Road Trip from Calgary to Drumheller: A Dinosaur-Filled Day in Alberta’s Badlands

If you're looking for the perfect Alberta day trip packed with jaw-dropping views, prehistoric wonders, and quirky roadside attractions, look no further than a road trip from Calgary to Drumheller. In just 90 minutes, you can trade downtown towers for hoodoos, canyons, and the world’s largest dinosaur. Whether you're in it for adventure, history, or a killer milkshake, this drive delivers big time.

Here’s your ultimate guide to making the most out of your day on the road!

Route Overview

• Start: Calgary, Alberta

• End: Drumheller, Alberta

• Distance: ~135 km (~84 miles)

• Drive Time: ~1.5 hours (without stops)

• Best Time to Go: May to October

  
  

Morning: Hit the Road from Calgary

Kick things off bright and early around 8:00 AM. Grab a coffee and a breakfast sandwich from your favorite local spot, then head east on Highway 1, eventually merging onto Highway 9. As you leave the city behind, the landscape flattens into golden prairie — and just wait until it drops into the rugged Badlands.

Stop 1: Horseshoe Canyon – Alberta’s Mini Grand Canyon

First up is Horseshoe Canyon, just before Drumheller. This stunning U-shaped canyon looks like something out of a sci-fi movie. The layered rock formations stretch out in every direction, creating a surreal landscape that begs to be photographed.

Take a short trail down into the canyon for an easy hike or just soak in the views from the lookout. Either way, it’s the perfect place to stretch your legs and snap some Instagram-worthy shots.

🕒 Time here: 30–45 minutes

Stop 2: The World’s Largest Dinosaur

Welcome to Drumheller! And yes, that giant T-Rex towering over the town is exactly what it looks like — a massive, climbable dinosaur. You can actually walk up inside and peek out from behind its teeth for a panoramic view of downtown.

The town is dino-themed to the max, with dozens of dinosaur statues dotted along the streets. It’s goofy, fun, and totally worth a few selfies.

🕒 Time here: 30 minutes

Stop 3: Royal Tyrrell Museum – Dinosaur Heaven

No trip to Drumheller is complete without a visit to the Royal Tyrrell Museum. This world-class museum is home to one of the largest displays of dinosaurs on the planet. Wander through life-sized fossil exhibits, interactive displays, and ancient history that’s equal parts educational and jaw-dropping.

Outside, don’t miss the Badlands Interpretive Trail, a quick walk that brings you face to face with the real terrain where many of the fossils were found.

🕒 Time here: 2–3 hours

🎟️ Pro tip: Book tickets online in advance, especially in summer.

Lunch Time in Drumheller

After all that dino exploring, it’s time to eat! Here are a few top picks:

• Sublime Food & Wine – for a sit-down meal with local, seasonal flair

• Bernie & The Boys Bistro – famous for its towering burgers and creamy milkshakes

• Cafe Ole – a cozy, artsy café perfect for sandwiches, lattes, and relaxing vibes

🕒 Time here: 1 hour

Stop 4: Hoodoos Trail – Rock Formations Like No Other

Just a short drive from town, the Hoodoos Trail showcases some of the most iconic rock formations in Alberta. These weird, mushroom-shaped columns were formed by erosion over millions of years — and they’re just plain fun to explore.

The trail is short and easy, but the views are something else. It's like walking through a natural sculpture garden made by time and wind.

🕒 Time here: 30–45 minutes

Optional Stop: Atlas Coal Mine – A Glimpse Into the Past

Want to dig a little deeper into Drumheller’s history? Head to the Atlas Coal Mine, one of the best-preserved industrial heritage sites in Canada. You can tour the historic wooden tipple, explore underground tunnels, and learn about the gritty life of a miner in the early 1900s.

🕒 Time here: 1 hour📍 Distance from Drumheller: ~20 mins

Optional Stop: The Last Chance Saloon in Wayne

If you’re into offbeat detours, this one’s for you. Drive over 11 one-lane bridges to the tiny hamlet of Wayne, home of the legendary Last Chance Saloon. It’s an old-timey bar full of vintage relics, ghost town charm, and great snacks. Perfect for a cold drink before heading home.

🕒 Time here: 45 minutes📍 Distance from Drumheller: ~15 mins

Evening: Return to Calgary

After a day of canyons, fossils, burgers, and bridges, head back to Calgary — ideally with a camera full of photos and a head full of prehistoric wonder. The drive back takes about 1.5 hours, making it easy to return before dark (or stick around and catch a Badlands sunset if you’re staying overnight).

🧳 What to Pack

• Comfortable walking shoes

• Sunscreen and a hat (the Badlands sun is no joke)

• A reusable water bottle

• Snacks for the road

• Camera or phone with space for lots of photos

• A light jacket or hoodie for cool canyon breezes

  
  

Final Thoughts

The Calgary to Drumheller road trip is one of Alberta’s most iconic and accessible adventures. Whether you’re a dinosaur nerd, a nature lover, or just someone looking for an unforgettable day out of the city, this trip hits all the right notes. It’s scenic, educational, quirky, and totally unique — just the way we like our road trips.

Ready to hit the road? Happy Wandering!