Dinosaur Provincial Park
Located in the badlands of Alberta, Dinosaur Provincial Park is a haven for both dinosaur aficionados and the general public. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the park is home to an impressive collection of dinosaur fossils, ranking it among the most prolific deposits worldwide. The Red Deer River valley was once a hotspot for prehistoric creatures over 75 million years ago, and now, due to erosion, these ancient relics have been unveiled. The park’s striking badlands terrain, characterized by a labyrinth of canyons and hoodoos, narrates a tale of its own, while the fossils encased in the rocks serve as a solid testament to a bygone era.
Dinosaur Provincial Park has revealed over 500 dinosaur specimens, encompassing more than 40 species. Notable among these finds are the horned Styracosaurus and the formidable Gorgosaurus, a relative of the Tyrannosaurus Rex. The park presents diverse opportunities to delve into its rich paleontological heritage. On the self-guided Centennial Trail, visitors may spot fragments of dinosaur bones. The Visitor Centre offers interactive displays of dinosaur skeletons, fossils, and insights into the park’s active research. For hands-on learning, guided tours by park interpreters teach excavation methods and provide close encounters with bones still encased in stone. Dinosaur Provincial Park serves as a portal to an ancient era, inviting guests to engage with the majestic dinosaurs that once dominated our planet.
Drumheller
is a town in southeastern Alberta, Canada, nicknamed “World Capital of Dinosaurs”. It’s become a popular tourist destination, particularly for those interested in paleontology and Alberta’s unique badlands landscape. Here’s a glimpse of what Drumheller offers:
Canadian Badlands: Drumheller serves as the entrance to the Canadian Badlands, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The area is characterized by its dramatic terrain, showcasing eroded canyons, distinctive hoodoos, and deep coulees. With its arid environment and palette of red, yellow, and grey, the landscape offers an almost extraterrestrial experience.
Dinosaur Provincial Park: Located just outside Drumheller, Dinosaur Provincial Park boasts one of the world’s richest dinosaur fossil beds. The park offers guided hikes, camping, and a visitor center where you can learn about the dinosaurs that once roamed the area.
Royal Tyrrell Museum: Drumheller boasts the internationally acclaimed Royal Tyrrell Museum, renowned for its extensive dinosaur exhibits. Visitors can marvel at the mounted skeletons of prehistoric giants such as the Albertosaurus and the Tyrannosaurus rex, as well as a variety of engaging paleontological displays.
Coal Mining History: Drumheller once served as a significant coal mining hub. The Atlas Coal Mine, which has been transformed into a museum, offers a glimpse into this history. Visitors can embark on a guided underground tour to witness the miners’ working conditions and the methods used for coal extraction.
Quirky Dinosaur Fun: Drumheller celebrates its dinosaur heritage with playful charm. The town is dotted with enormous dinosaur statues, ideal for an amusing photo opportunity. There’s also a mini-golf course designed with prehistoric creatures that adds to the fun as you play through.
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In Dinosaurs of the Alberta Badlands, paleontologist Dr. Persons travels back in time 76 million years to the Late Cretaceous period, when pterosaurs soared through the skies, prehistoric sea monsters as long as school buses swam in Alberta’s shallow sea, and ankylosaurs and ceratopsians roamed the swamps and flood plains that would eventually become the badlands of today.
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Top 150 Unusual Things to See in Alberta is the ultimate guide for travelers looking for the quirky, unique and inspiring side of Alberta.
Travel Guide
Each hot spot entry includes a detailed destination profile, color photographs and a sidebar of at-a-glance information featuring all the activities one can expect to enjoy.
