Drumheller: The Dinosaur Capital of the World

Drumheller is the dinosaur capital of the world! Located just 1.5 hours east of Calgary, you'll be transported to another planet filled with canyon hikes, real dinosaur fossils, rock formations and more.

A view of Horsehsoe Canyon from the top of the canyon — A view of Horsehsoe Canyon

Drumheller highlights:

Drumheller is the literal dinosaur capital of the world and home to the world famous Royal Tyrrell Museum.
The world's largest dinosaur statue is in Drumheller.
Drumheller's Dinosaur Trail Golf & Country Club offers a round of golf on another planet.
Drumheller is famous for its annual outdoor Passion Play which uses the natural landscape to portray the story of Jesus's life.
Famous landmarks: Horseshoe Canyon, Horsethief Canyon, the Hoodos and The Little Church.

Specific intel about Drumheller

Is Drumheller kid-friendly?

Yes! Many parts of Drumheller are geared specifically to kids as it's the dino capital of the world! Drumheller is the perfect destination for families with young kids.

Can you view all of Drumheller in a day?

Which city is Drumheller closest to?

Map of Drumheller

The World's Largest Dinosaur

This giant T-Rex is right in the middle of Drumheller. Tickets are cheap to climb the inside of the dino all the way to the top where you can look out over Drumheller from the dino's mouth.

A view from the mouth of the world's largest dinosaur in Drumheller, Alberta — A view from the mouth Drumheller's giant T-Rex

Horseshoe and Horsethief Canyons

These two canyons are a must-see when you're in Drumheller. The history behind these canyons are fascinating and, yes, REAL dinosaur fossils can be found here! Both canyons can be hiked down at the bottom or just viewed from the top. There are designated parking areas for both.

A view from the top of the stairs leading down into Horseshoe Canyon in Drumheller, Alberta

Horesethief Canyon is the lesser known and less-busy canyon of the two. If you're visiting the Royal Tyrell Musuem, this canyon is located very close by!

A view of Horsethief Canyon in Drumheller, Alberta

The Royal Tyrrell Museum

The Royal Tyrrell Museum is the world's foremost dinosaur museum. The life-like displays are second to none and the actual (real) fossil collection is out of this world! Tickets can be bought ahead of time (recommended). A must-see for all ages.

A stegosaurus fossil display at the Royal Tyrrell Museum

Wooly mammoth fossil exhibit at the Royal Tyrrell Museum

The Hoodoos

DISCLAIMER: The Hoodoos in Drumheller can be extremely underwhelming. While they appear in most web searches to be a vast field of rock formations, the pictures below show the actual size and number of the famous Hoodoo stop in Drumheller.

Despite the over-hype (false advertisement?) of the hoodoos in Drumheller, these rock formations are still a neat place to stop and view. The extensive parking lot has vendors, washrooms and the site overall is very kid-friendly. While both adults and kids enjoy climbing all over the hoodoos, don't expect any hiking.

A view of the hoodoos in Drumheller, Alberta — The hoodoos in Drumheller

A view of the hoodoos in Drumheller — The hoodoos in Drumheller

Drumheller's other gems

Below are a few more of of Drumheller's best kept secretes. There is something in this little town for everyone.

The Little Church

Drumheller's Little Church is famous for "seating 10,000 people - 6 at a time." It's always open to the public and free to enter.

The Badlands Passion Play

This play is an annual tradition in Drumheller and its performed on Canada's largest outdoor stage. The play has a limited run of weekends in July. You can buy tickets to the 2024 Badlands Passion Play here.