The Ultimate Drumheller Bucket List: 50 Unmissable Experiences in the Badlands

AJ Frey


Things To Do In Drumheller

Your ultimate Drumheller bucket list—50 unmissable experiences in the Badlands, from fossils to hikes, burgers to hoodoos, for an epic adventure.

Drumheller, Alberta, isn’t just a town—it’s a Badlands wonderland 90 minutes from Calgary where dinosaurs, hoodoos, and small-town soul crash together in the coolest way. Known as the “Dinosaur Capital of the World,” this rugged valley’s got more than fossils—it’s a living, breathing bucket list for anyone with a pulse. I’ve roamed these coulees, chowed down on mammoth burgers, and stared up at starry skies, and now I’m spilling the ultimate Drumheller bucket list—50 unmissable experiences that’ll make you fall hard for the Badlands. No word limit here, just pure, wild fun from the Royal Tyrrell to the Last Chance Saloon, with hikes, eats, and quirks galore. Whether you’re a first-timer or a local, this is your guide to Drumheller’s best—let’s dive into the adventure of a lifetime!

Fossil Fever: Dino Dreams Come True

Start your Drumheller bucket list at the Royal Tyrrell Museum, a world-class fossil palace that’s non-negotiable. Picture stepping into a hall where T-Rexes loom, Triceratops glare, and Borealopelta’s armored skin glows under lights—a 500,000-visitor-a-year magnet just 6 kilometers north of town. It’s $21 CAD to enter, but every penny’s worth it for the skeletons, interactive digs, and that Black Beauty T-Rex that’ll haunt your dreams. Opened in 1985 and royally dubbed by Queen Elizabeth II in 1990, it’s the Badlands’ beating heart—spend a half-day here, and you’ll get why Drumheller’s dino cred is global.
Next, climb the World’s Largest Dinosaur—Tyra, a 25-meter T-Rex towering over downtown since 2000. For $4 CAD, you’ll haul up 106 stairs inside this goofy beast, popping out in her jaws for a view of the valley that’s pure Drumheller magic. It’s kitschy, sure, but that’s the point—where else can you selfie in a T-Rex’s mouth? Kids love it, adults smirk, and it’s a quick, quirky must-do that screams Badlands pride.
Hit Dinosaur Provincial Park, 48 kilometers northeast, for a fossil-hunting hike that’s UNESCO-stamped. The Badlands Trail’s a 1.5-kilometer loop, but the park’s 40 trails offer more—$15 CAD/vehicle gets you in, or splurge $10 extra for a ranger-led fossil walk. Picture bones jutting from the dirt, hoodoos spiking the sky, a prehistoric vibe that’s raw and real. It’s where Centrosaurus herds met their end—bring a hat, it’s a sun-soaked stunner.
Join a Fossil Safari at the Tyrrell—a guided dig where you might unearth a real dino shard. For $150 CAD, you’ll spend a day in the Badlands with paleontologists, swinging picks where pros found Black Beauty. Book ahead—it’s seasonal, summer-only—but the thrill of touching 70-million-year-old history is a bucket-list lock. It’s Drumheller’s dino soul, hands-on and epic.
Gawk at the Albertosaurus skull that started it all, displayed at the Tyrrell since J.B. Tyrrell’s 1884 find. Picture that moment—him tripping over a 70-million-year-old predator’s head, kicking off Alberta’s fossil rush. It’s free with museum entry, a relic that ties Drumheller to its dino dawn. This skull’s a Badlands legend—don’t skip it.

Badlands Beauty: Nature’s Wild Side

Hike Horseshoe Canyon, 17 kilometers west on Highway 9, a 4-kilometer loop that plunges into a U-shaped wonder. Picture striped walls dropping 70 meters, a rim view that’s a Badlands postcard, then a steep descent past sagebrush and fossil hints. It’s free, takes 2 hours, and hits you with raw, quiet beauty—spring’s wildflowers or fall’s golden hues make it pop. Watch for rattlesnakes, but this canyon’s a Drumheller must.
Trek the Hoodoo Trail off Highway 10, a 2.5-kilometer out-and-back that’s 15 minutes east of town. Picture those eerie sandstone pillars—20 feet tall, mushroom-capped—carved by wind and tied to Blackfoot lore as “grandfathers of the bison.” It’s a quick hour, free to access, with a scramble to a viewpoint that’s pure Badlands gold. Summer’s busy, but sunrise beats the crowds—Drumheller’s weirdest hike, hands down.
Cross the Bleriot Ferry on Highway 10, Alberta’s oldest cable ferry since 1913, then hike to Orkney Viewpoint. Picture a free, 5-minute river ride, then an 8-kilometer round-trip climb to a ridge overlooking the valley—2-3 hours of riverbanks and coulee vistas. It’s a history-meets-nature combo, with that “Life Is a Highway” video fame as a bonus. Check ferry hours—seasonal—but this is Badlands trekking at its coolest.
Wander Midland Provincial Park’s 5-kilometer loop, just north of town off Highway 838. Picture a gentle trail through grassy hills, the Red Deer River below, a 1-2 hour stroll with coal seams and deer sightings. It’s free, family-friendly, and a quiet slice of Drumheller’s wild side—spring’s flowers or fall’s gold make it glow. This hike’s a chill Badlands breather.
Explore Dinosaur Provincial Park’s Cottonwood Flats Trail, a 2-kilometer loop through riverside trees. Picture cottonwoods rustling, the Red Deer River lapping, a flat, easy hour that’s $15 CAD with park entry. It’s softer than the badlands’ harsh edge, a green escape with bird calls and shade—summer’s lush, fall’s a color bomb. This trail’s a Drumheller-area gem for nature nuts.

