Discover Drumheller, Horseshoe Canyon, Royal Tyrrell Museum

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to walk among dinosaurs or stand on the edge of dramatic canyon walls, this full-day tour from Calgary hits all the right notes. For $123.15 per person, you’ll spend approximately 9 to 10 hours exploring some of Canada’s most iconic natural and prehistoric sites, without having to worry about the driving yourself. Your journey takes you from the bustling cityscape of Calgary into the rugged beauty of the Canadian Badlands, where you’ll visit Horseshoe Canyon, the world-renowned Royal Tyrrell Museum, and the Hoodoo Trail.

What we particularly love about this experience is how it balances comfortable transportation with plenty of time to absorb each location’s unique charm. The air-conditioned vehicle makes the long drive pleasant, and the inclusion of bottled water keeps you well-hydrated. Plus, the tour guide’s knowledge and friendly approach significantly enhance the visit, making it less of a hurried group and more of a personal adventure.

One thing to keep in mind is the itinerary’s flexibility—it’s largely weather-dependent, so a day with clear skies makes all the difference in how the scenery and outdoor stops unfold. Also, this tour tends to fill up about 28 days in advance, so planning ahead is wise if you want a spot.

This tour suits anyone with a curiosity about dinosaurs, fossils, or rugged landscapes. Whether you’re a family wanting an educational day, a geology enthusiast, or simply seeking a scenic escape from Calgary, you’ll find this trip rewarding. If you appreciate guides who keep things engaging while respecting your pace, this tour should fit the bill.

Key Points

• Comfortable transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle makes the long day enjoyable.
• Expert guides like Winston or Vincent bring the sites to life with interesting stories and knowledge.
• Dramatic landscapes at Horseshoe Canyon and Hoodoo Trail offer perfect photo opportunities.
• Royal Tyrrell Museum features one of the world’s largest dinosaur exhibits, ideal for dinosaur lovers.
• The full-day format provides a comprehensive experience, including outdoor hikes and educational stops.
• The value is solid, with multiple stops and included admission to the museum, plus souvenirs like a luggage tag.

Starting Point: Ease and Comfort from Calgary

We begin our day with a pickup from centrally located hotels like the Best Western Premier Calgary Plaza Hotel or the Delta Hotels by Marriott Calgary Downtown. The process is smooth, with friendly staff guiding us onto a spacious, air-conditioned bus. This setup is perfect for those who prefer to avoid the hassle of driving or navigating unfamiliar roads. The journey itself becomes part of the experience, offering glimpses of Calgary’s outskirts before venturing into the rugged terrain.

The advantage here is the group size, which is capped at 50 travelers, ensuring we don’t feel lost in a crowd. Plus, with most bookings made about four weeks in advance, it’s a popular choice for those planning a well-organized trip.

Horseshoe Canyon: The First Outdoor Stop

Our first outdoor destination is Horseshoe Canyon, a maroon-striped gorge that’s quite the eye-catcher. This site offers stunning views of layered canyon walls that date back to the dinosaurs’ era—about 70 million years ago. The scenic hike here isn’t overly strenuous but enough to give you a sense of the grandeur and age of these formations.

A review notes that “The tour was very good . The driver was a little confusing when telling us where to meet,” which highlights the importance of clear communication, but overall, visitors find this stop worthwhile. We love the way these natural formations tell a story of millions of years of earth’s history, visible in the strata layers.

Royal Tyrrell Museum: The Dinosaur Wonderland

The highlight for many travelers is the Royal Tyrrell Museum, often described as the world’s largest and most captivating paleontology museum. With a dedicated 2.5-hour visit, you get an up-close look at dinosaurs and fossils that seem to leap off the displays. It’s especially thrilling for families or dinosaur enthusiasts, but anyone with a curiosity for natural history will find it fascinating.

Guides like Winston or Vincent make the museum experience lively, sharing quirky facts and stories that bring the ancient bones to life. One reviewer commented, “Winston was an amazing tour guide. He covered all the spots and we had enough time to explore,” which speaks to the well-planned timing and attentive guidance.

