian Badlands from Calgary offers a unique geological adventure. For $628.02 per group, travelers can embark on a private, full-day tour that showcases the region’s captivating landscapes and rich history. With stops at iconic sites like Horseshoe Canyon and the Royal Tyrrell Museum, this tour promises an immersive experience. While the itinerary covers remarkable natural wonders, it also delves into the area’s mining past, leaving visitors with a comprehensive understanding of this remarkable destination.

Key Points

• This private geological tour from Calgary explores the stunning Canadian Badlands, including Horseshoe Canyon, Hoodoos, and the Atlas Coal Mine.
• The tour is priced at $628.02 per group, with a maximum of 1 group and a duration of 1 day.
• Highlights include visiting the Royal Tyrrell Museum, known for its extensive fossil and dinosaur exhibits.
• Inclusions cover hotel pickup/drop-off, private transportation, and bottled water, while entrance fees and gratuities are excluded.
• The tour allows for customization based on selected attractions, providing a comprehensive exploration of the region’s natural and industrial history.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Canadian Badlands Tour is a private geological adventure from Calgary that explores the stunning natural landscapes of the Canadian Badlands.

Priced from $628.02 per group, the tour has a maximum of 1 group and lasts for 1 day. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, and customers can reserve their spot without upfront payment.

The tour includes hotel pickup/drop-off and private transportation, with bottled water provided. However, entrance fees, food, and gratuities are excluded.

Based on 5 reviews, the tour has an overall rating of 4.8/5, with positive feedback on the guide’s expertise and informative nature.

Itinerary Highlights

Pickup location for the tour is Calgary, and the first stop is Horseshoe Canyon Trail, where visitors spend about 30 minutes exploring the unique rock formations.

The tour begins in Calgary, with the first stop at Horseshoe Canyon Trail for a 30-minute exploration of its unique rock formations.

Next, the tour heads to Drumheller for a 15-minute photo stop.

The group then visits the Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site, spending 1.5 hours learning about its history.

Hoodoos Trail is the following stop, where visitors can admire the distinctive rock formations for 30 minutes.

The tour then stops at the World’s Largest Dinosaur for 15 minutes before heading to the Royal Tyrrell Museum, where visitors can spend 2 hours (extra fee).

The final stop is The Little Church.

Key Attractions

Exploring Drumheller Provincial Park and the Canadian Badlands offers visitors a unique geological adventure.

The tour includes stops at several key attractions. At Horseshoe Canyon and the Hoodoos, guests will marvel at the striking rock formations carved by wind and water.

The Atlas Coal Mine, a National Historic Site since 2002, provides a glimpse into the region’s rich mining past.

The highlight for many is the Royal Tyrrell Museum, Canada’s only paleontology museum with over 130,000 fossils, including T-Rex, Stegosaurus, and Triceratops specimens.

Key attractions include:

1. Horseshoe Canyon and Hoodoo rock formations

2. Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site

3. Royal Tyrrell Museum and its extensive fossil collection

Inclusions and Exclusions

As part of the Canadian Badlands tour, the package includes hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as private transportation and bottled water.

However, entrance tickets to the attractions, such as the Royal Tyrrell Museum, aren’t included in the tour price. Plus, guests are responsible for covering their own food, drinks, and gratuities during the excursion.

The tour give you a comprehensive exploration of the Canadian Badlands, while allowing visitors to customize their experience by selecting which attractions they’d like to visit during the allotted time.

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Horseshoe Canyon Trail

The Horseshoe Canyon Trail offers visitors a captivating glimpse into the remarkable geology of the Canadian Badlands.

This 30-minute stop allows guests to explore the dramatic, sweeping vistas of the canyon, carved by the Red Deer River over millennia.

Key highlights include:

1. Towering hoodoos, sculpted by wind and water into fantastical shapes.

2. Exposed rock layers that reveal the region’s ancient past, with fossils and sedimentary deposits.

3. Panoramic views of the undulating, rust-colored landscape that epitomizes the Canadian Badlands.

This scenic trail provides a perfect introduction to the geological wonders that await further exploration on the tour.

Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site

Following the tour’s exploration of the dramatic Horseshoe Canyon, visitors arrive at the historic Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site.

This former coal mine, designated a National Historic Site in 2002, offers a glimpse into Canada’s coal mining past. Visitors can explore the site’s underground tunnels, peruse the mining equipment and exhibits, and learn about the challenging work of coal miners.

The guided tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours, providing a comprehensive understanding of the mine’s history and operations.

The guided tour offers a comprehensive understanding of the mine’s history and operations in just 1.5 hours.

With its well-preserved structures and insightful exhibits, the Atlas Coal Mine offers a captivating look into an important chapter of Canadian industrial history.

Hoodoos Trail

Next, the tour continues along the Hoodoos Trail. These striking geological formations, sculpted by wind and rain, are a highlight of the Canadian Badlands.

Hoodoos are tall, thin spires of rock that resemble totem poles. Visitors can explore the trail and marvel at the unique landscape:

1. The hoodoos range in height from a few meters to over 20 meters tall.

2. They’re composed of soft sandstone capped by harder rock, which protects the underlying material from erosion.

3. The trail offers panoramic views of the Badlands’ rugged terrain, carved by the Red Deer River.

Royal Tyrrell Museum

The Royal Tyrrell Museum, Canada’s only paleontology museum, boasts an impressive collection of over 130,000 fossils, including the remains of iconic dinosaurs like T-Rex, Stegosaurus, and Triceratops.

Visitors can explore the museum’s extensive exhibits, which provide a captivating journey through prehistoric times. Interactive displays and hands-on activities offer a unique educational experience, allowing guests to learn about the evolution of life on Earth.

With its state-of-the-art facilities and knowledgeable staff, the Royal Tyrrell Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the rich paleontological history of the Canadian Badlands.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Minimum Group Size Required for the Tour?

The minimum group size for this tour is 1. The pricing is listed as "From $628.02 per group, maximum 1 group", indicating the tour can be booked by a single person.

Are There Any Additional Stops Besides the Ones Listed in the Itinerary?

The itinerary includes a specific list of stops, and there’s no mention of any additional stops beyond those listed. The tour seems to focus on the key attractions in the Canadian Badlands region.

Are the Entrance Fees for the Attractions Negotiable or Discounted?

The entrance fees for the attractions are not negotiable or discounted, as they are set by the respective sites. The tour price covers private transportation and guide services, but does not include admission fees to the listed landmarks.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Accommodate Specific Interests or Needs?

The tour can be customized to accommodate specific interests or needs. Travelers can request adjustments to the itinerary and discuss any requirements with the tour operator prior to booking.

What Is the Dress Code or Recommended Attire for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have a strict dress code, but comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy walking shoes are recommended. Layers are advised, as the Badlands’ temperature can fluctuate throughout the day.

The Sum Up

This private geological tour from Calgary to the Canadian Badlands offers a unique opportunity to explore the region’s remarkable geology, history, and natural wonders. With a focus on iconic sites like Horseshoe Canyon, the Atlas Coal Mine, and the Royal Tyrrell Museum, the tour provides a comprehensive and immersive experience for those seeking to discover the captivating landscapes that define this remarkable area.

You can check availability for your dates here: