From Calgary: Drumheller and Badlands Tour

Set out on a captivating journey to uncover the geological wonders of the Drumheller Valley, nestled just outside of Calgary. Enjoy the rich history and stunning landscapes that have captivated visitors for decades. From the impressive dinosaur exhibits at the Royal Tyrrell Museum to the awe-inspiring hoodoos and Horseshoe Canyon, this tour promises an unforgettable experience. Explore the region’s coal mining past and witness the transformative power of nature. Whether you’re a curious explorer or a seasoned adventurer, this excursion will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the boundless beauty of the Canadian Badlands.

Key Points

• Discover the unique Drumheller Valley landscape with an 11-hour tour from Calgary, including visits to the Royal Tyrrell Museum and Atlas Coal Mine.
• Explore the stunning Horseshoe Canyon and the Hoodoos Trail, learning about the geological forces that shaped the region.
• Descend into an authentic coal mine at the Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site and marvel at the machinery used by miners.
• Admire the extensive dinosaur fossil exhibits at the Royal Tyrrell Museum, one of the world’s premier dinosaur museums.
• Enjoy a picnic lunch, bottled water, and live commentary from knowledgeable guides during the tour, with taxes and gratuities included.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Drumheller and Badlands Tour from Calgary offers an 11-hour journey to experience the unique landscape of the Drumheller Valley.

Participants will visit the renowned Royal Tyrrell Museum and the historic Atlas Coal Mine. The tour includes admission to these popular attractions, as well as a picnic lunch, bottled water, and live commentary from the guide.

To ensure a comfortable and safe experience, the tour has a few requirements – a minimum of 4 paying passengers, closed-toe shoes for the coal mine, and it’s not suitable for young children or those with mobility issues.

Guests can conveniently meet at the base of the iconic Calgary Tower and take advantage of the flexible cancellation policy.

Itinerary Highlights

In an article titled ‘From Calgary: Drumheller and Badlands Tour’, it’s now time to discuss the current points ‘Itinerary Highlights’.

Guests typically start the tour by exploring the stunning Horseshoe Canyon, taking in the unique rock formations and hoodoos that define the Badlands landscape.

Next, they follow the Hoodoos Trail, gaining a deeper understanding of the geological forces that have shaped this remarkable region over millions of years.

The tour then takes visitors to the Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site, where they’ll:

1. Descend into the depths of an authentic coal mine
2. Marvel at the impressive machinery used by miners
3. Learn about the dangerous and arduous work of coal mining

Included Features

This Drumheller and Badlands Tour from Calgary includes admission to the Royal Tyrrell Museum, where visitors can explore one of the world’s largest displays of dinosaur fossils and learn about the region’s rich paleontological history.

The tour also provides access to the Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site, allowing guests to descend into an authentic coal mine and gain firsthand insights into the challenging work of miners.

Participants will enjoy a picnic lunch during the tour, as well as bottled water to stay hydrated throughout the day.

The tour price includes live commentary from knowledgeable guides, as well as all applicable taxes and gratuities.

Tour Requirements

A minimum of 4 paying passengers is required for this tour. Closed-toe shoes are mandatory for the visit to the Atlas Coal Mine, and the tour isn’t suitable for children under 4, babies under 1, or those with mobility issues. This ensures the safety and comfort of all participants as they explore the unique landscapes of the Drumheller Valley.

The tour’s requirements are designed to provide an exceptional experience:

The minimum group size guarantees the tour runs as scheduled, allowing participants to fully enjoy the geological wonders.

The closed-toe shoe policy protects visitors during the coal mine exploration, prioritizing their wellbeing.

The age and mobility restrictions ensure the tour is accessible and enjoyable for the majority of travelers.

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Logistics

The Drumheller and Badlands Tour starts at the base of the Calgary Tower, providing a convenient meeting point for participants.

From there, the tour group will embark on their 11-hour adventure exploring the unique landscapes of the Drumheller Valley.

Travelers can take advantage of the reserve now, pay later option, giving them flexibility with their booking.

Should plans change, the tour offers a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.

Horseshoe Canyon

One of the highlights on the Drumheller and Badlands Tour is a visit to Horseshoe Canyon, a unique geological formation carved by the Red Deer River over thousands of years. Visitors are awestruck by the towering walls, which rise up to 80 meters (260 feet) high.

The canyon offers:

• Breathtaking vistas of layered rock formations in shades of red, brown, and gray.
• Opportunities to hike along well-marked trails and admire the canyon’s diverse flora and fauna.
• A chance to step back in time and imagine the ancient seabed that once covered this land.

Exploring Horseshoe Canyon is an unforgettable experience, providing a glimpse into the region’s captivating geological history.

Hoodoos Trail

Another highlight along the Drumheller and Badlands Tour is the captivating Hoodoos Trail, where visitors can marvel at the towering, otherworldly hoodoo formations that dot the landscape.

These unique, weathered rock spires rise dramatically from the valley floor, creating a surreal and awe-inspiring scene. The trail winds through this striking terrain, allowing guests to closely observe the hoodoos and learn about their geological origins.

Along the way, visitors can appreciate the contrast between the rugged hoodoos and the surrounding rolling hills and badlands. The Hoodoos Trail offers a chance to take in the region’s distinctive natural beauty and gain a deeper understanding of the forces that shaped this remarkable landscape.

Drumheller and Royal Tyrrell Museum

Situated within the heart of the Drumheller Valley, the Royal Tyrrell Museum stands as a captivating destination that offers visitors an in-depth exploration of the region’s rich paleontological history.

As one of the world’s premier dinosaur museums, it houses an impressive collection of over 130,000 fossils, showcasing the incredible diversity of prehistoric life. Visitors can expect to be awestruck by the museum’s towering dinosaur skeletons, intricate exhibits, and cutting-edge research facilities.

The museum’s highlights include:

1. Wandering through the Dinosaur Hall, where life-sized replicas of the mighty Tyrannosaurus Rex and other iconic dinosaurs stand tall.
2. Exploring the hands-on interactive displays that bring prehistoric creatures to life.
3. Witnessing the ongoing excavation and preservation work of the museum’s dedicated paleontologists.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There a Bathroom Break During the Tour?

The tour typically includes a bathroom break, allowing participants to use facilities during the visit to the Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site. Specific details on the timing and duration of the break may vary.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Passengers can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, a picnic lunch is already included in the tour price. Bringing additional snacks and beverages is optional and up to the individual’s preference.

Can I Extend the Tour Duration or Customize the Itinerary?

Customers cannot extend the tour duration or customize the itinerary. The tour has a set 11-hour duration and pre-determined itinerary highlights. However, guests can bring their own food and drinks to enjoy on the tour.

Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?

There is no formal dress code for the tour, but closed-toe shoes are mandatory for the Atlas Coal Mine portion. Casual, comfortable clothing suited for the weather and moderate walking is recommended.

Can I Request to Be Picked up From a Different Location?

While the tour typically departs from the base of the Calgary Tower, guests can request to be picked up from a different location in Calgary. The tour provider will assess feasibility and accommodate such requests when possible.

Recap

This tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Drumheller’s unique geological wonders, from the awe-inspiring Horseshoe Canyon and hoodoo formations to the world-renowned Royal Tyrrell Museum’s dinosaur exhibits.

Visitors will descend into a historic coal mine, learn about the region’s rich paleontological and mining history, and enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the stunning Badlands landscapes.

A must-visit for anyone interested in geology, paleontology, and the great outdoors.

You can check availability for your dates here: