If you’re dreaming of stepping into a landscape filled with fossils, rugged canyons, and ghost-town stories, this full-day tour of Drumheller might just be your ticket. Offered by Rewild Adventures, it promises a well-rounded experience blending culture, geology, and history—all squeezed into 12 hours.
From the world-renowned Royal Tyrrell Museum, which boasts impressive dinosaur displays, to the wild, eroded beauty of Horseshoe Canyon, this trip hits key highlights that will appeal to anyone curious about Canada’s prehistoric past and rugged landscape. Two things we especially like about this tour are its focus on authentic local sites—especially the Last Chance Saloon in Wayne—and the chance to see some of the most striking scenery in the Badlands.
That said, it’s worth noting that some might find the long day a bit packed, especially if you prefer a more leisurely pace or want to explore the sites at your own speed. Still, if you enjoy guided tours that combine education with adventure, this one offers great value.
This trip is perfect for travelers who love dinosaurs, scenic landscapes, and small-town history. Whether you’re a family, a geology enthusiast, or someone eager to explore Alberta’s unique terrain, you’ll find plenty to love here.
Key Points
- Includes entry to the Royal Tyrrell Museum, one of Canada’s top paleontological attractions
- Combines scenic outdoor adventures like Horseshoe Canyon with cultural stops, such as Wayne’s historic ghost town
- Small group setting (limited to 11 participants) for a more personalized experience
- Flexible pickup options at your accommodation
- Optional scenic flights available at extra cost for aerial views of the Badlands
- Value-packed at $233 per person, considering museum admission, guided tour, and lunch
What Makes This Tour Stand Out
This full-day adventure offers a mix of science, scenery, and storytelling, wrapped into one manageable package. What really sets it apart is the opportunity to see Canada’s only museum dedicated solely to paleontology, the Royal Tyrrell. Here, you’re not just looking at old bones; you’re gaining insight into how these fossils were discovered and what they tell us about the prehistoric world.
Horseshoe Canyon provides a dramatic backdrop, with its steep, eroded cliffs carved by millions of years of wind and water. Many visitors appreciate the chance to spot fossils or simply marvel at the rugged beauty of the Badlands. The canyon’s unique terrain is a photo-worthy highlight that offers a sense of timeless erosion and natural sculpting.
Adding a visit to Wayne and its legendary Last Chance Saloon injects a touch of local lore and history. This ghost town, once bustling with coal miners, now stands as a relic of Alberta’s early 20th-century boom. The saloon, with its bullet hole decorations and colorful stories, promises an authentic western experience—albeit with fewer residents around.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Drumheller.
The Itinerary in Detail
Morning Arrival and Pickup
The tour begins with a pickup from your accommodation or a designated meeting point. Rewild Adventures makes this easy by asking guests to confirm via WhatsApp or email beforehand. This personal touch helps ensure a smooth start, especially if you’re new to the area or prefer a tailored pickup.
Royal Tyrrell Museum
After a short drive, you arrive at the Royal Tyrrell Museum, a highlight that many reviews mention with enthusiasm. You’ll spend several hours here exploring the extensive fossil displays, which include some of the most complete and impressive dinosaur skeletons in the world.
The museum’s exhibits are designed to appeal to all ages, with interactive displays and informative panels. Reviewers often praise the large fossil displays and the fact that it’s Canada’s only museum dedicated solely to paleontology. This focus makes it a must-see for anyone with even a passing interest in dinosaurs or natural history.
More Great Tours NearbyHorseshoe Canyon
Next, the journey continues to Horseshoe Canyon, a site renowned for its striking erosion patterns and ancient landscapes. The walk here is moderate—about a 3.9 km loop trail—and offers breathtaking views of layered rock formations and deep valleys.
Photographers and nature lovers will appreciate the stunning vistas, while those interested in geology can ponder how the landscape was shaped over millions of years. Some visitors mention the potential to find fossils during the hike, adding an element of excitement.
Lunch at the Last Chance Saloon
No trip to Wayne is complete without stopping at the Last Chance Saloon. This historic spot has been serving locals and travelers for over a century, and the stories about its colorful past are part of what makes it memorable.
