Drumheller’s Badlands are a geological wonderland, home to the awe-inspiring Horseshoe Canyon and the renowned Royal Tyrrell Museum. Here, visitors can explore Canada’s largest dinosaur fossil collection and enjoy the Mesozoic Era. But the adventure doesn’t stop there – the nearby Hoodoos Trail offers a captivating display of unique rock formations that draw nature enthusiasts and photographers alike. With so much to discover, it’s no wonder Drumheller has become a must-visit destination for those seeking a dose of history, wonder, and outdoor exploration.
About Your Stay
- The tour provides a full-day experience exploring the natural wonders and rich history of the Drumheller region, including the Royal Tyrrell Museum.
- Visitors can hike and take scenic photographs at the Horseshoe Canyon, a unique geological formation in the Badlands of Alberta.
- The Royal Tyrrell Museum houses Canada’s largest collection of dinosaur fossils, offering interactive exhibits and insights into the Mesozoic Era.
- The Hoodoos Trail features moderate hiking opportunities to observe the distinctive rock formations that characterize the Badlands landscape.
- The tour also includes a stop at the CrossIron Mills Outlet, providing a chance for retail therapy and shopping among top brands and designer labels.
Tour Overview
For those seeking a comprehensive adventure from Calgary to the heart of Alberta’s Badlands, this full-day tour to Drumheller and the Royal Tyrrell Museum is an excellent choice.
Priced from $115.89 per person, the tour offers a blend of nature, history, and leisure activities, with hassle-free transportation and guided exploration.
Highlights include hiking the Horseshoe Canyon, immersing in the museum’s world-class dinosaur fossil collection, and capturing photos at the striking Hoodoos.
With the flexibility of free cancellation and a reserve now, pay later option, this tour provides a memorable day of discovery in the Canadian Rockies.
Museum hopping your thing? Check out these other cultural spots we've reviewed in Drumheller
Transportation and Meeting Points
The tour departs from two convenient starting locations in Calgary – the Best Western Premier Calgary Plaza Hotel & Conference Centre at 209 4 Ave SE.
Guests will travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned minibus or coach. Pickup and drop-off are available at selected locations, making it easy to join the tour.
The transportation ensures a smooth journey to explore the stunning Badlands and visit the highlights of the day.
Whether you’re coming from your hotel or another spot in the city, the tour has you covered with its flexible transportation options.
Horseshoe Canyon
After departing from the pickup locations, the tour makes its first stop at Horseshoe Canyon. Visitors have 30 minutes to explore this unique geological wonder. The canyon’s dramatic horseshoe shape and rugged terrain offer scenic hiking and photo opportunities.
| Horseshoe Canyon | | |
|——————-|——————-|——————-|
| Hiking Time | 30 minutes | |
| Main Attractions | – Scenic Overlooks | – Rugged Terrain |
| | – Photo Ops | – Horseshoe Shape |
Guests can marvel at the canyon’s layers of exposed rock, carved over time by the elements. This stop allows travelers to stretch their legs and enjoy the natural beauty of Alberta’s Badlands.
Royal Tyrrell Museum
Next, the tour takes visitors to the renowned Royal Tyrrell Museum, Canada’s largest dinosaur fossil collection.
Guests will spend 2 hours immersed in the museum’s rich history and impressive exhibits. They’ll marvel at the museum’s diverse collection of dinosaur skeletons, fossils, and interactive displays that bring the Mesozoic Era to life.
The museum’s knowledgeable staff is on hand to answer questions and provide insights. This stop offers a deep dive into Canada’s prehistoric past, leaving guests with a greater appreciation for the ancient creatures that once roamed the Badlands region.
More Great Tours NearbyLunch Stop
Following a morning of exploration at Horseshoe Canyon and the Royal Tyrrell Museum, the tour provides a 30-minute lunch stop at a local restaurant.
This is a chance for travelers to refuel and recharge before the next leg of the journey. The restaurant offers a variety of regional cuisine, allowing guests to sample some local flavors.
The brief lunch break is just long enough to enjoy a meal without interrupting the overall flow of the day’s activities.
The lunch break provides just enough time to refuel without disrupting the day’s itinerary.
With a full stomach, the group will be energized for the hike through the Hoodoos and shopping at CrossIron Mills.
Hoodoos Trail
The tour now ventures to the Hoodoos Trail, a captivating geological wonder.
These unique rock formations, carved by wind and water over thousands of years, dot the landscape in this part of the Badlands. Guests will have 30 minutes to explore the trail, taking in the dramatic shapes and colors of the hoodoos up close.
It’s a great opportunity for photo enthusiasts to capture the otherworldly scenery. The hike is moderate, with some uneven terrain, but well-marked paths make it accessible for most visitors.
Don’t miss this chance to witness Alberta’s remarkable natural beauty.
CrossIron Mills Outlet
After exploring the natural wonders of the Hoodoos Trail, the tour now takes guests to the CrossIron Mills Outlet.
This 2-hour stop allows visitors to indulge in some retail therapy at this impressive outlet mall.
With over 200 stores featuring top brands and designer labels, there’s plenty of opportunity to find great deals and unique items.
CrossIron Mills Outlet boasts over 200 stores with top brands and designer labels, offering an abundance of great deals and unique finds.
Whether you’re looking for clothes, accessories, homegoods, or gifts, the CrossIron Mills Outlet has a lot to offer.
It’s the perfect way to cap off the day with some leisure time and a chance to pick up souvenirs.
Customer Ratings and Reviews
Visitors have overwhelmingly positive things to say about this tour, with an overall rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars based on 18 reviews.
Travelers praise the transportation, rating it 4.2/5, and feel the tour offers great value for money, also at 4.2/5.
Couples, groups, solo travelers, and families alike have enjoyed the blend of nature, history, and leisure activities.
The live tour guide’s English and Chinese language skills are especially appreciated.
With scenic views, unique geological formations, and the impressive Royal Tyrrell Museum, this tour delivers a memorable day exploring the wonders of Drumheller.
Questions About Your Stay
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks on the tour. However, the tour price doesn’t include any meals, so you’ll need to pack your own lunch and snacks if you want to save money.
Is the Tour Suitable for Travelers With Mobility Issues?
The tour may not be the best fit for travelers with mobility issues. While the minibus/coach is accessible, the hiking activities at Horseshoe Canyon and Hoodoos Trail could be challenging. It’s recommended to check with the tour provider for more details on accessibility.
Can I Extend My Stay in Drumheller After the Tour?
Yes, travelers can extend their stay in Drumheller after the tour. The tour’s itinerary allows you to spend additional time exploring the area on your own. Just let the tour operator know if you’d like to stay longer in Drumheller.
Is There a Discount for Children or Seniors?
The tour company offers discounted rates for children and seniors. Children under 12 receive a 10% discount, while seniors (65+) can save 5% on the tour price. You’ll need to inquire about the specific discounts when booking your tour.
Can I Customize the Itinerary to Fit My Interests?
While the tour has a set itinerary, you can likely customize the experience to fit your interests. It’s best to contact the tour provider to discuss any adjustments or special requests you may have for the day.
Final Verdict On This Stay
Drumheller’s stunning natural wonders and the world-class Royal Tyrrell Museum make it an unforgettable destination. Visitors can explore the Horseshoe Canyon‘s dramatic landscapes, marvel at dinosaur fossils, and admire the unique Hoodoos formations. With convenient transportation and a lunch stop, this tour provides an immersive experience to discover Alberta’s Badlands. It’s no wonder Drumheller consistently earns high customer ratings and reviews.
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