Explore Alberta's Badlands on a private day trip from Calgary to Drumheller. See Horseshoe Canyon, hoodoos, and the Royal Tyrrell Museum while learning the geological and human stories carved into the landscape.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Stand at the lip of Horseshoe Canyon and the land opens like a folded map — rust-red cliffs, striated walls that record 70 million years of shifting environments, and the Red Deer River daring you to follow its course.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
8–9 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for people with average fitness; able to walk short uneven sections and manage a few steep stair-like descents.
Wildlife
History
The Badlands record Cretaceous sedimentary layers rich in dinosaur fossils; 20th-century coal mining shaped local settlements such as East Coulee and Drumheller.
Conservation
Erosion and human traffic threaten fragile hoodoos and badland soils; stay on trails, avoid climbing formations, and pack out waste to protect fossil sites.
Reserve your spot on the Private Badland Tour today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Start early to beat heat
Summer afternoons can be very hot and exposed; begin the tour in the morning to avoid peak sun and to catch softer light for photos.
Wear sturdy shoes
Trails include loose shale and steep sections—closed-toe hiking shoes with traction will make short canyon descents safer.
Bring cash or card for lunch
Lunch is typically at your own expense in Drumheller; small cafes and diners accept cards but cash can help at smaller stands.
Respect fragile formations
Hoodoos and clay slopes erode quickly; stay on marked paths and don’t climb on capped pillars to prevent damage.
Sturdy walking shoes
Protects ankles on loose shale and provides traction on steep canyon paths.
Sun hat and sunscreen
Wide-brim hat and SPF protect against intense sun on exposed badlands ridges.
summer
2L+ water bottle or hydration bladder
Keeps you hydrated during long stretches between services and in dry air.
summer
Light insulated layer
Spring and fall mornings can be crisp; a packable jacket is useful for wind and changing temps.
spring