A private luxury day tour from Calgary that pairs the badlands’ dramatic hoodoos and panoramic viewpoints with a deep dive into palaeontology at the Royal Tyrrell Museum. Perfect for photographers, families, and anyone curious about Alberta’s prehistoric past.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The morning air outside Calgary thins as the highway opens into a raw, sculpted landscape—copper coulees cut by a patient river, cliffs stacked in bands of ochre and gray. On this private day tour, the badlands don’t merely appear; they command attention. Horseshoe Canyon unfolds like a bowl of exposed time, hoodoos stand like weathered guardians, and the valley wind seems to urge travelers forward.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
9 hours
Fitness Level
Light activity level; suitable for most fitness levels with brief, easy walks and stairs in museum galleries
Wildlife
History
Drumheller’s badlands are carved from sedimentary layers rich in fossils and coal; early 20th-century mining and palaeontological discoveries shaped the town’s identity and the creation of the Royal Tyrrell Museum.
Conservation
Erosion both creates and destroys the hoodoos—stay on marked trails to protect fragile rock and fossil beds, and follow museum guidance on fossil handling and local collecting laws.
Reserve your spot on the Drumheller & Hoodoos Private Luxury guided Day Tour from Calgary today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Start early for best light
Sunrise and early morning light bring out color bands in the hoodoos and reduce crowds at Horseshoe Canyon.
Wear sturdy shoes
Short trails and uneven shale require supportive footwear—trail runners or light hiking boots work well.
Hydrate and protect from sun
Carry at least 1–2 liters of water per person and a brimmed hat; shade is limited on outdoor stops.
Plan museum time
Allow at least 90–120 minutes for the Royal Tyrrell Museum to fully explore exhibits and fossil displays.
Sturdy trail shoes
Provides traction and ankle support on short uneven paths and shale slopes.
Sun hat & sunglasses
Protects against strong sun and glare across open badlands.
summer
Layered jacket or windbreaker
Wind can be sharp in coulees; a light layer helps for early mornings and evenings.
spring
Camera or smartphone with extra battery
Captures expansive panoramas and close-up hoodoo details—battery life is limited when shooting all day.