A barren landscape littered with fossils, strange rock formations and historic mining towns, this valley is perfect for historians, geologists and filmmakers.
Drumheller and the surrounding valley offers a world of adventure for history enthusiasts. Hike through the sandstone “hoodoo” rocks and learn about the lives of the coal miners who inhabited these parts right up until the late 20th century. Visitors can also stand in the jaws of the world’s largest dinosaur.
Ever since the first dinosaur skull was uncovered here in the 1880s, the area has received significant attention from palaeontologists and other prehistoric experts. Since this ground-breaking discovery, the nearby town, which is situated just 90 minutes away from Calgary, has earned the title of the “Dinosaur Capital of the World”, as thousands of fossils have been collected here. Visitors can see an extensive collection of such fossils showcased at the Royal Tyrrell Museum, which has items from the beginning of life on Earth to the Ice Age. Interactive activities and guided hikes make this a fantastic attraction for visitors all ages.
For a unique view of the area, climb the 106 steps to the top of the World’s Tallest Dinosaur and look down towards the town and the Red Deer River below from its snarling jaws.
Originally a mining camp, there are various museums dotted around the town which pay tribute to the lives of the workers and pioneers who first settled here. Visitors can gain a fascinating insight into the lives of the miners’ children at the East Coulee School Museum, which is situated in the mining ghost town of Coulee.
Take in the geological significance of the valley by wandering through the bizarre rock formations and “hoodoo” rocks. These sandstone pillars with mushroom-like caps are littered around the Canadian Badlands and have interested filmmakers from all over the world. The area boasts an impressive Hollywood repertoire, including the likes of Clint Eastwood in “Unforgiven” (1992) and Dustin Hoffman in “Little Big Man” (1970).
Every July, hundreds of actors and volunteers from around the region perform a three-hour Passion Play in an outdoor amphitheatre for thousands of visitors from around the world.
