From Calgary: Drumheller and Badlands Tour

Embark on an unforgettable journey from Calgary to the captivating Drumheller and Badlands region. This 11-hour tour offers a chance to explore the area’s stunning geological formations and rich industrial heritage. Priced at $150.44 per person, the tour includes admission to the Royal Tyrrell Museum and a delightful picnic lunch. With highlights like the Horseshoe Canyon Trail and the Atlas Coal Mine, this tour promises an immersive experience that will leave you eager to discover more.

About Your Stay

• This 11-hour journey from Calgary explores the scenic Drumheller and Badlands region, including the Horseshoe Canyon Trail, Hoodoos Trail, and a guided tour of the Atlas Coal Mine.
• The tour is priced at $150.44 per person and includes museum admission and a picnic lunch, with a minimum of 4 passengers required and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Highlights of the tour include the dramatic geological formations of the Horseshoe Canyon Trail, the captivating hoodoos of the Hoodoos Trail, and the historical insights of the Atlas Coal Mine.
• The itinerary includes stops at the Horseshoe Canyon Trail, Hoodoos Trail, a guided tour of the Atlas Coal Mine, and a 2-hour exploration of the Royal Tyrrell Museum.
• The tour offers an immersive experience in the region’s captivating geologic history, with opportunities to witness the raw power of nature and photograph breathtaking vistas.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The tour departs from the Calgary Tower, taking visitors on an 11-hour journey to explore the scenic Drumheller and Badlands region.

A scenic 11-hour journey from Calgary Tower to explore the captivating Drumheller and Badlands region.

Priced from $150.44 per person, the tour includes admission to the Royal Tyrrell Museum and Atlas Coal Mine, a picnic lunch, and transportation in a comfortable AC vehicle.

Highlights include the Horseshoe Canyon Trail, Hoodoos Trail, and a guided tour of the Atlas Coal Mine.

With a minimum of 4 passengers required, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins at the Calgary Tower, where guests embark on an 11-hour journey to explore the stunning Drumheller and Badlands region.

The first stop is Horseshoe Canyon Trail, followed by the Hoodoos Trail, both offering 20 minutes to capture the unique geological formations.

Next, guests tour the Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site for an hour-long guided exploration.

After lunch in Drumheller, the tour visits the Royal Tyrrell Museum, Canada’s renowned paleontology museum, for a 2-hour discovery.

The final stop is the Orkney Viewpoint, where guests can photograph the sweeping Badlands landscape.

Exploring the Horseshoe Canyon Trail

Guests start their Drumheller and Badlands exploration at the Horseshoe Canyon Trail, where they’ll find themselves immersed in the region’s striking geological formations.

The trail winds through a dramatic landscape of towering hoodoos, sculpted by wind and water over millions of years. As they walk along the 20-minute trail, visitors can marvel at the vibrant colors and unique shapes that characterize the Badlands terrain.

This hands-on experience allows them to appreciate the raw power of nature and gain a deeper understanding of the area’s captivating geologic history.

Discovering the Hoodoos

After exploring the Horseshoe Canyon Trail, guests venture towards the striking Hoodoos, a must-see attraction in the Badlands.

These unique rock formations, sculpted by wind and water over millions of years, stand tall against the dramatic landscape.

Visitors wander along the Hoodoos Trail, marveling at the towering, otherworldly spires that stretch up to 20 meters high.

The tour guide provides insights into the geological processes that created these natural wonders, encouraging guests to snap photos and soak in the breathtaking vistas.

The Hoodoos offer a captivating introduction to the Badlands’ remarkable geological features.

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Visiting the Atlas Coal Mine

Next, the tour group heads to the Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site. This designated National Historic Site offers a guided tour through the processing plant, providing a glimpse into the region’s coal mining history.

