Canadian Badlands | Drumheller | Travel Back In Time in Jeep

Experience the Canadian Badlands in Style—Travel Back in Time in a Jeep

Imagine cruising through the rugged landscapes of Alberta’s Badlands in an open-air Jeep Wrangler, feeling the wind as you explore some of Canada’s most captivating geological formations. This 8 to 10-hour tour starts in Calgary, with a price of around $195 per person, and offers a rich mix of historic sites, dramatic scenery, and close-up dinosaur exhibits. The highlight? Visiting Drumheller, known as the “Museum Dinosaur Capital of the World,” with several stops off the typical tourist trail.

What we love most about this experience is its combination of scenic backroads and informative guides—you’ll get insider stories about the area’s history, geology, and local secrets. Plus, the inclusion of a ride on the Bleriot Ferry crossing the Red Deer River adds a nostalgic touch. The tour is ideal for those who love off-the-beaten-path adventures and want a more personalized experience with only your group involved.

One potential consideration is the weather, as much of the tour takes place in open-air vehicles. Be prepared for sun, wind, or rain, and dress accordingly. Also, while the day is packed with stops, some visitors with limited mobility might find certain sites like the fossil quarry or hilly viewpoints less accessible.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy geology, paleontology, and scenic drives. If you’re looking for a full-day adventure that combines history, nature, and a touch of the wild west, this is a fantastic choice—especially if you appreciate guides who share stories with a personal touch and a good dose of local knowledge.

Key Points

• Unique Jeep Experience: Travel in an open-air Jeep Wrangler for a fun and immersive adventure.
• Diverse Stops: Includes historic coal mines, natural hoodoo formations, a dinosaur museum, and scenic viewpoints.
• Authentic Off-Roading: Gravel backroads and crossing the river via ferry provide a sense of discovery.
• Expert Guides: Known for engaging storytelling and flexible itinerary.
• Stunning Views: From Hoodoos to the Red Deer River, the scenery is a highlight.
• Value for the Price: With multiple sites and a full-day experience, it offers good value for those interested in natural history and adventure.

The Canadian Badlands are a landscape unlike any other in Canada—an otherworldly terrain of eroded hoodoos, deep coulees, and rugged cliffs. This tour offers an excellent way to experience this scenery firsthand, while also learning about its fascinating past. The $195 fee might seem steep at first glance, but when you consider the multiple stops, private guide, and comprehensive itinerary, it’s a solid deal for travelers eager to pack a lot into a single day.

Starting in Calgary: The Gateway to Adventure

We begin early, with a pickup in Calgary—a city that acts as the jumping-off point for many Alberta explorations. The tour generally runs from 8 a.m., giving you plenty of time to soak in the sights without feeling rushed. The first stop is the Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site, which is the last remaining active coal mine in the Drumheller area and holds a distinctive place in Canadian industrial history.

At the Atlas Mine, you’ll walk through the historic site and see the remnants of Alberta’s coal mining past. The stop is brief—around 15 minutes—so don’t expect a full tour here, but it’s enough to understand the importance of coal mining in shaping the region’s landscape and economy. It’s a good way to set the tone for the day—big landscapes, human effort, and natural forces intertwined.

The Hoodoos: Nature’s Sculpted Masterpieces

Next, you’ll visit the Willow Creek Hoodoos, a formation that’s easily one of the most iconic sights in the Badlands. These tall, thin spires of rock have been shaped by thousands of years of erosion, and they make for fantastic photo ops. The admission is included, and you’ll likely spend about an hour wandering around, marveling at their bizarre shapes.

What makes this stop special is not just the scenery but also the story behind these formations. We loved the way guides explain how water, wind, and time have crafted these natural sculptures, giving you a real sense of the geological processes at work.

Crossing the Bridges of Wayne

One of the quirkiest highlights is driving through “11 Bridges to Wayne,” which holds a Guinness World Record for the most bridges within a short stretch—just 6 kilometers. Crossing these one-lane metal bridges over the Rosebud River makes for a fun, slightly nerve-wracking experience, especially if you’re used to wider roads. The stop here lasts around an hour, allowing time for photos and to appreciate the craftsmanship of these historic crossings.

According to reviews, this part of the tour is both charming and unexpected—”the most bridges found within the shortest distance,” as one traveler put it. It’s a quirky reminder that in the Badlands, even infrastructure is part of the adventure.

