Where’s Drumheller? Reaching Alberta’s Badlands Gem

AJ Fry


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Find out where Drumheller is and how to get to Alberta’s Badlands gem from Canada, the U.S., and beyond with this ultimate travel guide.

Where is Drumheller? Reaching Alberta’s Badlands Gem

Nestled in the heart of Alberta’s Badlands, Drumheller is a one-of-a-kind destination that hooks travelers with its wild landscapes, fossil-packed history, and small-town charm. Just 90 minutes northeast of Calgary, this “Dinosaur Capital of the World” boasts the Royal Tyrrell Museum, the World’s Largest Dinosaur, and eerie hoodoos that look straight out of a sci-fi flick. Whether you’re a Canadian road-tripper chasing prairie vistas or an international adventurer hunting prehistoric thrills, getting to Drumheller is a journey worth taking. This Drumheller travel guide walks you through how to reach this Badlands gem from the West Coast of Canada, the Yukon, the Northwest Territories, the East Coast, the United States, and far-flung international spots. Buckle up—here’s your roadmap to dino country!

Getting to Drumheller from Canada’s West Coast

Driving Through Mountains and Prairies

Starting from Canada’s West Coast—say, Vancouver or Victoria—the trek to Drumheller is a 1,000-kilometer (620-mile) odyssey, clocking in at 10-12 hours without stops. Take the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) east through British Columbia’s stunning Rocky Mountains. You’ll roll past Kamloops’ dry hills and Banff’s jaw-dropping peaks—perfect pit stops for a coffee or a photo. From Calgary, it’s a quick 135-kilometer (84-mile) jaunt northeast on Highway 2, then east on Highway 9 or 56 into Drumheller’s Badlands embrace. That final leg takes about 1.5 hours, winding through golden prairies into rugged coulees. Gas up in Calgary—fuel gets scarce closer to town.

Public Transit from the Coast

Not up for driving? Greyhound Canada’s gone, but FlixBus or Rider Express can get you from Vancouver to Calgary in 14-16 hours, with tickets at $80-$150 CAD. Expect a comfy ride with stops in Revelstoke or Golden. From Calgary, public transit to Drumheller is slim—rent a car at YYC (about $40-$60 CAD/day) or book a shuttle like Drumheller Taxi & Tours for $150-$200 CAD. It’s a hassle-free way to hit the Badlands without wrestling mountain passes yourself.

Tips for West Coast Travelers

Spring and fall bring mild weather and fewer crowds—ideal for driving. Summer dazzles with lush prairies and mountain blooms, but winter’s icy roads demand caution (pack chains!). Stop in Canmore for a quick bite or Banff’s hot springs to break the trip. You’ll roll into Drumheller ready to tackle hoodoos or Tyra the T-Rex.

Traveling from the Yukon to Drumheller

The Northern Road Trip

From Whitehorse, Yukon, Drumheller’s a hefty 2,300 kilometers (1,430 miles) southeast—a 24- to 28-hour drive best split over 2-3 days. Head down the Alaska Highway (Highway 1) through the Yukon’s wilds into British Columbia. At Fort St. John, hook onto Highway 97 south to Prince George, then east on Highway 16 to Edmonton. From there, it’s 280 kilometers (174 miles) southeast on Highway 2 and 21 to Drumheller. The route’s paved and scenic, passing Dawson Creek’s Mile Zero and Grande Prairie’s rolling fields—fuel up there, as stretches get lonely.

Flying from the Yukon

Flying cuts the trek to hours. Air North runs flights from Whitehorse to Calgary (via Vancouver or Edmonton) for $300-$500 CAD one-way, taking 4-6 hours with a layover. Land at Calgary International (YYC), grab a rental car, and drive 1.5 hours to Drumheller—or book a shuttle for a stress-free ride. It’s pricier but beats battling northern highways.

Yukon Travel Tips

Summer’s your window—long daylight and milder temps make the drive a breeze. Watch for moose or bears crossing; they own these roads too. Pack snacks, water, and a spare tire—services can be 200 kilometers apart. Winter’s a beast with snow and dark days—fly if you’re not a pro.

From the Northwest Territories to Drumheller

Driving the Northern Wilds

From Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Drumheller’s 1,800 kilometers (1,120 miles) south—a 20- to 24-hour haul through untamed terrain. Take Highway 3 south to the Alberta border, where it turns into Highway 35. Roll through High Level, then southeast on Highway 58 and 2 via Edmonton to Highway 21 into Drumheller. It’s a mix of pavement and gravel, so a rugged ride like an SUV helps. Rest in Peace River or Edmonton—both have gas and motels.