Inside, you’ll see one of the largest dinosaur displays in the world, along with interactive exhibits and educational panels that appeal to all ages. The museum’s design allows you to comfortably wander, making it an ideal indoor complement to the outdoor adventures.

Hoodoo Trail: The Iconic Badlands Landscape

Next, we head to the Willow Creek Hoodoos, where the landscape transforms into a storybook scene of sandstone pillars. The Hoodoo Trail provides sweeping sunset vistas, giving plenty of time for photography and soaking in the vivid colors of the setting sun. It’s a photographer’s paradise, with the natural formations casting interesting shadows.

The Hoodoos are fascinating because they’re both geological marvels and shaped by thousands of years of erosion. A review notes that “The sunset views and scenery were breathtaking,” which underlines how memorable this stop can be.

Shopping and Return: A Pleasant Wind-Down

To round out the day, there’s a visit to CrossIron Mills, a large shopping center just outside Calgary. With over 200 stores, it’s a good place to stretch your legs, pick up souvenirs, or grab a bite. Most travelers find it a relaxing way to end the trip before heading back to the city. One reviewer mentioned, “The outlet shopping at the end no bargains to be found,” which is fair — this stop is more about the experience than the deals.

The tour wraps up with a comfortable return to Calgary, where we are dropped off at our original pickup point. The entire day balances outdoor exploring, museum time, and scenic viewing, making it a well-rounded adventure.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

The price point of $123.15 includes admission to the Royal Tyrrell Museum, transportation, and a knowledgeable guide—factors that make it an appealing option for travelers wanting a comprehensive day trip. The inclusion of bottled water and a souvenir luggage tag adds a touch of thoughtful detail.

While it’s a long day and outdoor stops are weather-dependent, the flexibility built into the itinerary allows guides to adapt, ensuring you get the best possible experience. The small group size and bilingual guides (English and Mandarin) mean you’ll enjoy more personalized attention, which many reviews highlight as a plus.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for families, geology buffs, or anyone curious about dinosaurs and rugged landscapes. If you’re interested in natural history and stunning vistas, and prefer not to drive yourself, this tour offers a hassle-free way to see Alberta’s iconic Badlands. It’s also suited for travelers who appreciate expert guides who can enhance the experience with stories and insights.

If outdoor hikes and museum visits sound appealing—and you’re okay with a full day of sightseeing—this trip offers a mix of educational and scenic attractions that are hard to beat.

This Calgary day tour offers a well-rounded introduction to some of Alberta’s most compelling natural and prehistoric sites. From the vibrant layers of Horseshoe Canyon to the massive displays at the Royal Tyrrell Museum, you’ll get an up-close look at Earth’s ancient past alongside spectacular landscapes.

The value comes from the inclusive admission, comfortable transportation, and insightful guiding—making it a practical choice for travelers looking to maximize their limited time. The outdoor stops are especially memorable if you enjoy nature photography or simply want to stand in awe of nature’s erosion artistry.

While it’s a busy day, the careful pacing and variety of stops make it accessible for most. It’s especially suited for those with a fascination for dinosaurs or scenic drives, and who want to leave Calgary with unforgettable memories and plenty of great photos.

How long is the total tour?
The tour lasts approximately 9 to 10 hours, including travel time, outdoor stops, museum visits, and shopping.

Where does the tour pick up from?
You can choose between the Best Western Premier Calgary Plaza Hotel or the Delta Hotels by Marriott Calgary Downtown.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the entire trip is in an air-conditioned vehicle, making long drives more pleasant.

Are meals included?
No, meals and personal expenses are not included. You might find options at CrossIron Mills or pack snacks.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Generally, yes. The stops are outdoor and museum visits, which tend to be family-friendly, but always check with the provider if your children have special needs.

What’s the best time to book?
Most travelers book about 28 days in advance, as the tour is popular and fills up quickly.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible in case of unexpected changes.

This tour offers a blend of education, scenic beauty, and hassle-free logistics—perfect for anyone eager to explore Alberta’s prehistoric past and dramatic landscapes without the stress of planning every detail.