What to Do on a Day Trip to Drumheller

This small city in the Canadian badlands is home to geological formations, dinosaur fossils and delicious sandwiches.

Illustration by Vanja Kragulj

 

Gawk at fossils at the Royal Tyrrell Museum

Arguably Drumheller’s most well-known attraction, the Royal Tyrrell Museum houses one of the largest dinosaur collections in the world. The museum features 13 exhibits showcasing everything from Alberta in the Cretaceous Period to jaw-dropping tyrannosaurus rex and triceratops remains. The museum also offers family-friendly activities like an Express Dig Experience or fossil casting.

Hwy. 838, Midland Provincial Park (6 km northwest of Drumheller), tyrrellmuseum.com

 

See a performance at the Badlands Amphitheatre

At this astonishing 2,500-seat natural amphitheatre, you can see outdoor plays, concerts, fireworks and other events. Perhaps best known as the site of the annual Badlands Passion Play depicting the life of Jesus Christ (running from July 6 to 21 this year), the huge outdoor stage will also host concerts by William Prince, Serena Ryder and Blue Rodeo, an outdoor adventure and music festival, and the 2024 Roots, Blues & Barbecue event.

605 17 St. S.W., 403-823-2001, badlandsamp.com

 

Sip Local Beer at Valley Brewing

Try Valley Brewing’s award-winning beer in the brewery’s 40-seat tasting room, which offers 14 beer and cider taps, or on its 75-seat patio if the weather is good. Choose from year-round flavours like the Capstone Pilsner or Prairie Icon Farmhouse Ale, or opt for one of the rotating seasonals.

242 3 Ave. W., 403-823-3823, valleybrewing.ca

 

Grab a Bite at Heller Good Sandwiches

Sandwiches are the name of the game at this funky and charming eatery, which serves an ever-changing selection (flavours have previously included Italian deli, cheese steak and Japanese cucumber) and a variety of sides. Pair your sandwich with some Drumheller-roasted Folk Drip Coffee or an Alberta-made craft soda.

323 Centre St., 403-823-2225, hellergood.ca

 

Explore the Willow Creek Hoodoos

Durmheller is home to one of Alberta’s most fascinating natural geological formations: the Willow Creek Hoodoos, which formed during the Cretaceous Period 70-to-75 million years ago. Head 15 minutes east of Drumheller along Highway 10 to see this Provincial Historic Resource that can be experienced via fenced pathways and lookout points.

Want more suggestions for the best things to do in Calgary? Sign up for our Weekender Newsletter.

This article appears in the July 2024 issue of Avenue Calgary.

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