Visitors can:

1. Explore the underground mine tunnels and see the equipment used by miners.

2. Learn about the hazardous working conditions and the struggles of the coal mining community.

3. Discover the significance of this site in Canada’s industrial heritage.

4. Appreciate the scale and complexity of the coal mining operation through the interactive exhibits.

The tour at the Atlas Coal Mine is an informative and immersive experience, giving participants a deeper understanding of the region’s past.

Lunch Break in Drumheller

The tour then heads to Drumheller, where participants enjoy a 45-minute lunch break.

Situated along the Red Deer River, Drumheller offers numerous dining options. Travelers can explore the quaint downtown, grab a bite at a local cafe, or sample regional cuisine.

The lunch stop provides a chance to refuel and take in the town’s charming atmosphere before continuing the tour.

The lunch stop offers a chance to refuel and soak in Drumheller’s charming ambiance before resuming the Badlands expedition.

With ample time allotted, guests can leisurely enjoy their meal and stretch their legs before rejoining the group for the next leg of the Badlands adventure.

Exploring the Royal Tyrrell Museum

Visitors then embark on the highlight of the tour – a captivating 2-hour exploration of the renowned Royal Tyrrell Museum.

As Canada’s only museum dedicated to paleontology, it houses over 130,000 fossils, offering a fascinating glimpse into prehistoric life.

Guests can:

1. Marvel at the museum’s impressive collection of dinosaur skeletons, including the towering Tyrannosaurus Rex.

2. Discover ancient sea creatures and learn about the Badlands’ marine past.

3. Explore interactive exhibits that bring evolution and geological processes to life.

4. Attend live demonstrations by on-site paleontologists to deepen their understanding of this scientific field.

Capturing the Orkney Viewpoint

After exploring the Royal Tyrrell Museum, the tour heads to the Orkney Viewpoint, offering visitors a stunning panoramic vista of the Badlands’ iconic landscapes.

From this elevated vantage point, guests can marvel at the rugged, sculpted terrain that defines the Badlands region. Dramatic rock formations, deep canyons, and vibrant hues create a breathtaking scene that lends itself perfectly to photography.

The tour guide provides insightful commentary, highlighting the unique geological processes that shaped this otherworldly landscape over millions of years.

With 20 minutes allotted, guests can capture the Badlands’ essence through their lenses before continuing the journey.

Questions About Your Stay

Are There Any Restroom Facilities Available During the Tour?

Yes, there are restroom facilities available during the tour. Travelers can use the restrooms at the various stops, including the Atlas Coal Mine and the Royal Tyrrell Museum, to ensure their comfort throughout the day.

Can I Bring My Own Snacks and Drinks on the Bus?

The tour prohibits bringing personal food and drinks onto the bus. However, a picnic lunch and bottled water are provided as part of the tour. Passengers should refrain from consuming any outside snacks or beverages during the journey.

Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible. Closed-toe shoes are mandatory for the Atlas Coal Mine, and high-heeled shoes, sandals, weapons, intoxication, smoking, food, and drinks are prohibited in the vehicle.

How Much Space Is Available for Luggage on the Bus?

The tour provides limited space for luggage on the bus. Passengers are advised to pack light and bring only essentials, as storage space is primarily reserved for shared coolers and safety equipment. Additional fees may apply for excess baggage.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Unfortunately, the tour doesn’t offer an option to extend the duration. The 11-hour tour is fixed, covering the key highlights of the Drumheller and Badlands region. Extending the tour would require booking a separate, custom tour package.

Final Verdict On This Stay

This captivating tour from Calgary takes visitors on an unforgettable journey through the stunning Drumheller and Badlands region. Highlights include exploring the Horseshoe Canyon and Hoodoos trails, touring the Atlas Coal Mine, and experiencing the renowned Royal Tyrrell Museum. With a picnic lunch, this 11-hour adventure offers an immersive exploration of the area’s remarkable geology and industrial heritage, creating lasting memories in this breathtaking landscape.

You can check availability for your dates here: