Prepare for Your Trip
How to reach Drumheller, when to come, and what to expect along the way.
How to reach Drumheller, when to come, and what to expect along the way.
Drumheller is an easy drive from most places in southern Alberta. It’s about 90 minutes from Calgary on quiet highways with wide‑open prairie views. Edmonton is roughly three hours away, and the route stays paved the whole way.
Once you reach the valley, the roads wind through badlands terrain but are well‑maintained. Parking is straightforward at most attractions, and everything is signed clearly enough that you won’t get lost.
| Starting City | Approx. Distance (km) | Approx. Drive Time |
|---|---|---|
| Calgary | 135 km | 1 hr 30 min |
| Edmonton | 280 km | 3 hrs |
| Red Deer | 175 km | 1 hr 45 min |
| Lethbridge | 270 km | 3 hrs |
| Medicine Hat | 170 km | 1 hr 45 min |
| Banff | 250 km | 2 hrs 45 min |
| Canmore | 220 km | 2 hrs 30 min |
| Brooks | 110 km | 1 hr 10 min |
Visiting Drumheller from Calgary without a car is now much easier than it used to be. Visitors can travel from Calgary using FlixBus, join guided day tours, or use the ValleyConnect shuttle to explore the valley during summer weekends.
Most of Drumheller’s highlights are spread out across the valley, so having a car makes exploring much easier. The Hoodoos, Horseshoe Canyon, the Royal Tyrrell Museum, and the viewpoints are all short drives from one another, not walking distance.
If you’re visiting without a car, plan ahead or consider guided tours during the summer months.
The valley changes a lot with the seasons, and each one has its own feel.
Spring brings cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. Trails can be muddy, but the landscape is at its most dramatic.
Summer is the busiest time, with hot days, long evenings, and everything open. Expect heat, sun, and steady traffic at the big stops.
Fall is calm and comfortable, with warm afternoons and crisp mornings. It’s a great time for hiking and photography.
Winter is quiet and peaceful. Some attractions reduce hours, but the museum stays open and the badlands look completely different under snow.
The badlands are beautiful but exposed, so a few basics make the day more comfortable:
Comfortable shoes with decent grip
Water and snacks
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
A light layer for wind
Bug spray in early summer
Nothing fancy—just the essentials.
With the logistics covered, the fun part begins. Discover the best things to do around Drumheller and choose from a range of hotels and places to stay to make the most of your visit.