The Royal Tyrrell Museum: Dinosaur Central

No trip to Drumheller would be complete without visiting the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Paleontology. While the admission is not included, this museum is a major draw, especially for dinosaur fans. You’ll spend about two hours here exploring world-class exhibits, including fossils, skeletons, and interactive displays.

The museum’s setting in the rugged badlands adds to its appeal—imagine standing amidst the landscape that once was home to these ancient creatures. We loved the museum’s ability to bring millions of years of prehistory to life, making it a highlight for both kids and adults.

The Little Church and Horsethief Canyon: Small Town Charm and Wild Views

Next, you’ll visit The Little Church, a tiny but charming place that’s rich in local stories. With room for only six people, it’s a cozy stop that offers a peek into rural Alberta’s spiritual life. It’s also a favorite among visitors for its quaint charm and storytelling.

Then, it’s time for Horsethief Canyon, a dramatic U-shaped gorge named for horse thieves who supposedly hid out here. The scenery is striking—sheer cliffs and deep water—and the hour-long stop allows for photos and a chance to take in the wild, untamed nature of the landscape.

Crossing the Red Deer River and Viewing the Valley

The Bleriot Ferry offers a relaxing, old-fashioned way to cross the Red Deer River. It’s a traditional cable ferry, slow but peaceful—adding a nostalgic touch to your adventure. After crossing, you’ll visit the Orkney Viewpoint, which provides panoramic views of the river valley—an ideal spot for a final photo or just soaking in the vastness of this landscape.

Returning to Calgary via Rural Roads

Driving back to Calgary through rural roads offers a glimpse into local life—small farms, quiet communities, and open fields. It’s a fitting end to a day of exploration, giving you a broader perspective on rural Alberta beyond the tourist spots.

This private, full-day tour offers a well-rounded look at Alberta’s Badlands, perfect for those who want to avoid cookie-cutter tours. The small group size ensures personalized attention, and the flexibility of the itinerary allows guides to share stories and insights that big buses simply can’t match.

If you’re enthusiastic about geology, dinosaurs, or just love offbeat scenic drives, this trip hits the mark. It’s especially suited for adventure seekers who appreciate authentic experiences—like crossing a historic ferry or wandering through hoodoos—and for anyone interested in learning from passionate guides.

In essence, this tour delivers a full-day immersion into some of Alberta’s most stunning landscapes and fascinating history. The guided storytelling and personalized touch elevate the experience above just sightseeing. The variety—from coal mines and hoodoos to dinosaurs and river crossings—keeps things engaging and dynamic.

While the cost may seem high, the value lies in the curated itinerary, expert guiding, and intimate group size. It’s a trip that balances scenic beauty with educational richness, perfect for travelers who want a deeper connection with the land.

If you’re someone who cherishes authentic, well-organized adventures and enjoys learning about the natural world, this tour will likely be a highlight of your Canadian exploration.

• What is included in the tour fee?
  The tour price covers transportation in an open-air Jeep, all listed stops, and some admissions such as Hoodoos, Horsethief Canyon, and the Little Church. Lunch at The Last Chance Saloon is included as part of the experience.

• How long does the tour last?
  Expect around 8 to 10 hours, starting at 8 a.m., with plenty of time at each stop to explore and take photos.

• Is transportation comfortable?
  Yes, you’ll be traveling in a Jeep Wrangler, which is open-air, giving you an immersive experience. Be prepared for the elements—sun, wind, or rain.

• Are children allowed?
  The tour is suitable for most travelers; however, small children should be comfortable in outdoor vehicles and be able to participate for the full day.

• What should I wear?
  Dress in layers, bring sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and waterproof gear if rain is forecast. Good walking shoes are recommended for exploring sites like hoodoos and the museum.

• What if I need to cancel?
  Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour, making it flexible if your plans change.

• Is there a guide or commentary?
  Yes, the guide is known for interesting stories, local insights, and making the day engaging.

• Can I bring food and drinks?
  Lunch is included, but snacks and water should be brought along for convenience.

• Is this tour suitable for photography?
  Absolutely. With scenic viewpoints, hoodoos, and river crossings, you’ll find plenty of photo opportunities throughout the day.

To sum it up, this Canadian Badlands Jeep tour offers a carefully curated blend of geology, history, and scenic drives that will appeal to adventure lovers and history buffs alike. The focus on authentic experiences and small-group intimacy makes it stand out among daytime excursions. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler looking to explore Alberta beyond the usual, it’s a memorable way to step back in time and see the land that dinosaurs once roamed.