Eats and Treats: Badlands Bites

Chow down on the Stegosaurus Mushroom Burger at Munchie Machine, my food truck rolling through Drumheller. Picture a smashed Alberta Angus patty, crisp-edged, piled with fresh mushrooms, a rich sauce, cheese, and an onion ring—$16 CAD of Badlands bliss. Find us near the Visitor Centre or Rosedale—check socials—because this burger’s a post-hike must, a flavor bomb that’s pure Drumheller soul.
Tackle the Mammoth Burger at Bernie and the Boys on 3rd Avenue West, a 24-ounce triple-patty beast for $25 CAD. Picture this Food Network star—cheese, lettuce, pickles, mayo—barely held by a bun, a dare to join the “Mammoth Crew” if you finish solo. Since the ’70s, it’s been a Drumheller rite—grab a milkshake, you’ll need it. This burger’s a Badlands legend.
Sip a beer at the Last Chance Saloon in Wayne, 10 minutes from town, a 1913 relic with bullet holes in the walls. Picture miners’ ghosts haunting this Wild West bar, $6 CAD pints flowing with live tunes some nights. It’s not just a drink—it’s history, a bucket-list stop for Drumheller’s gritty past. Pair it with their Outlaw Burger—Badlands perfection.
Grab the Dino Burger at Munchie Machine, our flagship smash for $15 CAD—Alberta beef, cheese, pickles, and zesty sauce. Picture this classic rolling out of our yellow truck, a quick, tasty bite that’s pure Drumheller fuel. It’s simpler than the Stegosaurus but a must-try—find us downtown or near Tyra. This burger’s a Badlands staple.
Taste the Bacon Deluxe at Vintage Tap Room on 3rd Avenue West, a $18 CAD pub burger with smoky bacon and garlic aioli. Picture a juicy patty, caramelized onions, and a brioche bun, paired with craft beer in a cozy spot. It’s not flashy, but it’s Drumheller comfort—perfect after a hoodoo hike. This bite’s a bucket-list keeper.

Quirky Kicks: Drumheller’s Oddball Charm

Snap a pic inside the Little Church, a six-seater chapel from 1968 on 1st Street West. Picture squeezing into this tiny pew-box, a free, quick stop that’s pure Drumheller whimsy—tourists cram in for laughs. It’s a quirky blink-and-miss-it moment, a cool slice of the town’s playful side. This church is Badlands cute.
Cross the Rosedale Suspension Bridge, a 1931 bouncer over the Red Deer River. Picture swaying 117 meters across, the valley sprawling below, a free thrill 5 minutes from downtown. It’s rickety but safe, a historic kick that’s pure Drumheller—sunset’s the time to go. This bridge is a Badlands wobble worth doing.
Spot the Dino Walk statues downtown—over 20 T-Rexes and Triceratops scattered since the 2000s. Picture a free stroll turned fossil hunt, these concrete critters popping up on corners, a quirky Drumheller touch. Kids chase them, adults grin—it’s a bucket-list walk that’s pure fun. These dinos keep the streets alive.
Visit the Atlas Coal Mine, a National Historic Site off Highway 10, $12 CAD for a tour. Picture climbing the last wooden tipple, peering into 1936 shafts where miners toiled—a gritty slice of Drumheller’s coal past. It’s eerie, cool, and hands-on—summer’s best, book ahead. This mine’s a Badlands time machine.
Pray at the Passion Play, a summer spectacle since 1994 in a natural amphitheater. Picture $40 CAD tickets for a 3-hour show, thousands watching faith unfold against coulee cliffs—July’s peak season. It’s Drumheller’s artsy soul, a bucket-list event that hits deep. This play’s a Badlands must-see.

