Drumheller (Dinosaur Valley) & Horseshoe Canyon 1-Day Tour

Uncover the captivating prehistoric wonders of Alberta’s Badlands on this immersive 1-day tour. Departing from Calgary, travelers embark on a journey through time, exploring the renowned Royal Tyrrell Museum and searching for dinosaur fossils amidst the stunning rock formations. Led by knowledgeable bilingual guides, this small-group adventure offers an informative and engaging experience that’s sure to leave you in awe of Canada’s ancient past. With lunch and admission fees included, all you need to do is sit back, relax, and prepare to be transported to a world millions of years in the making.

Good To Know

• This 10-hour guided tour takes visitors to explore the Badlands of Drumheller, including the Royal Tyrrell Museum, dinosaur bone searching, and the stunning Horseshoe Canyon.
• The tour includes air-conditioned transportation, a bilingual guide, museum admission, lunch, and gratuities, with a maximum group size of 25 travelers.
• Highlights of the experience include learning about the region’s paleontological heritage, observing unique rock formations like hoodoos, and immersing in the dramatic prehistoric landscapes.
• Reviews are mixed, with positive feedback on the informative stops and museum exhibits, but some criticisms about the bus ride comfort and guide commentary.
• The tour may not be fully accessible for wheelchair users due to uneven terrain, and visitors are recommended to bring their own reusable water bottles.

Tour Overview

The tour, titled "Drumheller (Dinosaur Valley) & Horseshoe Canyon 1-Day Tour," is a full-day excursion from Calgary, Canada, rated 4.0 out of 5 stars based on 17 reviews.

It’s ideal for nature and science enthusiasts, as well as families, with a maximum group size of 25 travelers.

The 10-hour tour includes admission to the Royal Tyrrell Museum, lunch, and the opportunity to search for dinosaur bones and explore unique rock formations.

While some reviewers enjoyed the informative aspects and variety of stops, others found the experience lacking, citing issues like discomfort during the bus ride and insufficient time at the museum.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour package includes a range of amenities to enhance the experience.

Travelers can expect an air-conditioned vehicle, bilingual tour guide service, and gratuities. Plus, the tour fee covers admission to the Royal Tyrrell Museum, lunch, and traffic accident insurance.

However, personal expenses and travel insurance aren’t included.

The tour departs from the Coast Calgary Downtown Hotel & Suites at 8:00 AM, with the meeting point located there as well.

To minimize waste, the tour doesn’t provide bottled water, so participants are encouraged to bring their own reusable bottles.

Highlights of the Experience

Exploring the Drumheller Badlands and Horseshoe Canyon, travelers embark on a captivating journey through Canada’s prehistoric past. The tour offers an opportunity to search for dinosaur bones, immersing visitors in the region’s rich paleontological heritage. Visitors can marvel at the unique rock formations, including the iconic hoodoos and the dramatic Horseshoe Canyon. The highlight of the experience is the in-depth exploration of the renowned Royal Tyrrell Museum, where interactive exhibits and informative narratives bring the dinosaur era to life.

Experience Highlights
Search for Dinosaur Bones	Explore Unique Rock Formations	Visit the Royal Tyrrell Museum
Uncover the region’s paleontological wonders by looking for fossils.	Admire the captivating hoodoos and the grandeur of Horseshoe Canyon.	Explore the interactive exhibits and learn about the prehistoric era.

Customer Feedback and Ratings

Customers have provided mixed reviews about the Drumheller and Horseshoe Canyon tour. While some enjoyed the informative aspects and variety of stops, others found the experience lacking.

Common criticisms included discomfort during the bus ride, insufficient time at the Royal Tyrrell Museum, and the quality of the guide’s commentary.

However, positive remarks highlighted the beauty of the Badlands, engaging museum exhibits, and friendly guides.

