Prairie skies and prehistoric bones in the Badlands.
Prairie skies and prehistoric bones in the Badlands.
AB T0M 0S0, CanadaAB, Canada
Trip overview
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.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 — AB T0M 0S0
Horseshoe Canyon
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.
Range Rd 213, Kneehill County, AB T0M 0S0, Canada
Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology
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.
1500 N Dinosaur Trail, Drumheller, AB T0J 0Y0, Canada
Hoodoos Trail
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.
Hoodoos Trail, Willow Creek No. 26, AB, Canada
Heartwood Inn & Spa
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.
320 Railway Ave E, Drumheller, AB T0J 0Y0, Canada
Day 2 — AB T0J 1B0
Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site
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.
110 Century Dr W, East Coulee, AB T0J 1B0, Canada
Dinosaur Provincial Park
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.
Newell County No. 4, AB, Canada
Piston Broke Brewing
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.
420 1 St W, Brooks, AB T1R 0G9, Canada
Ramada by Wyndham Brooks
A comfortable and convenient hotel in Brooks, providing a great night's rest before the final leg of your prairie journey.
1217 2 St W, Brooks, AB T1R 1P7, Canada
Day 3 — AB
Brooks Aqueduct National Historic Site
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.
Range Rd 144, Newell County No. 4, AB, Canada
Medalta in the Historic Clay District
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.
713 Medalta Ave SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 3K9, Canada
Saamis Teepee
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.
32 Eagle Birth Rd SW, Medicine Hat, AB, Canada
Experiences & guides
Bookable tours and stops worth a detour along this route.
Guide content may not reflect current conditions. Always verify information before your trip.
Frequently asked questions
The Alberta Badlands road trip covers about 233 mi and roughly 4h 15m of driving, comfortably spread across about 3 days.
This itinerary maps out 11 stops from AB T0M 0S0, Canada to AB, Canada. Highlights include Horseshoe Canyon, Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology, and Dinosaur Provincial Park.
It begins in AB T0M 0S0, Canada and ends in AB, Canada, following a mapped, road-following route the whole way.
The estimated cost is around $398, covering fuel, lodging, food, and activities. Your actual total varies with the season, your pace, and the choices you make along the way.
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