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Drumheller

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Landmark
—°9
Drumheller (Canada)

Weather…

Drumheller is widely known as the "Dinosaur Capital of the World," situated in the striking landscape of the Canadian Badlands. This unique town in Alberta is set in the Red Deer River valley, surrounded by dramatic rock formations, deep coulees, and the famous towering hoodoos sculpted by wind and water over millennia. Visitors are instantly transported to a prehistoric era, making it a premier destination for paleontology enthusiasts. The centerpiece of any visit is the world-renowned Royal Tyrrell Museum, which houses one of the largest displays of dinosaur skeletons on the planet. Beyond the museum, the region gives incredible hiking trails through the otherworldly Badlands terrain, where you might even spot ancient fossils. You can also climb the World's Largest Dinosaur, a 26-meter-tall T-Rex model offering panoramic views of the valley. Historically a coal-mining town, Drumheller also features the Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site, providing a glimpse into its industrial past. The best time to visit is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is warm. Driving from Calgary takes about 90 minutes, making it an easy and unforgettable road trip.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-9-8-2511151917124-3-8
Rain mm151620355787575636222016

📋 Practical info

🚪
Visiting
The town of Drumheller is freely accessible, especially the Badlands and the Royal Tyrrell Museum. The museum has its own hours and charges admission.
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Typical hours
The Royal Tyrrell Museum is typically open daily from May to September, often closed or weekend-only in winter. Check exact times in advance.
📷
Photography
Photography is usually allowed in the Badlands landscape and inside the museum (no flash). Special exhibits may have restrictions.
⏱️
Time needed
Allow at least three hours for the Royal Tyrrell Museum, plus an hour for the nearby Hoodoos. A full day is well-suited.
Combine with
Combine the museum visit with the Hoodoos and Horseshoe Canyon. A drive along the Dinosaur Trail through the Badlands is also worthwhile.
🧭
Getting there
Drumheller is about a 1.5-hour drive northeast of Calgary. Access to the museum and attractions is well signposted.
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Insider tip
Visit the museum early in the morning to avoid crowds. Wear sturdy shoes for hiking in the Badlands terrain.

Geography

Population
8,430 (2025)
Coordinates
51.46361, -112.71944

Facts

  • Located in Alberta
  • Part of the Badlands
  • Royal Tyrrell Museum
  • Famous for Hoodoos
  • Dinosaur capital
  • Red Deer River valley
  • 8,000 residents
  • Coal mining history

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Drumheller (9)

The Little Church📍 landmark

Tiny non-denominational wooden church built in 1968, seating only 12 people, in the badlands.

Jewel Mine Historical Site📍 landmark

Former coal mine site with underground tours and a historic mining camp in the Drumheller valley.

🆓

Welcome to Wayne sign📍 landmark

Large roadside sign welcoming visitors to the ghost town of Wayne, with a vintage coal car display.

Homestead Antique Museum🏛 museum

Museum housed in a historic homestead building, showcasing pioneer antiques and farm tools.

Kaleidoscope Theatre🎭 culture

Community theatre offering live plays and musicals in a historic building on Main Street.

Fossil World Dinosaur Museum🏛 museum

Museum with an extensive collection of dinosaur fossils and replicas from the Alberta badlands.

🕒 Permanently closed

Royal Tyrrell Museum🏛 museum

A paleontology museum in Drumheller with one of the world's largest dinosaur fossil collections.

🕒 Tu-Su,PH 10:00-17:00💶

Midland Provincial Park🌿 nature

A nature reserve in Drumheller that is home to the Royal Tyrrell Museum.

Newcastle Beach🎡 recreation

Sandy beach along the Red Deer River in Drumheller, popular for swimming and paddleboarding.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Drumheller: where is it located?
Drumheller is located in Canada.
Drumheller: what is there to see?
Highlights include The Little Church, Jewel Mine Historical Site, Welcome to Wayne sign.
Drumheller: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Drumheller: why is it worth visiting?
Drumheller is widely known as the "Dinosaur Capital of the World," situated in the striking landscape of the Canadian Badlands.
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