Drumheller is best known for the Royal Tyrrell Museum and its surreal badlands, but the town has a lot more to do than dinosaurs. A strong visit usually mixes museum time, easy hikes, scenic lookouts, and a few quirky local stops.

Best things to do

  • Visit the Royal Tyrrell Museum, the top attraction in town and one of the biggest dinosaur museums in the world.
  • Walk the badlands and hoodoos, especially around Horseshoe Canyon and Horsethief Canyon for dramatic views and easy-to-moderate hiking.
  • Stop at the Drumheller Visitor Information Centre and climb the giant T-Rex for a fun overview of the area.
  • Explore the Red Deer River area, including riverside walks and scenic viewpoints.
  • Check out the Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site or other mining-history stops if you want more than dinosaur history.
  • See the Little Church, a classic quick stop that is small but memorable.
  • Drive to quirky roadside sights like the Bleriot Ferry, Orkney Lookout, and the ghost town of Wayne.
  • If you’re visiting in summer, look for outdoor events, performances, or local festivals.

Easy half-day plan

  1. Start at the Visitor Information Centre and T-Rex.
  2. Head to the Royal Tyrrell Museum.
  3. Do a short badlands hike or lookout stop nearby.
  4. End with a scenic drive or a meal in town.

That route gives you the classic Drumheller experience without rushing.

Good for families

Drumheller is especially strong for families because the museum is hands-on, the main sights are easy to reach, and many hikes are short and manageable. If you have kids, the museum plus a canyon lookout plus the giant T-Rex is usually the winning combo.

Best for outdoors

If you want scenery more than attractions, prioritize Horseshoe Canyon, Horsethief Canyon, hoodoo trails, and river views. The landscape is the real star here, and even short drives can feel dramatic.

Practical note

Some attractions have seasonal hours or closure days, and popular sites like the museum can get busy, so it helps to plan ahead. The town is compact enough that you can see a lot in one or two days.

TL;DR: For Drumheller, do the Royal Tyrrell Museum, the badlands, Horseshoe Canyon, the giant T-Rex stop, and a scenic drive or two.