Reviewers appreciated the casual, authentic atmosphere—”filled with stories and bullet holes,” as one put it. The menu offers simple fare like burgers and beer, making it a relaxed spot to refuel before heading back out.
Optional Scenic Flight
For those looking to elevate the experience, scenic flights over the Badlands are available for an additional fee. While not included in the base price, many travelers see this as a worthwhile splurge for bird’s-eye views of the rugged terrain, especially if weather permits.
Return and Drop-off
After a full day of adventure, the group is driven back to their starting point or accommodation. The small group size ensures a more personalized, engaging environment, and the guide is available to answer questions or share additional insights.
Practical Considerations
Duration and Timing:
At 12 hours, this is a long day, but the paced itinerary balances activity with enough downtime. Starting times vary, so checking availability is essential.
Price and Value:
At $233 per person, the cost includes museum admission, lunch, and guided commentary—making it a pretty good deal for a comprehensive experience. The optional scenic flight costs extra but provides a unique aerial perspective of the landscape.
Group Size and Comfort:
Limited to 11 participants, the tour feels intimate enough for personalized attention but still small enough to foster camaraderie.
Transportation:
Pickup and drop-off at your accommodation make logistics straightforward, especially if you’re staying in nearby towns or hotels.
Who Will Enjoy This Tour?
If you’re eager to learn about dinosaurs and see Canada’s best fossil exhibits, this tour delivers. It’s also perfect if you want to combine outdoor scenery with a touch of local history, as in Wayne’s ghost town. Nature lovers will appreciate the stunning views of Horseshoe Canyon, while history buffs can enjoy the tales from the Last Chance Saloon.
Travelers looking for a well-organized, informative day in Alberta will find this trip offers great value, especially given the small group setting and inclusions.
The Sum Up
This Drumheller adventure presents a rich mix of paleontology, scenic beauty, and local lore. It’s a fantastic choice for travelers wanting a thorough, guided experience that covers the highlights without feeling rushed. The inclusion of the Royal Tyrrell Museum guarantees a close-up look at some of the world’s most impressive fossils, while the stops at Horseshoe Canyon and Wayne add layers of natural and historical interest.
The tour’s small group size and personalized approach make it a comfortable, engaging outing, especially for those who prefer guided insights over self-led exploration. Though the day is packed, the diversity of sights and stories makes it a rewarding way to see Drumheller.
For lovers of dinosaurs, rugged landscapes, and Alberta’s frontier history, this tour fits well into a broader Canadian itinerary—offering an authentic taste of the badlands and its ancient secrets.
FAQ
What is included in the price?
The $233 fee covers a guided tour of Drumheller, admission to the Royal Tyrrell Museum, a visit to Horseshoe Canyon, lunch at the Last Chance Saloon, and a small group experience.
Are transportation arrangements provided?
Yes, pickup and drop-off at your accommodation or designated location are included, making the trip hassle-free.
Can I join this tour if I don’t have a car?
Absolutely. The tour operator arranges pickup, so you don’t need your own transportation.
Is the tour suitable for children or families?
While not explicitly stated, the itinerary’s nature suggests it’s family-friendly, especially with engaging museum exhibits and scenic outdoor walks.
How long does each stop last?
Expect several hours at the Tyrrell Museum, a moderate hike at Horseshoe Canyon, and time for lunch, making for a well-paced day.
Are there any optional extras?
Yes, scenic flights over the Badlands are available at extra cost, offering a spectacular aerial view of the landscape.
What should I bring?
Comfortable clothing, sturdy walking shoes, sun protection, and perhaps a camera for photos.
Is this tour suitable for those with mobility issues?
The hike at Horseshoe Canyon is moderate, so those with mobility concerns should assess their comfort level.
What are the tour’s start and end times?
Start times vary; check availability when booking. The tour lasts approximately 12 hours.
What is the group size?
Limited to 11 participants, ensuring a more personal experience.
In short, this full-day Drumheller tour offers a captivating blend of fossils, scenic vistas, and local legends, all wrapped into one memorable adventure for curious travelers eager to explore Alberta’s iconic landscape.
You can check availability for your dates here: