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Compiled by the Road Trip Alberta team
Last updated on January 6, 2024
Drumheller is the intriguing hub for all things DINOSAURS! A part of the Canadian Badlands, it is steeped in history that dates back millions of years. This small city is home to the world-famous Royal Tyrrell Museum, part of the Hoodoo Trail and the Dinosaur Trail. It offers plenty of hiking and other outdoor activities across its dramatic landscape.
The Drumheller Badlands area is not always the first choice for visitors to Alberta (in the opposite direction of the famed Rocky Mountains). Still, it is a very worthy destination that offers something completely different, especially for families.
It can be done via a day trip from Alberta’s main hubs of Calgary and Edmonton. It is also frequently visited by travellers from the smaller cities of Lethbridge and Medicine Hat. Directions to Drumheller are highlighted below via the many possible ways to get there.
About the Route
The Calgary International Airport (YYC) is the closest international airport to Drumheller.
- The driving distance from Calgary to Drumheller is 135km and takes approximately one hour and thirty minutes.
- Travelling from Edmonton to Drumheller is about 280km and driving time is around 3 hours.
- From Medicine Hat to Drumheller, the route is 244km and the driving time is roughly 2 hours and 20 minutes.
- Driving from Lethbridge to Drumheller is 262km, and driving time is 2 hours and 45 minutes.
Going From Calgary to Drumheller
By Car
Travelling from Calgary to Drumheller by car is easily the best option. The distance from Calgary to Drumheller is 135 km, which means you are only about an hour and a half away from the ultimate dinosaur experience! Although there are plenty of Drumheller tours from Calgary, the quick drive from Calgary is easily done. (And because this is a popular destination for families, don’t miss these tips for taking your toddler on a road trip.)
From Calgary, the directions are pretty straightforward, and the route shows off the quintessential Alberta landscape by slowly transforming into the iconography for which the Canadian Badlands is known. Take Highway 2 (Deerfoot Trail) north out of the city until you hit township road 566 east. You’ll soon meet up with Highway 9 north and east into Drumheller. In typical prairie fashion, the roads are generally straight and easy to navigate; however, we always recommend checking the road conditions before you depart.
If you flew into Calgary just to road trip around and see the sights, there are plenty of car rental options at the Calgary airport. Book in advance to ensure less hassle:
- We recommend booking via RentalCars.com to select the cheapest rate or to book with whichever company you prefer.
If you are not interested in a traditional car rental through an agency, you can rent a car through Turo, which operates similarly to Airbnb but for car rentals. The Calgary International Airport is a frequent pick-up/drop-off point.
If you are not in a rush, or want to spend an extra night in Calgary because you arrive late, there are plenty of hotels in the area. Those right onsite at the airport tend to be more expensive, so we prefer these options:
- Hotel Clique is a super chic and affordable hotel that has free parking, free WiFi, and a great restaurant onsite. It is a quick shuttle ride from the airport, and we have stayed here several times when we have an early flight out of Calgary. Bonus: it has two rooftop pools!
- Want to start the journey and cut down on the drive the next day? Book a night at the Days Inn in Balzac just north of Calgary, take a swim and spin down the waterslide in the morning, and find yourself just an hour away from Drumheller.
Bus to Drumheller
There is currently no direct bus route from Calgary to the Drumheller Badlands area. However, there is an option to take a bus from Calgary to Strathmore on either the Prairie Sprinter or J & L Shuttle and take a taxi from Strathmore to Drumheller, which would cost upwards of $170 for the one hour and 15-minute drive.
By Private Transfer
If available in your budget, a private transfer from Calgary to Drumheller allows you to arrive in style for your dinosaur adventure! Try Limo To Go for limos, private car service sedans, and luxury SUVs in Central and Southern Alberta.
Other Ways to Get to Drumheller from Calgary
- Taxis are always an option; however, a taxi ride from Calgary to Drumheller can cost approximately $250 for a one-way journey.
- Uber is in Calgary but not in Drumheller, so you need to find an alternative to get from Drumheller to Calgary. Also, consider that drivers may not be willing or capable of making the drive, and the price is close to what a taxi would cost for just one way.
- Poparide.com has options to select your driver based on your luggage and equipment requirements if you are travelling with lots of luggage or bikes. Poparide charges per seat, so you have an opportunity to meet other visitors if you are travelling solo to Drumheller. Currently, no seat appears to cost more than $20 for the trip.
Fun Things To Do From Calgary to Drumheller
CrossIron Mills
Start your road trip off with a stop at CrossIron Mills Mall! Fill up on snacks and get your fill of shopping at the biggest one-level shopping center in Alberta.
Beiseker
An hour into the trip is the lovely small town of Beiseker. Stop and check out the Beiseker Station Museum to get a glimpse into the lives of early settlers with small-town prairie lives.
Rosebud
Thirty minutes passed Beiseker (take a right onto AB-840 S) is the cute town of Rosebud. If you time it right, you can take in a show at the Rosebud Theatre – this hidden gem has excellent food and professional live theatre!
