There’s something special about hitting the open road in Canada that calls to the traveler’s soul. You’re surrounded by majestic mountains, turquoise lakes, and wide-open skies in all directions, making the journey just as memorable as the destination. Here is my recommendation for a perfect road trip for families from Calgary through Alberta’s Badlands, including Drumheller, the dinosaur capital of the world.
Start in Calgary, the Gateway to the Canadian Rockies
This cosmopolitan city blends modern sophistication with the cowboy spirit, where sleek skyscrapers meet the heart of the Stampede. Be sure to go to the top of Calgary Tower where you can see exquisite views for miles.
Every July, the Calgary Stampede showcases a 10-day event featuring the world’s largest outdoor rodeo, a parade, stage shows, rides and games, shopping, concerts, chuckwagon racing, and Indigenous experiences. The Calgary Stampede is the most authentic and memorable Western experience you can pack into a vacation.
Another great venue for families is Heritage Park Historical Village, which combines adventure, discovery, and fun, featuring Western Canada’s history. Tour the park on an antique steam train, set sail aboard Calgary’s only paddlewheel ship, visit the farm animals at the ranch, and learn about Blackfoot culture in the First Nations area.
Calgary Stampede / Photo courtesy of Visit Calgary
Head Toward Drumheller
The ride to Drumheller is about 90 minutes away, but you’ll feel like you’re driving on another planet. As you traverse through Alberta’s rolling prairies, the landscape suddenly shifts into something altogether unexpected — canyons, hoodoos, and dramatic cliffs that look otherworldly. This is Drumheller, the heart of Canada’s Badlands, where the dinosaurs used to roam.
Your first stop should be the world-famous Royal Tyrrell Museum of Paleontology, a treasure trove of dinosaur skeletons and fossils. This crown jewel takes you through more than three billion years of life on Earth, with some of the most impressive dinosaur fossils ever unearthed. Walking through the galleries, I was amazed at how life-like the displays were, marveling at how scientists piece together the past from tiny fragments of bone and earth. Picture a larger-than-life Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton and exquisitely preserved fossil beds that tell the story of Alberta’s ancient inhabitants.
With hands-on exhibits and interactive displays, it’s a place where history comes alive for both kids and adults. Tons of kids in school groups were wide-eyed with wonder, their imaginations sparked by the giants soaring over them.
A prehistoric skeleton at Royal Tyrrell Museum of Paleontology / Photo by Mira Temkin
Dinosaur Tracks, Distilleries, and Drumheller Delights
Drumheller has its share of kitschy charm, too. You can’t miss the World’s Largest Dinosaur, standing some 86 feet high, a T. rex statue right in the middle of town. Climb the 106 steps to the top, and you’ll be rewarded with a fun (and slightly surreal) view from inside the dino’s mouth!
Photo by Mira Temkin
Downtown Drumheller is a throwback to small-town Alberta, with cozy cafes, retro diners, and friendly, smiling faces. We carried out from Berta Burritos, a Mexican food truck and ate it at the Drum Distilling Company, along with local brews.
Next, drive through the Dinosaur Trail, a scenic loop that winds through the Badlands, approximately 30 miles long. Each turn revealed something new — eroded coulees, layers of sandstone and shale, and, of course, the famous hoodoos, those tall, mushroom-shaped rock pillars formed over millions of years. We stopped often to take photos and hike short trails, feeling the magic of standing in a place where dinosaurs once roamed.
Drum Distilling Company / Photo by Mira Temkin
As evening fell, we drove out to Horseshoe Canyon, where the golden light illuminated the layers of rock in breathtaking colors. It was the perfect finale to our road trip — a reminder that Drumheller is more than just fossils and history. It’s a destination of wonder, beauty, and discovery.
Where to Stay: Ramada Inn with Indoor Waterpark
The best place for families to stay is the Ramada Inn Wyndham Drumheller Hotel and Suites that has its own indoor water park with a large waterslide and hot tub. Enjoy complimentary continental breakfast daily from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. as well as free internet. Most rooms have a refrigerator and microwave. Free parking. This family-friendly hotel has a great location for all there is to see and do in Drumheller.
Where to Eat: Dyno Mite Dining Recommendations
A great place for burgers, hand-cut fries and ice cream is Asteroid. It’s also fun place for kids to hang out. I also recommend Whif’s Flapjack House for great pancakes and Bernie and the Boys Bistro.
Road Tripping Alberta, Canada
What I loved most about this Canadian road trip was the freedom — the chance to stop where I pleased, linger over views, and find little gems off the beaten path. The journey from Calgary through the Rockies was more than a road trip. It was an immersion into nature’s grand design, a reminder that some of the world’s most awe-inspiring beauty is just a car ride away.
So pack up the car, cue up your favorite playlist, and hit the road to Drumheller. It’s a journey back in time you’ll never forget.
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Mira Temkin is a Chicago-based travel writer who specializes in multi-gen and skip travel for families. Her stories cover destinations across the globe with an emphasis on learning about the world. Her stories have appeared in Orbitz, Travelocity, Explore.com, and more. She can be reached at [email protected].
