Prairie skies and prehistoric bones in the Badlands.
AB T0M 0S0, CanadaAB, Canada
AB T0M 0S0, CanadaAB, Canada
Drop off the rolling prairie into Alberta's surreal Badlands, a moonscape of striped hoodoos and bone-filled canyons. Unearth the world's richest dinosaur beds and hike eerie coulees where the big sky catches fire over ancient landscapes.
Your first dramatic plunge into the Badlands. Stand at the rim of this massive U-shaped canyon and gaze at the striped layers of rock, then descend on a trail to walk among the strange formations and get a true sense of the scale.
Photo by Horseshoe Canyon
Explore one of the world's premier dinosaur museums, located in the heart of the fossil beds. Walk through the stunning 'Dinosaur Hall' featuring dozens of complete skeletons and learn about the prehistoric world that once existed here.
Photo by Ievgen Taranskyi
Wander through an otherworldly landscape of mushroom-like sandstone pillars, known as hoodoos. These fragile, iconically-shaped formations have been sculpted by wind and water over millions of years, creating a truly surreal setting for a short hike.
Photo by Christopher Graeb
Rest for the night in a character-filled inn known for its charming rooms and welcoming atmosphere, offering a comfortable base for exploring the Drumheller Valley.
Photo by Heartwood Inn
Journey back in time at Canada's most complete historical coal mine. Ride the 'mantrip' train, climb the last wooden tipple in the country, and hear stories of the miners who toiled in the 'black gold' rush that shaped this region.
Hike through the heart of the world's richest dinosaur fossil beds. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers stunning coulee landscapes and public trails where you can see fossil replicas in-situ and experience the vast, silent beauty of the Badlands.
Photo by ``
After a day of exploring, unwind at this local brewery in nearby Brooks. Enjoy a craft beer and a satisfying meal in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere popular with locals.
Photo by Piston Broke Brewing
A comfortable and convenient hotel in Brooks, providing a great night's rest before the final leg of your prairie journey.
Photo by Ramada by Wyndham Brooks
Marvel at a monumental feat of early 20th-century engineering. This 3.2-km long concrete aqueduct stands like a Roman ruin over the prairie, a testament to the ambition of turning this arid landscape into fertile farmland.
Photo by Harrison Sheremeta
Discover Medicine Hat's industrial heritage at this innovative museum and contemporary arts centre set in a restored century-old pottery factory. See the massive beehive kilns and learn why this area became a hub for ceramics in Western Canada.
Photo by Greg Hatch
End your trip at this iconic landmark, the world's tallest teepee, which glows against the setting prairie sun. Each of the ten storyboards inside depicts a significant moment in the history and culture of the region's Indigenous peoples.
Photo by Robert Brown (Rob)
Take this route with you — navigation, live weather, and gas tracking inside Road Trip.