Flying from the NWT

Canadian North and WestJet zip from Yellowknife to Calgary for $250-$450 CAD, a 2.5-3-hour flight. From YYC, rent a car or snag a shuttle to Drumheller—135 kilometers, 1.5 hours. It’s the quick way to swap northern tundra for Badlands coulees.

NWT Travel Notes

Winter’s brutal—snow, ice, and short days make driving dicey; summer’s safer. Cell service drops in the boonies—bring a GPS or satellite phone. Stock up in High Level; it’s a lifeline before the long haul to Edmonton.

Reaching Drumheller from Canada’s East Coast

The Cross-Canada Haul

From Halifax, Nova Scotia, Drumheller’s a massive 4,300 kilometers (2,670 miles)—a 40- to 45-hour drive across Canada’s breadth. Take the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 2, then 1) west through New Brunswick’s forests, Quebec’s St. Lawrence valley, and Ontario’s lake country. Hit Winnipeg’s prairies, then Alberta’s Highway 9 or 56 from Calgary to Drumheller. It’s an epic 5-7 day road trip—stop in Fredericton, Quebec City, or Regina to recharge.

Flying from the East Coast

WestJet and Air Canada fly direct from Halifax (YHZ) to Calgary for $200-$400 CAD one-way, a 5.5-hour hop. From YYC, drive or shuttle the final 135 kilometers to Drumheller. It’s the fast track to dino land without the cross-country grind.

East Coast Tips

Fuel’s pricier in rural spots—budget $1.50-$2 CAD/liter. Summer’s busy but snow-free; spring or fall cuts crowds. Stretch your legs in Winnipeg—FortWhyte Alive’s a cool nature break before the Prairies flatten out.

Coming from the United States

Driving Across the Border

From the U.S., Drumheller’s a northern treasure. Seattle’s 850 kilometers (530 miles) away; Minneapolis, 1,500 kilometers (930 miles). From Seattle, take I-90 east to I-82, then I-15 north through Montana, crossing at Sweetgrass/Coutts into Alberta. Follow Highway 2 to Calgary, then east to Drumheller. From Minneapolis, hit I-94 west to I-29 north, crossing at Portal, North Dakota, then Highway 39 and 1 to Calgary, finishing with the Drumheller leg. Passports are a must—border waits can hit 30 minutes in summer.

Flying from the U.S.

From hubs like Seattle (SEA), Denver (DEN), or Chicago (ORD), United, Delta, or WestJet fly to Calgary for $150-$350 USD one-way, 2-4 hours. From YYC, rent a car or shuttle to Drumheller—1.5 hours. It’s the easy way to skip border hassles.

U.S. Travel Advice

Check Canadian insurance coverage for your car. U.S. cell plans might roam—grab a $10 CAD SIM at YYC. Summer’s peak; book hotels early—Drumheller fills up fast.

International Travel to Drumheller

Flying Globally

For international folks, Calgary (YYC) is Drumheller’s gateway. Flights from London, Frankfurt, Tokyo, or Sydney land here via British Airways, Lufthansa, or Air Canada—$800-$1,200 CAD round-trip from London, 9 hours. From YYC, rent a car (Avis, Hertz, ~$50 CAD/day) or book a shuttle to Drumheller—135 kilometers, 1.5 hours. It’s your launchpad to the Badlands from afar.

Overland from Borders

Already in North America? Drive from the U.S. (see above) or bus/train via Amtrak/FlixBus to Calgary, then shuttle or rent to Drumheller. It’s slower but scenic if you’re stateside or in Mexico first.

International Tips

Check Canada’s ETA/visa rules—most need an ETA ($7 CAD). Currency’s CAD—exchange at YYC or use cards. Jet lag’s real; crash in Calgary before hitting Drumheller’s trails.

Getting Around Drumheller Once You’re There

Local Moves

Once you’ve landed in Drumheller, a car’s king—rentals from YYC or local spots like Enterprise run $40-$60 CAD/day. Downtown’s walkable—hit the World’s Largest Dinosaur or Bernie’s burgers on foot. Taxis like Drumheller Taxi exist, but they’re pricier ($10-$20 CAD/trip). No buses here—it’s small-town style.

Badlands Exploration

Drive to the Royal Tyrrell (6 kilometers north), hoodoos (15 minutes east), or Horseshoe Canyon (17 kilometers west). Roads are good, but gravel kicks in off-highway—watch your tires. Gas up downtown; stations are sparse in the coulees.
Drumheller’s rugged beauty, dino riches, and Badlands charm make every mile worth it. Whether you’re rolling through Canada’s wilds, flying from afar, or crossing borders, this guide’s got your route. Pack for the season, fuel up, and dive into a destination where prehistoric meets present—Drumheller’s calling!
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. 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!