Horsethief Canyon
This eye-catching U-shaped canyon is just 17km west of Drumheller and is an excellent introduction to the beauty of the Canadian Badlands. There is free parking plus plenty of photo ops, so don’t miss this stop!
Going From Edmonton to Drumheller
By Car
The Drumheller Badlands are roughly a three-hour drive from the south of Edmonton. It’s always a good idea to check the road conditions before you leave in case of bad weather or traffic due to an accident. Especially as the beginning of your drive south is on the QEII (also known as Queen Elizabeth Highway or Highway 2), accidents are common on that major highway.
From Highway 2, take Highway 42 east until you can get on Highway 21 south. From there, take township road 575 east into Drumheller.
If you are coming from central or northern Edmonton, the quickest route is to stay off of the QEII. The ring road will get you to Highway 14 east, then take Highway 21 south. That will merge with Highway 53 and then you will get on Highway 56 heading south right to Drumheller.
If you need a car rental, there are many shops around Edmonton.
- We recommend booking via RentalCars.com to select the cheapest rate or to book with whichever company you prefer.
If you are not interested in a traditional car rental through an agency, you can rent a car through Turo, which operates similarly to Airbnb but for car rentals.
If you need a night in Edmonton, we recommend staying in the southern part of the city as it will give you a jump start on your trip.
Wingate by Wyndham (near the Edmonton International Airport) includes breakfast in the morning and even has a spa for the ultimate relaxation before your drive to Drumheller.
By Bus
Unfortunately, there is no direct bus going from Edmonton to Drumheller. However, there is an option to take a bus from Edmonton to Airdrie and then taxi the rest of the way to Drumheller, which would cost approximately $200 for the one hour and twenty-minute drive. Red Arrow buses will also get you from Edmonton to Calgary, which will get you closer.
By Private Transfer
Limo To Go – Limousine service provider for limos, private car service sedans, and luxury SUVs in Central and Southern Alberta.
Other Ways to Get to Drumheller from Edmonton
Finding a taxi or Uber driver may be difficult as many will not be willing to drive to Drumheller. Also, note that it can cost approximately $400 for a one-way journey.
Fun Things to Do From Edmonton to Drumheller
Hay Lakes (Miquelon Lake Provincial Park)
This Provincial Park is a popular day-use and camping area close to Edmonton. There are sandy beaches and clear, shallow water (that is NOT great for swimming). There are also modern change rooms and showers for use in the park. In winter, cross-country skiing is a possibility.
Rumsey Ecological Reserve
Just east of Highway 56 is the Rumsey Ecological Reserve. Experience the true wild prairie – there are many birds, wildlife and wildflowers. Bring lots of bug spray and sunscreen if you plan to use the walking trails. There are also no public roads on the reserve, so most of your exploring will be on foot.
World’s Largest Lamp (Donalda)
Just over an hour until the Drumheller-Badlands area, get a picture with the World’s Largest Lamp in Donalda! The lamp is 42ft. tall and lights up every night. Across the street is the town’s lamp museum, with a unique collection of oil lamps that dates back 200 years.
Upon Arrival in Drumheller – Badlands Area
You made it!
Whether you are coming from Calgary or Edmonton, we hope you enjoyed your scenic Alberta road trip to Drumheller! A map of Drumheller and various guides can be found here. However, due to its size and the seasonal nature of tourism to Drumheller, the options for accommodations are limited compared to a bigger city.
Where to Stay in Drumheller
There are some excellent hotel options in Drumheller, Alberta and even some Drumheller B&B options for you to choose from. Remember that if you are coming in the busy summer months, we highly recommend booking your accommodations ahead of time.
- Luxury(ish) – The Canalta Jurassic is the best-rated location in Drumheller, and they get extra points for staying in the dinosaur theme with their Cretaceous Conference Centre. Bonus: breakfast is included! Ramada by Wyndham is also a nice option for those travelling with kids, as they have an indoor pool and waterslides!
- Mid-range – The Travelodge by Wyndham is a budget-friendly option with a killer view of the surrounding hills.
- Budget – Dinosaur Hotel was originally built in 1924, and what it lacks in appearance, it makes up for in price – you can get a room for as low as $61.
- Bed and Breakfasts and Airbnb’s – There are plenty of Airbnb options available in Drumheller.
Where to Eat in Drumheller
There are several great restaurants in Drumheller. Some of our favourites include sushi from “The Roll,” pizza from “Pizza 249,” or a good ole’ burger from O’Shea’s Eatery and Ale House. If you’re up for a drive, we highly recommend heading to the Last Chance Saloon for a meal in a restaurant that looks like it is straight out of the Wild West. For more restaurant ideas, check out these Drumheller Restaurants.
Don’t Forget!
Need some help planning your itinerary? Check out our guide for all the things to do while visiting the Drumheller-Badlands area, as well as our article on Drumheller restaurants.
ALSO, don’t forget that while you’re on the road, you can download our FREE Road Trip Alberta bingo cards, to make it just that much more fun!
