Drumheller is a huge tourist draw in the summer, with people from all over the world coming to experience alien-looking badlands and the epic displays of dinosaurs at the Tyrrell Museum.
Indeed, Drumheller is renowned as the “dinosaur capital of the world.”
But few people visit Drumheller in the winter, and that’s a shame because this little town of 8,000 could be one of Alberta’s best hidden gems of winter.
Whether you are visiting the many scenic stops to see the badland hoodoo formations or you’re headed to the Tyrrell Museum for the dinosaurs, in the winter, you’ll be treated to uncrowded spaces to explore.
Imagine looking at the epic displays in the Tyrrell Museum without crowds bumping into you and with plenty of time to spend at each display.
Elbow room and quiet will greet you at all the must-see scenic overlooks that are usually filled with people in the summer.
In winter, there is room to breathe and take it all in at your own pace.
Here are our six top reasons to visit Drumheller this winter.
The Place To Be for Dinosaurs
Of course, a visit to the Tyrrell Museum is a must-do.
In 2023, Tyrrell set an all-time attendance record, but very few of those visits happened in the winter.
Unless you’ve been fossilized under a rock, you probably already know that the Tyrrell Museum has the world’s largest collection of dinosaur bones. It also hosts an educational program that is especially awesome for families.
An activity offered only in the winter is the museum’s Camp-In program, where you can sleep alongside the giant dinosaurs in Dinosaur Hall, participate in hands-on workshops and get snacks and breakfast.
The program is designed for families with kids from 5 to 13.
It’s the closest you’ll get to an actual Jurassic Park experience, but without the danger of a T. Rex gobbling you for lunch!
A Dr. Suess Landscape
Get ready for an out-of-this-world adventure at the Hoodoos Trail!
Ever seen a Hoodoo?
Imagine towering, skinny rock spires, like nature’s own skyscrapers, carved by time and erosion over millions of years, with some hoodoos capped with a rock hat.
These sandstone giants, standing at a majestic 5 to 7 meters tall, look like they’ve been plucked straight from a sci-fi movie set!
The best place to get up close and personal with the hoodoos is at the Hoodoo Trail, 16 km southeast of Drumheller on Highway 10.
It’s a super short hike from the roadside parking lot to the hoodoos – just 0.2 km – so you can easily add some magic to your day.
The trail, nestled in a sprawling 11 hectares of land between Drumheller and East Coulee, is open all year round, welcoming adventurers in every season.
And what to expect in winter?
It’s like stepping into a fantasy land. With snow delicately perched atop each Hoodoo and a frosty blanket all around, the scene transforms the landscape into a Dr. Seuss illustration that comes to life.
Big Canyons
Another set of must-do stops is the two big canyon overlooks in the region
First stop: Horsethief Canyon, nestled right on the thrilling North Dinosaur Trail (Highway 838) just 17 km northwest of Drumheller
Picture this: you’re standing at the canyon’s edge, eyes wide, as the vast, stunning landscape unfolds before you.
Or, if you’re feeling daring, why not trek down the steep trail and explore the canyon’s secrets from the inside?
It’s an all-year-round wonderland, but if you head down in the winter, you’ll need ice cleats or trail crampons for the slippery trails.
But wait, there’s more!
Seventeen kilometres east of Drumheller on Highway 9 lies the magnificent Horseshoe Canyon, a natural marvel shaped like a giant ‘U.’
Stretching a whopping 5km in each direction, it’s a hiker’s paradise with trails for every level, whether you’re seeking a leisurely stroll along the lip of the canyon or a heart-pumping challenge going trekking to the canyon’s depths.
Again, in winter, it is highly recommended to have cleats or trail crampons as the steep trail can be slippery.
Also, the big parking area is closed in winter, but there are spots just off Highway 9 to park and walk to the canyon’s overlook.
Stop, Shop, Sip and Stroll
Drumheller has a funky historic downtown that just invites a leisurely stroll, and there are coffee shops, art galleries, Valley Brewing, and unique stores to visit.
And if you are really into walking, Drumheller has 18 kilometres of trails right in town and along the scenic Red Deer River.
Beyond the downtown shops, you can stroll along the river to the town hall and visit Tyra, the world’s largest dinosaur, and the Homestead Antique Museum, among other attractions.
There is no better to see the real Drumheller than by walking through the downtown and residential neighbourhoods.
Look Up!
While you may be tempted to look down for dinosaur fossils while you are shuffling along the trails, be sure to look up, especially at night.
Head out of town just a short distance, and the darkness envelopes you, making star-gazing or watching for the northern lights a favourite activity.
With little light pollution on the adjacent prairies, there is a fantastic opportunity to see things in the night sky not visible from the cities.
Plus, combine dancing northern lights with the surreal foreground of badland hoodoos, and you’ll have an epic and memorable photo worthy of a Taylor Swift Instagram following!
And Then There’s the Music
And if you’re into fireworks and music, head to Drumheller on February 24 for Lightfest. Partnering with GlobalFest Calgary, the event promises music, complimentary hot drinks and cookies, and the enchanting spectacle of pyro-musical fireworks set against the backdrop of the ancient hills of the Canadian Badlands.
Epic!
On the same day, you won’t want to miss the Cold Bones Fest).
The Cold Bones Fest is what happens when a group of pals decide that a multi-venue, multi-genre music festival is exactly what needs to happen in Drumheller in the dead of winter.
With a DIY attitude, Cold Bones Fest offers one jam-packed day of music, markets, dance parties, drinks and good times, with a little something here for everyone.
So there, you have six amazing reasons to head to Drumheller this winter.
There is too much fun to be had – don’t say we didn’t warn you!