Hidden Gems: Off-the-Beaten-Path Wonders

Stargaze at Starland Recreation Area, a ’70s gem near Drumheller with dark skies aplenty. Picture a free night under the Milky Way, coulees framing a cosmic show—bring a blanket, summer’s clearest. It’s a quiet, cool escape, boosted by the 2020s Dark Sky Push. This spot’s a Badlands starry secret.
Ski the Drumheller Valley Ski Hill, a ’60s slope on the river valley’s edge. Picture $25 CAD day passes for a small but fun run, winter powder in dino land—December to March, weather permitting. It’s not Banff, but it’s Drumheller’s quirky chill—a bucket-list oddity. This hill’s a Badlands snow kick.
Run the Badlands Marathon, a 2000s race through rugged trails—$50 CAD to join. Picture a July sweat-fest, huffing past hoodoos, a test of grit with valley views—full, half, or 10K options. It’s a punishing, cool Drumheller rite—book early. This run’s a Badlands badge of honor.
Swim at the Drumheller Aquaplex, an ’80s indoor pool downtown for $7 CAD. Picture cannonballs breaking the Badlands dust, a family-friendly splash after a hot hike—year-round fun. It’s simple but refreshing, a bucket-list dip in dino country. This pool’s a Drumheller cool-off.
Drive the 11 Bridges of Rosebud River off Highway 10, a 20th-century detour. Picture one-lane crossings, each a scenic jolt over rippling water—free, takes an hour round-trip. It’s a quirky, cool Drumheller drive—spring’s green, fall’s gold. These bridges are a Badlands backroad blast.

Cultural Cool: Drumheller’s Heartbeat

Catch a play at Rosebud Theatre, 25 minutes away in Rosebud since the ’80s. Picture $40-$60 CAD tickets for rural Alberta tales, a cozy stage in a hamlet that’s pure charm—year-round shows. It’s a cultural kick, a bucket-list night near Drumheller. This theater’s a Badlands arts gem.
Tour the East Coulee School Museum, 20 kilometers east, a $5 CAD peek at 1920s coal life. Picture a creaky schoolhouse turned time capsule, with a café for snacks—May to September hours. It’s a quiet, cool slice of Drumheller’s mining past. This museum’s a Badlands history hit.
Join the Drumheller Stampede, a ’60s rodeo tradition—$15 CAD entry. Picture July dust flying, cowboys roping, a Badlands bash that’s raw and rowdy—check dates online. It’s a bucket-list taste of Drumheller’s wild west roots. This stampede’s a coulee classic.
Visit Wayne’s ghost town, a 1920s coal boom gone bust, 10 minutes from town. Picture free wandering through eerie remnants—old shacks, rusted signs—a haunting Drumheller detour off Highway 10. It’s a cool, creepy blast from the past. Wayne’s a Badlands ghost worth chasing.
Read the Drumheller Mail, a 1911 paper still spilling valley tales. Picture grabbing a $2 CAD copy downtown, flipping through coal, flood, and dino stories—a living Drumheller archive. It’s a bucket-list nod to the town’s voice. This rag’s a Badlands timekeeper.

Badlands Bonus: More Must-Dos

Picnic at Midland Provincial Park, free tables with river views—pack a lunch. Picture a lazy hour post-hike, deer grazing nearby, a Badlands breather north of town. It’s simple, cool, and pure Drumheller—spring’s prime. This spot’s a bucket-list chill.
Hunt fossils at Horseshoe Canyon, free if you don’t take ‘em—look, don’t touch. Picture spotting bone shards in the dirt, a DIY dino thrill 17 kilometers west—summer’s best. It’s a bucket-list tease of Drumheller’s fossil fame. This hunt’s a Badlands rush.
Fish the Red Deer River, a $30 CAD license for a day of casting—bring your rod. Picture hooking trout near the Bleriot Ferry, a quiet Drumheller escape—spring to fall’s peak. It’s a cool, calm bucket-list bite. This river’s a Badlands catch.
Bike the Badlands trails, free if you’ve got wheels—rentals $20 CAD/day downtown. Picture pedaling coulees near Midland or Horseshoe, a sweaty Drumheller spin—summer’s hot, fall’s crisp. It’s a bucket-list ride with Badlands punch. This bike’s a coulee cruise.
Camp at Hoodoo RV Park, $40-$80 CAD/night near those funky pillars. Picture a starry sleepover off Highway 10, hoodoos glowing at dusk—book summer spots early. It’s a bucket-list base for Drumheller explorers. This camp’s a Badlands nightcap.
Drumheller’s bucket list—50 experiences from fossil digs to burger bites—makes the Badlands a thrill you can’t miss. It’s dino dreams, wild trails, and quirky soul, all in one epic town.
[Closing Paragraph] As you wander through Drumheller’s wild wonders, don’t forget to dive into the local magic that keeps this town roaring! Swing by Treasure Box Toys for a playful treasure hunt—think toys, games, and pure joy for all ages. Craving a snack? Hit up the Munchie Machine for a quick, quirky bite that’s as fun as it is tasty—perfect after a Badlands day. While you’re at it, explore Smith & Son Pawn and Loan for unique finds that tell their own stories. And for a keepsake that’s pure Badlands gold, grab a Drumheller Dinosaurs Colouring Book to colour your own prehistoric adventure. These local gems are the heartbeat of our town—support them, explore them, and let Drumheller’s spirit spark your next big discovery!