This Drumheller travel guide covers everything you need to plan a great trip to Drumheller, Alberta. Drumheller, in Alberta’s Badlands, is the dinosaur capital of the world, home to the Royal Tyrrell Museum.
This guide is written for Canadian travellers: it covers getting there, the best season, where to stay, costs in Canadian dollars and the experiences worth your time.
Drumheller travel guide: quick facts
| Drumheller at a glance | |
|---|---|
| Location | Alberta |
| Nearest airport | Calgary (YYC) |
| Getting there | About 1.5 hours from Calgary |
| Best time to visit | May to September |
| Time needed | 1–2 days |
| Best for | Families |
Why visit Drumheller
Drumheller is ideal for families. Its headline experiences include Royal Tyrrell Museum, Hoodoos, Horseshoe Canyon and Dinosaur Provincial Park, and it pairs well with Calgary. First-time visitors and returning travellers alike find plenty to love.
How to get to Drumheller
- By air: Calgary (YYC).
- By road: About 1.5 hours from Calgary.
- Rental cars: available at Calgary (YYC); book early for summer and holiday weekends.
Getting around Drumheller
The centre of Drumheller is walkable, but a car makes it easy to reach trailheads, viewpoints and nearby attractions. Parking can be tight in peak season, so arrive early or use local shuttles where they run.
Top things to do in Drumheller
Royal Tyrrell Museum
World-class dinosaur museum.
Hoodoos
Rock formations.
Horseshoe Canyon
Viewpoint. Combine it with a nearby café or viewpoint.
Dinosaur Provincial Park
UNESCO site 2 hours away.
World’s largest dinosaur
T-Rex statue. Book ahead in peak season.
Other favourite experiences include fossil tours and hiking.
Our road trip gear picks
- Best dash cams for road trips VerdictFox
Record scenic drives and protect yourself if something happens on the highway. - 12V car fridges for road trips VerdictFox
Keep drinks and picnic food cold on long road trips without buying ice every day. - Power stations for camping and road trips VerdictFox
Run a cooler, charge cameras and power a CPAP at campsites without hookups.
Partner links: these go to our sister review sites, which may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Best time to visit Drumheller
The best time to visit Drumheller is May to September. Here is how the seasons compare:
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | April–May | Changeable and cool. |
| Summer | June–August | Warm and sunny, festival season. |
| Fall | September–October | Crisp and golden. |
| Winter | November–March | Very cold, often -20°C. |
For the bigger picture, read our guide to the best time to visit Canada.
Where to stay in Drumheller
- Drumheller: Motels.
Typical nightly rates:
| Style | Typical price per night | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | C$100–170 | Motels, hostels, simple inns and campground cabins |
| Mid-range | C$170–280 | Comfortable hotels and B&Bs, often with breakfast |
| Luxury | C$350–600 | Resorts, historic hotels and boutique properties |
Book early for summer weekends and holidays, and compare total prices, including taxes and any resort or parking fees.
What to eat in Drumheller
Don’t leave without trying family diners. Food trucks and markets are a great way to sample local flavours on a budget.
Suggested 2 days in Drumheller
- Day 1: Royal Tyrrell Museum and Hoodoos.
- Day 2: Horseshoe Canyon, Dinosaur Provincial Park and World’s largest dinosaur.
What to pack for Drumheller
- Layers for cool, foggy mornings
- A windproof jacket
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sunscreen
- A swimsuit
- Binoculars for wildlife
For seasonal advice, see our guide to the best time to visit Canada.
Sample 3-day budget for two
| Item | Mid-range estimate |
|---|---|
| Hotel (3 nights) | C$510–C$840 |
| Food and drink | C$660–C$1,056 |
| Activities and entry fees | C$160–C$320 |
| Local transport or car | C$210–C$315 |
| Total | C$1,540–C$2,531 |
Estimates exclude flights and assume a mid-range hotel; travelling in shoulder season can cut accommodation costs by a third or more.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Visiting only on peak weekends, when parking and restaurants are packed.
- Not booking accommodation early enough in high season.
- Skipping the quieter trails and viewpoints just outside town.
- Driving tired after a long day outdoors.
- Forgetting that some shops and restaurants keep short seasonal hours.
Accessibility and family travel
The town centre is generally walkable and accessible, though trails and viewpoints vary. Families will enjoy the relaxed pace, and many accommodations offer family rooms or kitchenettes.
Practical tips
- Summer is hot.
- Tipping 15–20% at restaurants is standard.
Planning tips for your trip
- ID for flights: Domestic flights require government-issued photo ID; carry a passport if you might cross into the US.
- Money: GST or HST is added to most prices at the till, so budget 5–15% more than the shelf price; tipping 15–20% at restaurants is standard.
- Insurance: Provincial health plans may not pay the full cost of care in another province, and ambulance and air-ambulance costs can be high, so check whether an out-of-province travel insurance policy makes sense for you. Read our guide to out-of-province travel insurance.
- Driving: Most Canadians road-trip in their own car; rentals are widely available, and winter tyres are required on many BC highways and in Quebec in winter. Fuel is usually cheapest in Alberta and most expensive in BC and the North.
- Saving money: see our Canada budget travel and cheapest places to travel in Canada guides.
What a trip costs
Typical spending per person per day, excluding flights:
| Travel style | Per person per day | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | C$150–C$220 | motel, hostel or campsite, casual meals, self-drive |
| Mid-range | C$300–C$480 | good hotel, restaurant meals, some tours |
| Luxury | C$700–C$1,400 | resort or historic hotel, fine dining, guided experiences |
Prices rise in peak season and on holiday weekends, and fall sharply in the shoulder seasons.
Responsible travel tips
Popular places are under pressure from crowds. Visit on weekdays or in shoulder seasons, carpool or use shuttles, refill a reusable water bottle, and buy from local businesses. Respect Indigenous lands and cultural sites, follow posted closures, and keep a safe distance from wildlife.
Safety basics
Carry water and layers on outdoor outings, check weather and road conditions before long drives, and tell someone your plans in remote areas, where mobile coverage can be patchy. In cities, use normal precautions with valuables at night. The emergency number is 911.
Our travel gear picks
- How to choose a power bank for travel Buyzello
Understand capacity, airline limits and charging speed before you buy. - Camping and outdoor gear guides Buyzello
Headlamps, multi-tools and camping essentials for park trips. - Best weekender bags Opulique
A refined weekender is perfect for two-night escapes.
Partner links: these go to our sister review sites, which may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Nearby places to add to your trip
- Calgary: Calgary is a western city famous for the Calgary Stampede, modern architecture and quick access to Banff and Kananaskis.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Drumheller?
Plan 1–2 days to see the highlights without rushing, and add a day for day trips or hikes.
What is the best time to visit Drumheller?
The best time is May to September.
How do you get to Drumheller?
Fly into Calgary (YYC). By road, it is about 1.5 hours from Calgary.
How much does a trip to Drumheller cost?
Hotels typically cost C$170–280 a night for mid-range rooms, and most travellers spend C$300–C$480 per person per day.
Is Drumheller good for families?
Yes. It suits families, and families do best with a central base, early starts and a mix of sightseeing and downtime.
Final thoughts on Drumheller travel guide
Drumheller rewards travellers who plan the essentials and leave room for surprises. Book key stays and timed-entry or tour reservations early, travel in the shoulder seasons if you can, and give yourself time to enjoy the places that charm you most.
Plan the rest of your trip
- Calgary Travel Guide: Stampede, Sights and Day Trips
- How to Travel Canada on a Budget: 25 Money-Saving Tips