Ticket Hall

Exclusive Drumheller Private Tour from Calgary

5.01 reviewAtlas Coal Mine National Historic Site

  • 10 hours
  • Free cancellation up to 24h before
  • Guided in English
  • Instant confirmation

Highlights

Start your day with a scenic 1.30 hours drive from Calgary to Drumheller, where Alberta’s prairies transform into the dramatic canyons of the Badlands. Your first stop is Horseshoe Canyon, a breathtaking U-shaped valley with layered cliffs and hiking trails. Next, visit the world-renowned Royal Tyrrell Museum, home to one of the largest collections of dinosaur skeletons, and enjoy a short hike on the Badlands Interpretive Trail. Stop by the tiny yet Little Church before heading into town to see the 26m-tall World’s Largest Dinosaur. Stroll Drumheller’s Downtown Plaza for shops and snacks, then enjoy lunch at a local café. In the afternoon, explore the Hoodoos Trail with its iconic mushroom-shaped rock formations and visit the historic Star Mine Suspension Bridge. If time allows, discover the Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site. Conclude with a scenic sunset drive back to Calgary.

Inclusions

What's included

  • Bottled Water & Soft Drinks.
  • Royal Tyrrell Museum Admission Tickets.
  • Transportation provided in a comfortable, air-conditioned Van or SUV.
  • Pick-up and drop-off from selected locations.
  • Professional Tour Guide.

What's not

  • Food.
  • Gratuities (optional).
  • Atlas Coal Mine Admission Tickets (Available for purchase online or On-Site.).

Itinerary

  1. Horseshoe Canyon, Drumheller – Located just outside Drumheller, Horseshoe Canyon is a stunning U-shaped valley carved into the prairie, revealing striking layers of sandstone, mudstone, and coal. Often called the “gateway to the Badlands,” it offers breathtaking views, unique geology, and a glimpse into millions of years of natural history.

    40 min

  2. World’s Largest Dinosaur – Drumheller – Standing 26 meters (86 feet) tall, this giant Tyrannosaurus rex is an iconic landmark in Drumheller. Visitors can climb 106 stairs to its mouth for a panoramic view of the town and surrounding Badlands, making it a fun and unique stop for all ages.

    20 min

  3. Located in the heart of Alberta’s Badlands, the Royal Tyrrell Museum is Canada’s leading paleontology museum and a must-visit for dinosaur enthusiasts. It houses one of the world’s largest collections of dinosaur fossils, with over 160,000 specimens and dozens of complete skeletons on display. Visitors can journey through 3.9 billion years of Earth’s history, from ancient marine life to the age of the dinosaurs, through immersive galleries and interactive exhibits. Highlights include life-size reconstructions, fossil preparation labs, and captivating displays that bring prehistoric creatures to life. The museum also offers educational programs, fossil digs, and breathtaking views of the surrounding Badlands landscape, making it an unforgettable stop for both families and science lovers.

    2 hAdmission included

  4. Nestled in the heart of the Canadian Badlands, Drumheller is world-famous for its striking landscapes, rich fossil beds, and deep ties to prehistoric history. Known as the “Dinosaur Capital of the World,” this small town is home to the Royal Tyrrell Museum, the World’s Largest Dinosaur, and numerous fossil discovery sites. The surrounding Badlands feature dramatic hoodoos, canyons, and layered rock formations that reveal millions of years of geological history. Visitors can explore scenic drives, hiking trails, historic coal mining sites, and unique attractions that blend natural beauty with cultural heritage. Drumheller offers a perfect mix of adventure, education, and small-town charm, making it a must-visit destination for travelers of all ages.

    40 min

  5. The Little Church in Drumheller is one of the smallest churches in the world and a unique local landmark. Built in 1968, this charming wooden church attracts visitors from around the globe. Despite its tiny size, the church is fully functional and can seat a few people at a time. Its simple design and peaceful setting make it a lovely spot for photos and quiet moments. Visitors often stop here to admire the craftsmanship, learn about its history, and enjoy the quirky character that makes Drumheller special. It’s a short but memorable stop during any Drumheller tour.

    15 minAdmission included

  6. Built in 1931 for coal miners working at the nearby Star Mine, this 117-meter (384-foot) pedestrian suspension bridge spans the Red Deer River and offers a unique glimpse into Drumheller’s coal mining past. Originally used by miners to cross from the town of Rosedale to the mine site, the bridge is now a popular attraction for visitors seeking a mix of history, scenery, and a little thrill. As you walk across, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the river, surrounding Badlands cliffs, and the remnants of the historic mining community. It’s a short but memorable stop that combines local heritage with natural beauty.

    20 min

  7. The Hoodoos Trail showcases some of the most unique and iconic rock formations in the Canadian Badlands. Hoodoos are tall, thin spires of rock topped with a harder stone cap that protects them from erosion. Formed over millions of years through the natural processes of wind and water, these otherworldly formations rise dramatically from the surrounding landscape, creating a striking and photogenic scene. Located just a short drive from Drumheller, the trail offers easy access, interpretive signs explaining the geology, and opportunities to explore the area up close. A visit here provides both a natural wonder and a glimpse into the forces that shaped Alberta’s Badlands.

    40 min

  8. Located in East Coulee, just outside Drumheller, the Atlas Coal Mine is one of the best-preserved examples of an early 20th-century coal mining operation in Canada. Designated a National Historic Site, it offers a fascinating look into Alberta’s coal mining heritage through guided tours, original buildings, and authentic equipment. Visitors can explore the iconic wooden tipple—the last of its kind in the country—walk through underground tunnels, ride in a coal car, and learn about the lives of miners who worked in challenging conditions. Surrounded by the rugged Badlands landscape, the site blends industrial history with striking scenery, making it a unique and educational stop for history lovers and curious travelers. Note : (Seasonal : Opens from May to Oct every Year)

    1.3 h

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.

Reviews

5.0

  • 51
  • 40
  • 30
  • 20
  • 10

Ratings come from 1 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.

Know before you go

Pickup
Pickup is included for everyone.
Ticket type
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Operated by
Banff Trip Planner Inc.
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

How it compares in Calgary

  • Its from-price is 724% above the median of the 556 experiences we list in Calgary.
  • Its length is typical for the group.
  • By number of reviews it ranks 299 of 556.
  • The operator lists free cancellation on it.

About Calgary

Calgary is the Alberta city where the prairies meet the Rocky Mountain foothills, a place of rodeo traditions, river pathways and big-sky sunshine.

Calgary sits on the Bow and Elbow rivers, with the snowy Rockies visible to the west on clear days. The Calgary Tower, from 1968, is the older landmark of a skyline now crowded with glass towers, and Fort Calgary marks the Mounted Police post that started the town in 1875. Prince's Island Park and the curving Peace Bridge are favourite spots along the river, and Heritage Park recreates an early prairie settlement.

Top-ranked sights in Calgary: Calgary Tower, Wonderland Sculpture, Calgary Stampede.

See all 556 experiences in Calgary

Special offers in Calgary

Was/now prices come from the operator, never from us.

Similar experiences

Hop-on hop-off in Calgary

1 / 6

Three steps to add it

Plan with AIYour trip, day by day