Experience Drumheller

Visiting the Royal Tyrrell Museum is a “must-see” when in Drumheller, but many other attractions in the area provide remarkable experiences.

The World’s Largest Dinosaur

Step right up, folks, and see “The World’s Largest Dinosaur” in the heart of Drumheller. No, literally step right up – 106 steps to be exact. This fibreglass and steel model T. rex stands all of 86 ft (26.3 m) high and stretches out 151 ft (46 m) in length, approximately 4.5 times bigger than a life-sized T. rex. At the top of the 106 steps is a viewing area in the mouth of the dinosaur that can hold between 8 and 12 people at a time. worldslargestdinosaur.com

Fossil World Discovery Museum

Discover where the past comes to life. This unique museum is filled with animatronic dinosaurs and fossil specimens, which will excite all ages. Our museum features hand’s on programs for children where they can dig up a dinosaur and take home a piece of bone or another fossil or Pan for minerals from all over the world like they did in the Klondike. It also features a 4 level Dino climb Zone, Crayon Creation Station, Apple iPad Stations and Kids Dinosaur Cinema. This is the place where Dinosaur Fun Happens.

Photo Courtesy of Fossil World Discovery Museum

Dinosaur Valley Express Trolley and Star Mine Suspension Bridge

The Dinosaur Valley Express invites visitors to enjoy a guided tour on a unique 1920’s-style trolley ride. This exciting 3 hour adventure connects you with several local area attractions. Featured sites include the Star Mine suspension bridge, the hoodoos, and the vintage Last Chance Saloon. This familyfriendly saloon serves snacks and beverages, and The Bee’s Knees confectionary and the Sage Shoppe are just next-door. The Star Mine Suspension Bridge is a 384 ft long (117 m) pedestrian suspension bridge crossing the Red Deer River in Rosedale, just outside of Drumheller.

You cross 11 bridges once used to transport coal through local mining communities. This gauntlet of bridges actually holds the Guinness Book of World Records title as the most bridges found within the shortest distance! The Last Chance Saloon is family-friendly, serving snacks and beverages. The Bee’s Knees confectionary and the Sage Shoppe are just next-door. dinosaurvalleyexpress.com

Photo Courtesy of Dinosaur Valley Express Trolley

The Canadian Badlands Passion Play

Performed over six weekends in July and August, it is one of Canada’s largest annual outdoor theatrical events. Attendees are carried back 2000 years to witness the dramatic portrayal of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. All within an acoustically superb natural amphitheatre. The hundreds of actors and musicians performing this play are all volunteers, but they are incredibly talented and devoted. They race over hills in the set that would challenge a mountain goat, all while delivering their lines superbly. canadianpassionplay.com

Horseshoe Canyon and Horsethief Canyon

Offering stunning vistas and scenic hiking trails, the Horseshoe Canyon is located 17 km southwest of Drumheller along Hwy 9. This glacier-carved “U” shaped lookout is surrounded by golden prairie and is a must-see attraction. There is a pathway leading to steps to the east of the parking lot and lookout. Numerous unmarked trails allow hikers to explore the valley and maybe even discover a dinosaur or two! traveldrumheller.com/attractions/horseshoe-canyon/

The more secluded Horsethief Canyon, located about 18 km northwest of Drumheller, offers endless views of layers of rock carved out of the midst of yellow canola fields. Adventuresome souls can hike deep into the valley where horse thieves used to go to rebrand their stolen animals. Just be careful, there are no interpretive signs and it’s easy to get lost. traveldrumheller.com/attractions/horsethief-canyon/

Red Deer River Adventures

Renting kayaks and canoes for self-guided trips on the Red Deer River and surrounding area, they also offer guided tours ranging from 2 hours to a full day, which take you through an area of the river where you can enjoy badlands scenery as well as coal mining and fossil hunting history. In 2018, “escape room” style hikes, where you have to follow clues and solve a mystery, will be offered. reddeerriveradventures.com

Valley Doll Museum and Gift Shop & Jungling Works

At the Valley Doll Museum and Gift Shop, Linda Schuler has 1000 enchanting antique and vintage dolls displayed. For more information, visit the website: valleydollmuseum.com.

At nearby Jungling Works, Debra cites a friend’s challenge to share, rather than hoard, her many photographs of the natural beauties in and around Drumheller, as her inspiration for the gorgeous fashion accessories and home décor items imprinted with these images. All of which are featured in Debra’s store. junglingworks.com

Escape This!

Drumheller Drumheller’s first escape rooms feature local flair. You need to use your wits to foil a Prohibition era police raid, or crack the manager’s safe at the coal mine, or figure out where to locate a missing paleontologist before the night watchman catches you. escapethisdrumheller.com

Fourth Annual Badlands Boogie

This music festival is a labour of love to support “Save the East Coulee Truss Bridge Fund”. The East Coulee Truss bridge is the last one of its kind in all of Western Canada. The only other one like it is in Ontario and it is protected. It’s a railroad, single lane traffic, and pedestrian bridge that has been featured in many movies and music videos and is threatened with demolition. The 4th Annual Badlands Boogie, September Long Weekend 2018, will feature over 30 bands donating their time to help save the this historic bridge. The East Coulee School Museum and the Historic Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site are other must see attractions in East Coulee. facebook.com/Badlands-Boogie-888570684580048

By Dr. Shannon L. Tracey