This Map Of Alberta’s Badlands Will Take You On An Epic Summer Road Trip
Grab your snacks, start your favourite Spotify playlist and hit the highway. It's time to explore your province like you never have before. This map of Alberta's badlands will take you on an epic summer road trip you won't forget.
Stop wasting all the sunshine locked inside your apartment. Leaving from Calgary, you can go on an unforgettable journey to landscapes that look out of this world.
If you are like us, then a tedious part of planning your trip is researching the best spots to go. You can easily waste hours scouting for fun budget-friendly activities or cute Instagrammable locations.
But we saved you all that work. All you need to do is load all your favourite spots below into your car's GPS, and you are ready to go.
There are so many cool places you've been missing out on. Of course, no visit to the badlands would be complete without seeing Hoodoos and ancient canyons.
But there is so much more just off the beaten path. You'll find a storybook-worthy church, a garden that is like a trip to Japan, and a unique place to call home for a night that will let you feeling like a knight.
Dinosaur Provincial Park
Price: Free
Address: Dinosaur Provincial Park, AB
Why You Need To Go: Dinosaurs used to roam this otherworldly terrain 75 million years ago. Within this park, 150 dinosaur skeletons have been found so far, and you can even see some in the interpretive centre.
Lace-up your hiking boots and explore the trails. While walking, it is easy to picture massive Tyrannosaurus Rex roaming the astonishing landscape.
World's Largest Dinosaur
Price: $4.00 per person
Address: 60 1 Ave. W., Drumheller, AB
Why You Need To Go: Never pass the chance to take a funny photo with your friends? If so, you'll want to stop at the World's Largest Dinosaur. You can take a hilarious selfie next to the landmark that is 4.5 times larger than a Tyrannosaurus Rex.
Before you depart, make sure to enter the dinosaur. You can climb 106 steps to the top and stand in the mouth for a fantastic lookout.
Horsethief Canyon
Price: Free
Address: Starland County, AB
Why You Need To Go: In sharp contrast to the lush hiking trails around Banff, the unique landscape here has very few plants. Instead, you'll see striking multicoloured rock layers on the hills as far as your eye can see.
Good Knights Medieval Encampment
Price: $356.40
Address: 235035 Township Rd. 310, Three Hills, AB
Why You Need To Go: Are you obsessed with Medieval movies and stories? If so, you'll want to book a stay at the Good Knights Medieval Encampment. Here you'll feel like you've travelled back in time and are a knight.
The experience is unlike you've done before. You'll get to join an old school feast, try sword fighting and sleep in a tent fit for royalty.
Hoodoos Trail
Price: Free
Address: Coulee Way, Drumheller, AB
Why You Need To Go: It is an easy loop trail in Drumheller that will take you to mushroom-shaped sandstone pillars in all different sizes. Without question, you'll want to stop here and explore this spot in Alberta that feels like another planet.
Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden
Price: $9.00 per person
Address: 9th Ave. S., Lethbridge, AB
Why You Need To Go: This attraction will satisfy your wanderlust, as it is like a trip to Kyoto. Inside it is just like the gardens you would find in Japan, with all the traditional beauty. You'll see rock zen gardens, tranquil water gardens and blooming flowers.
Vulcan Tourist Center
Price: Free
Address: 115 Centre St. E., Vulcan, AB
Why You Need To Go: Fans of Star Trek will want to stop at this unique roadside attraction. Vulcan has a giant Enterprise space ship, statue of Spock, murals and more you can see that are all free.
If you are looking for some gift ideas, you can pick up all sorts of merchandise inside the shop.
Red Rock Coulee
Price: Free
Address: Orion, AB
Why You Need To Go: It is odd, off the beaten path attraction that will fill you with wonder. Red Rock Coulee really resembles the surface of Mars.
Here it is a dry grassland, but you'll find mysterious giant red rocks. The stones are a unique wonder and nearly look like giant hurled the massive stones haphazardly, and some crashed on impact.
When visiting, make sure to exercise caution as it is rattlesnake country.
Star Mine Suspension Bridge
Price: Free
Address: 3061 AB-10, Drumheller, AB
Why You Need To Go: You don't need to spend a thing to cross this stunning suspension bridge. Crossing the Red Deer River, it is 117 metres long. Previously used by miners on the way to work, now anyone can enjoy it for the views.
Just be warned, if you are afraid of heights, it might give you chills as you can see straight down to the water below.
Royal Tyrrell Museum
Price: $21.00 per person
Address: 1500 N. Dinosaur Trail, Drumheller, AB
Why You Need To Go: Come face to face with ancient dinosaurs at Canada's only museum dedicated to paleontology. Here you spend hours exploring as it is one of the world's largest exhibits of dinosaurs.
Last Chance Saloon
Price: 💸
Address: 555 Jewell St., Rosedale, AB
Why You Need To Go: This quirky bar looks like it belongs in a wild west movie. Inside you'll find saddle bar stools and all sorts of decor from the early 1900s. There are so many items on the walls; you won't be sure what to marvel at first.
Before you leave, make sure to fill up on juicy burgers, share a platter of nachos or bite into crispy zucchini sticks.
The Little Church
Price: Free
Address: Murray Hill Rd., Drumheller, AB
Why You Need To Go:
This spot looks straight out of a fairytale. It is the smallest church you'll ever see, and it is hard to believe it was built for people and not fairies.
Today, it is more than a cute Instagram background; it is actually a spot where people get married!
Horseshoe Canyon
Price: Free
Address: Township Rd. 284, Kneehill County, AB
Why You Need To Go: You can climb the staircase trail to a lookout over the unbelievable Badlands. You'll see canyon walls with maroon and white, but 70 million years ago, it was a lush setting where dinosaurs lived.
We strongly advise that before you go swimming or visit any location, you check the most recent updates on potential hazards, security, water quality, and closures. If you do plan to visit a location, respect the environment.