Drumheller: A Must-Visit Destination in Alberta

Drumheller, located in the heart of the Canadian Badlands, is a small town in Alberta that is known for its unique landscape, rich history, and vibrant culture. This town is a popular destination for tourists who are looking for an adventure, as it offers a wide range of attractions, natural wonders, and festivals that are sure to captivate visitors of all ages.

Attractions

Drumheller is home to several attractions that are worth visiting, including:

Royal Tyrrell Museum: This museum is one of the world's leading centres of palaeontological research and is dedicated to the study of dinosaurs. It features a vast collection of fossils, exhibits, and interactive displays that provide visitors with a glimpse into the prehistoric world.
Hoodoos: These unique rock formations are a result of erosion and are found throughout the Canadian Badlands. The Hoodoos in Drumheller are particularly impressive and are a popular spot for hiking and photography.
Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site: This site is a former coal mine that has been turned into a museum. Visitors can take a guided tour of the mine and learn about the history of coal mining in the area.
World's Largest Dinosaur: This 86-foot-tall T-Rex statue is a popular roadside attraction that offers visitors the chance to climb up to the top and take in the view of the town and surrounding landscape.

Natural Wonders

Drumheller is surrounded by natural wonders that are sure to leave visitors in awe. Some of the most notable ones include:

Horseshoe Canyon: This canyon is a popular spot for hiking and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Little Fish Lake Provincial Park: This park is located just outside of Drumheller and is a popular spot for camping, fishing, and hiking.
Red Deer River: This river runs through the heart of Drumheller and offers visitors the chance to go kayaking, canoeing, or fishing.

Festivals

Drumheller is home to several festivals throughout the year that celebrate the town's culture and history. Some of the most popular ones include:

Canadian Badlands Passion Play: This outdoor theatre production tells the story of the life and death of Jesus Christ and is performed annually in July.
Drumheller DinoFest: This festival celebrates all things dinosaur and includes activities such as fossil hunts, dinosaur-themed games, and live music.
Drumheller Dragon Boat Festival: This festival is held annually in August and features dragon boat races, live music, and food vendors.

History

Drumheller was established in 1910 and was named after Samuel Drumheller, a local farmer who donated land for the townsite. The town was incorporated in 1930 and quickly became a hub for coal mining. At its peak, the town had a population of over 7,000 people and was one of the largest coal mining communities in Canada. Today, Drumheller is a popular tourist destination that attracts visitors from all over the world.

Conclusion

Drumheller is a unique and fascinating destination that offers visitors the chance to explore the Canadian Badlands, learn about the history of coal mining, and discover the prehistoric world of dinosaurs. With its wide range of attractions, natural wonders, and festivals, there is something for everyone in this charming town.

Sources

Travel Alberta. (n.d.). Drumheller. https://www.travelalberta.com/ca/places-to-go/southern-alberta/drumheller/
Royal Tyrrell Museum. (n.d.). About Us. https://tyrrellmuseum.com/about-us/
Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site. (n.d.). Home. https://atlascoalmine.ab.ca/
Canadian Badlands. (n.d.). Horseshoe Canyon. https://canadianbadlands.com/attractions/horseshoe-canyon
Alberta Parks. (n.d.). Little Fish Lake Provincial Park. https://www.albertaparks.ca/parks/central/little-fish-lake-pp/
Drumheller DinoFest. (n.d.). Home. https://www.drumhellerdinofest.com/
Drumheller Dragon Boat Festival. (n.d.). Home. https://www.drumhellerdragonboat.com/
Town of Drumheller. (n.d.). History. https://www.dinosaurvalley.com/visitors/history/