Your Flash Intro to Drumheller, Alberta
Return to the prehistoric era when you enter Drumheller. Hidden in Alberta’s badlands is a small treasure trove of historic fossils. Hike the hoodoo trail, check out the history of the town rooted in ‘fossil fuels’ (ha) and tread where the dinosaurs once roamed under the widest sky you’ll see.
History at a Glance:
Once a homestead purchased by Samuel Drumheller, a townsite grew focusing on the mining and exportation of coal. And this happened back in 1911! Sadly, the economic boom that helped Drumheller grow substantially between the 1910s to the 1940s tapered off after World War 2 when the value of coal dropped dramatically. Of course, while you can visit the Coal Mine Historical Site, the humble roots of this city aren’t what it’s most known for. No, as most every child who climbed on a bus for a field trip knows, Drumheller is Alberta’s very own Jurassic Park (minus the running and screaming of course). While Dinosaur Provincial Park is a stone’s throw away, this is the place where you go to see history’s long forgotten rulers as close to “in the flesh” as we can.
Experiences
Don’t let its size fool you, Drumheller hosts something for everyone. Check out a plethora of indoor and outdoor activities and sites!
Royal Tyrrell Museum
Hiking (Check out Hoodoo Trail!)
Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site
Star Mine Suspension Bridge
Beriot Ferry
World’s Largest Dinosaur
Midland Provincial Park
Drumheller’s Guided Ghost Walk
East Coulee School Museum
Historical Downtown (with a variety of galleries and shops to peruse)
Pet Friendly?
Dogs are invited to enjoy many of the hiking trails around Drumheller, just make sure they’re leashed and have their tags! For their safety, that of your fellow hikers, and the conservation of the environment this is required. Also note that being in the badlands, keep an eye out for slithering fiends in the sand who could take a nip at a precocious pooch! This goes for humans too! Alberta is home to a variety of non-venomous snakes, but we do have rattlesnakes. Watch your ankles!
Always clean up after your pet whether you’re at camp or on the trail, and note that individual businesses will have their own animal rules in place on whether Fido can sit at the table or has to wait outside.
Camping Opportunities
Drumheller boasts several campgrounds in the surrounding area. Depending on where you want the easiest access to (Hoodoo Trail, Horsethief Canyon, Downtown) you have plenty of location and price options. Check out Travel Alberta https://www.travelalberta.com/ca/places-to-go/southern-alberta/drumheller/campgrounds/ for a full list and a variety of amenities and experiences.
Drumheller is a quiet retreat for the historically minded (or dinosaur enthused) with a gorgeous and unique landscape, so take a moment and feel the history of Alberta’s badlands.