Explore the Philip J Currie Dinosaur Museum in Wembley, Alberta
The Philip J Currie Dinosaur Museum in Wembley, Alberta is a leading destination for palaeontology enthusiasts, families, students, and researchers. This museum offers fossil tours, field experiences, and educational programs that highlight discoveries from the Pipestone Creek bonebed and the Wapiti Formation. Visitors can choose from a range of experiences including the Secrets of the Wapiti River Float, Bonebed Tour: Palaeo Palooza, Palaeontologist for a Day guided excavations, Night at the Museum sleepovers, birthday parties, Nesting Grounds for young children, Homeschool Days, School’s Out PD Camps and General Admission gallery visits.
Why visit
- Authentic fossil tours led by trained palaeo-professionals and researchers.
- Hands-on excavation opportunities at the Pipestone Creek bonebed.
- Family-friendly programs, education camps, and festival events like Palaeo Palooza.
- Scenic Wapiti River floats that combine geology, fossils and outdoor interpretation.
Featured experiences
Secrets of the Wapiti River Float: a relaxed 4.5-hour guided float focused on the Wapiti Formation, riverside geology and fossil spotting with a picnic break.
Bonebed Tour: Palaeo Palooza: a weekend event that transports visitors to the Pipestone Creek bonebed to view active excavation of the Pachyrhinosaurus skull BIG SAM with palaeontological commentary.
Palaeontologist for a Day: guided excavation days where participants dig alongside researchers at the Pipestone Creek site and support real field documentation.
Night at the Museum: supervised overnight events for children aged 7–14 featuring dino-themed games, films and museum sleepovers.
Family and education programs: birthday parties with gallery access and mascot appearances, Nesting Grounds early childhood sessions, Homeschool Days with a Palaeo-Science Fair, and School’s Out PD Camps for ages 5–13.
What to expect
Visitors should expect professionally run programs, adherence to conservation and documentation standards, and opportunities to learn about regional geology and fossil preservation. General Admission provides full-day access to exhibits (no re-entry). Seasonal scheduling applies to field programs, floats and excavation experiences.
Practical information
- Location: Wembley, Alberta, near Pipestone Creek and the Wapiti River.
- Booking: advanced booking recommended for field trips and special events.
- Age range: programs for preschool through adult learners; some activities have age limits.
- Accessibility and safety: programs follow accepted museum and field safety practices.
Keywords and search terms
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Plan a visit to the Philip J Currie Dinosaur Museum to combine hands-on palaeontology, curated exhibits and family-friendly programming in northern Alberta.
Visitor tips
Bring sturdy footwear for outdoor field programs, sun protection for river floats, and a refillable water bottle. Field activities may require bending and walking over uneven terrain; participants should follow guide instructions and safety briefings. Photography is permitted in public galleries, but fossil handling is limited to supervised programs. General Admission offers flexible time in galleries; specialized field trips and excavation days require sturdy outdoor clothing and closed-toe shoes.
Research and partnerships
The museum supports ongoing research through partnerships with universities and professional palaeontologists. Curatorial teams document finds from the Pipestone Creek bonebed using standard field records, and specimens enter research-grade collections when appropriate. Volunteer and internship opportunities help support excavations, curation and public programming while maintaining conservation standards.
Group bookings
Educators and community groups can arrange tailored visits, curriculum-linked programs and large-group excavation experiences. Advance planning ensures capacity for safety briefings, guided tours and hands-on sessions.
Check the museum website for schedules, ticket prices, seasonal advisories, and detailed visitor requirements. Before visiting.