Calgary , Canada

Private Badland Tour

Active

(9 reviews)

8h - 9h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

One of the things that makes travelling in Alberta such a special experience is that the landscapes are so diverse. Home to the Canadian Rockies, Horsethief Canyon, the Hoodoos, Horseshoe Canyon, and the Alberta Badlands, there is so much beauty in this province and so many things to do in Alberta.

If you’re after dramatic landscapes, gorgeous hikes, cool towns, and incredible prehistoric history with dinosaurs, the Alberta Badlands is a great place to go. Collectively referred to as the Canadian Badlands, it stretches more than 35,000 square miles. Two of the most famous places being the town of Drumheller and Dinosaur Provincial Park.

Available options

Private Badland Tour

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

A fun filled day.

Detailed itinerary

Drumheller is a town northeast of Calgary, in Alberta, Canada. On the edge of town, in Midland Provincial Park, the Royal Tyrrell Museum contains a large collection of dinosaur fossils.

Horseshoe Canyon in the Canadian Badlands is an eye-popping sight. Stand on the edge of this huge u-shaped canyon and survey the beauty and mystery of the badlands. The maroon-striped canyon walls reveal the layers of time down to the Cretaceous period when dinosaurs roamed a lush sub-tropical habitat some 70 million years ago.

Hoodoos take millions of years to form and stand 5 to 7 meters tall. Each hoodoo is a sandstone pillar resting on a thick base of shale that is capped by a large stone. Hoodoos are very fragile and can erode completely if their capstone is dislodged.

East Coulee is nestled along the Red Deer River, surrounded by the uniquely beautiful landscape know as the Canadian Badlands. Just minutes away from Drumheller, it’s a quiet place and a welcome retreat from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Lunch break - lunch at own expense.

This suspension bridge isn't very long or particularly high, but it's definitely not for the faint of heart. Made of see-through wire mesh, it sways like a river reed in the wind. The bridge was used by miners from 1931 to 1957; you can see the now-closed mines on the far side of the Red Deer River. Despite the previous use of rowboats and aerial cable cars, the bridge was considered dangerous due to high winds and floods and has been closed as it is considered dangerous for use.

Click a picture with the world's largest dinosaur. Admission to the top is not included. Though taking pictures is free!

Stop 7

Royal Tyrrell Museum in Drumheller is Canada's only museum dedicated exclusively to the science of palaeontology. In addition to housing one of the world's largest displays of dinosaurs., the museum offers a wide variety of creative, fun, and educational programs that bring the prehistoric past to life.

Horsethief Canyon is a must-see while exploring the Canadian Badlands. Stand on the edge for spectacular views of the valley below. If you're feeling adventurous, hike down the steep trail and explore the canyon that is named after the outlaws who hid their stolen livestock here more than 100 years ago.

The Orkney Viewpoint is a popular tourist attraction, offering stunning views of the Red Deer River Valley.

Calgary, a cosmopolitan Alberta city with numerous skyscrapers, owes its rapid growth to its status as the centre of Canada’s oil industry.

What's not included

Please note that meals/snacks will be the responsibility of the client.

Admission tickets where applicable - itinerary #4 - $9 and #7 - $21

East Coulee School Museum

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.6

7 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 3.5

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Specialized infant seats are available

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Our driver will meet passengers at the arrivals gate

About Calgary

Calgary, known as the heart of the Canadian Rockies, is a vibrant city that beautifully blends urban energy with stunning natural beauty. It's famous for its annual Calgary Stampede, a world-renowned rodeo and festival, and offers easy access to the breathtaking landscapes of Banff National Park and the Canadian Rockies.

Top Attractions

Calgary Stampede

The Calgary Stampede is the greatest outdoor show on earth, featuring rodeos, chuckwagon races, live music, and much more. It's a must-visit event held annually in July.

Cultural 10 days Free entry to the grounds, tickets required for some events

Banff National Park

Banff National Park is a stunning national park in the Canadian Rockies, known for its turquoise lakes, majestic mountains, and abundant wildlife. It's a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.

Nature Full day or overnight Free entry with a Parks Canada pass

Calgary Tower

The Calgary Tower offers panoramic views of the city and the Rocky Mountains. It's a great place to learn about Calgary's history and enjoy a meal with a view.

Architecture 1-2 hours $19 CAD for adults, $10 CAD for children

Heritage Park Historical Village

Heritage Park is Canada's largest living history museum, showcasing life in Western Canada from the 1860s to the 1950s. Visitors can explore historic buildings, ride vintage trains, and enjoy interactive exhibits.

Historical 3-4 hours $29.95 CAD for adults, $17.95 CAD for children

Prince's Island Park

Prince's Island Park is a beautiful urban park located in the heart of Calgary. It's a great place for picnics, walks, and outdoor concerts. The park is also home to the Calgary Folk Music Festival and other events.

Nature 1-2 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Beef Brisket

Slow-cooked, tender beef brisket is a Calgary staple, often served with mashed potatoes and gravy.

Main Course Not vegetarian/vegan

Bison Burger

A delicious and lean alternative to beef, bison burgers are a popular choice in Calgary.

Main Course Not vegetarian/vegan

Butter Chicken

A beloved Indian dish, butter chicken is a creamy, spicy curry made with tender chicken pieces.

Main Course Not vegetarian/vegan, contains dairy

Caesar Cocktail

A Canadian classic, the Caesar cocktail is a spicy, savory drink made with vodka, Clamato juice, and various seasonings.

Drink Contains alcohol

Popular Activities

Hiking Skiing Rock climbing Mountain biking Spa treatments Picnicking in parks Yoga and meditation Visiting museums and galleries

Best Time to Visit

June to August

This is the best time to visit Calgary for warm weather and outdoor activities. It's also when the Calgary Stampede takes place, a major event not to be missed.

15°C to 30°C 59°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: French, Punjabi, Chinese
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Canadian Dollar (CAD)

Time Zone

GMT-7 (Mountain Time Zone)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Calgary is generally a safe city for visitors, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any destination, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings and take basic precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services
• Be cautious of strangers offering help or services

Getting there

By air

Calgary International Airport • 15 km (9 miles) from city center

By train

Calgary Station

By bus

Calgary Transit Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

The CTrain is efficient, frequent, and a popular way to get around Calgary. It's free to ride downtown.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown Beltline Kensington Innisfail

Day trips

Banff National Park

130 km (81 miles) • Full day or overnight

Banff National Park is a stunning national park in the Canadian Rockies, known for its turquoise lakes, majestic mountains, and abundant wildlife.

Canmore

100 km (62 miles) • Half day or full day

Canmore is a charming mountain town located near Banff National Park, known for its outdoor recreation opportunities and stunning scenery.

Drumheller

135 km (84 miles) • Full day

Drumheller is a town in the Canadian Badlands, known for its unique geological features, dinosaur fossils, and the famous Royal Tyrrell Museum.

Festivals

Calgary Stampede • July Calgary Folk Music Festival • Early July Calgary International Film Festival • Mid-September

Pro tips

Visit during the Calgary Stampede for a unique and unforgettable experience, but be prepared for crowds and higher prices.
Explore the city's extensive park system, including Prince's Island Park and the Bow River Pathway, for a taste of Calgary's natural beauty.
Take advantage of the city's excellent public transit system, including the CTrain and buses, to get around easily and affordably.
Try local specialties, such as beef brisket and bison burgers, and don't miss out on the city's thriving coffee and craft beer scenes.
Dress in layers, as the weather in Calgary can change quickly, especially in the spring and fall.