Some key points to consider:

• Tour may not be wheelchair accessible
• Infants must sit on laps
• Bring a reusable water bottle as bottled water isn’t provided
• Renting a car may offer a more personalized experience

Accessibility and Recommendations

The tour may not be fully accessible for wheelchair users, as the itinerary includes exploring uneven terrain and hiking in the Badlands.

However, infants can be accommodated, as they’ll need to sit on laps during the tour.

To minimize waste, the tour doesn’t provide bottled water, so it’s recommended to bring a reusable water bottle.

For those who’d like to spend more time at specific attractions, renting a car may be a more personalized option, especially for the Royal Tyrrell Museum and the hoodoos.

Departure Time and Meeting Point

The tour departs at 8:00 AM from the Coast Calgary Downtown Hotel & Suites, located at 610 4 Ave SW in Calgary, Alberta.

This early start time ensures travelers have a full day to explore the stunning Dinosaur Valley and Horseshoe Canyon. The meeting point is conveniently situated downtown, making it easily accessible for participants.

Key details to note:

• Maximum group size is 25 travelers
• Gratuities and transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle are included
• Admission to the Royal Tyrrell Museum is part of the tour experience
• Lunch is provided during the full-day excursion

Group Size and Pricing

Maximum group size for this tour is capped at 25 travelers, providing an intimate experience as participants explore the Drumheller and Horseshoe Canyon region.

Priced from $561.55 with a lowest price guarantee, the tour includes GST, air-conditioned transportation, bilingual guide services, gratuities, and admission to the Royal Tyrrell Museum. Lunch is also provided as part of the package.

While the tour may not be wheelchair accessible, infants can accompany their parents by sitting on their laps. Guests are encouraged to bring their own reusable water bottles, as bottled water isn’t supplied to reduce waste.

Taking in the Badlands

Venturing into the Badlands, the tour whisks travelers through a geological wonderland sculpted by millions of years of erosion.

Visitors can enjoy the stark beauty of the region, from the towering hoodoos to the meandering canyons.

The itinerary includes:

• Exploring the unique rock formations and fossils that dot the landscape
• Hiking through the Horseshoe Canyon, marveling at the layered sedimentary walls
• Trekking along trails in search of hidden dinosaur bones or other prehistoric relics
• Visiting the renowned Royal Tyrrell Museum, home to an impressive collection of fossils and exhibits.

This experience offers a captivating glimpse into the ancient history etched into the Badlands’ rugged terrain.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Types of Dinosaur Fossils Can I Expect to See?

On this tour, visitors can expect to see a variety of dinosaur fossils, including those from the Cretaceous period, such as Tyrannosaurus rex, Triceratops, and Edmontosaurus. The Royal Tyrrell Museum houses an impressive collection of these prehistoric remains.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour operator doesn’t offer an option to extend the duration, but visitors can consider renting a car to explore the attractions at their own pace and spend more time at the Royal Tyrrell Museum or other sites.

Can I Bring My Own Lunch or Snacks on the Tour?

Yes, travelers can bring their own lunch or snacks on the tour. The tour does not provide bottled water, so a reusable water bottle is recommended to minimize waste.

Are There Any Child-Friendly Activities on the Tour?

The tour has several child-friendly activities, including searching for dinosaur bones and exploring unique rock formations like canyons and hoodoos. The Royal Tyrrell Museum also offers interactive exhibits that engage children’s interest in paleontology and dinosaurs.

Is There an Opportunity to Purchase Souvenirs at the Museum?

The tour includes admission to the Royal Tyrrell Museum, which has a gift shop where visitors can purchase souvenirs and educational materials related to dinosaurs and the Badlands region. Guests are free to browse and shop during their museum visit.

The Sum Up

This immersive 1-day tour offers a unique opportunity to explore Canada’s prehistoric past. Visitors will discover the wonders of the Drumheller Badlands, from the renowned Royal Tyrrell Museum to searching for dinosaur bones amidst stunning rock formations. With knowledgeable guides, included lunch, and a small group size, this adventure provides an informative and memorable experience for anyone interested in the fascinating world of dinosaurs.