49 km loop from Drumheller
It’s a short loop from the town of Drumheller around the Dinosaur Trail, but inside it is some of the most spectacularly barren scenery to be found anywhere.
As you circle the route around Horsethief and Horseshoe canyons, carved by the Red Deer River, picture yourself sailing through a massive, shallow inland sea, swarming with marine dinosaurs twice the size of your car.
Then look down into the dark, desiccated canyons, and think how long it took the river to carve deep and wide enough to reveal this ancient history. It can make you feel tiny, indeed.
Drumheller Itinerary
When visiting Drumheller, there is no other place where you will find stuffed French toast as good as at the Heartwood Inn & Spa.
Accommodation
Top Attractions
Horsethief Canyon
Located on the Dinosaur Trail, just 16 km (10 mi) northwest of Drumheller on the east bank of the Red Deer River, Horsetheif Canyon is a must see while exploring the Canadian Badlands. Stand on the edge for spectacular views of the valley below. If you're feeling adventurous, hike down the steep trail and explore the canyon that is named after the outlaws who hid their stolen livestock here more than 100 years ago.
Royal Tyrrell Museum
The world-renowned Royal Tyrrell Museum in Drumheller is Canada's only museum dedicated exclusively to the science of palaeontology. In addition to housing one of the world's largest displays of dinosaurs, the museum offers a wide variety of creative, fun, and educational programs that bring the prehistoric past to life.
Horseshoe Canyon
Off Hwy 9, and just 17 km (10.5 mi) west of Drumheller, Horseshoe Canyon in the Canadian Badlands is an eye-popping sight. Stand on the edge of this huge u-shaped canyon and survey the beauty and mystery of the badlands.
World's Largest Dinosaur
Towering high over Drumheller, the World's Largest Dinosaur is open year round for dino-enthusiasts of all ages to explore. Climb 106 stairs inside the 26 m (86 ft) tall T-rex, lined with beautiful murals, and admire the breathtaking badlands from her gaping jaw. Admission is charged and there is a gift shop, Visitor Information Centre and public washrooms onsite.
Wildlife
The stunning, otherworldly landscape of the Canadian Badlands teems with wildlife and unusual species, from prairie rattlesnakes and horned lizards to prickly pear cacti.
