Drumheller Day Trip from Edmonton (2026 Guide) – Dinosaurs & Hoodoos

Last Sunday, we went on a family Drumheller day trip from Edmonton.

We started from Secord in west Edmonton early in the morning.

It was a full day with close to 300 km of total driving.

But it was completely worth it.

If you live in Edmonton and want a fun road trip with kids, Drumheller is one of the best short adventures in Alberta.

In just one day, we visited:

• The World’s Largest Dinosaur
• The Royal Tyrrell Museum
• Willow Creek Hoodoos
• The Drumheller badlands

And we were back home the same evening.

Driving from Edmonton to Drumheller

We started from Secord Blvd NW in west Edmonton.

The drive to Drumheller is about 150 km one way, depending on your route.

Round trip distance for us was close to 300 km total.

Driving time was about 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours each way.

Even with 3 to 4 hours of total driving, this Drumheller day trip from Edmonton is still very manageable for families.

As you leave Edmonton, the scenery slowly changes. Flat farmland turns into dramatic badlands with layered hills.

It feels like entering another world.

If you enjoy Alberta road trips, you can also read our guide on the best hiking trails in Alberta for beginners:
https://goexplorecanada.blog/best-hiking-trails-alberta-beginners/

Stop 1: World’s Largest Dinosaur

The World’s Largest Dinosaur is impossible to miss.

The giant T-Rex stands above the town and makes a fun first stop.

You can climb inside and look out from its mouth.

The view from the top shows the valley and Drumheller below.

Kids love this part.

Plan to spend about 20 to 30 minutes here before heading to the museum.

Stop 2: Royal Tyrrell Museum

The Royal Tyrrell Museum is the main highlight of any Drumheller day trip from Edmonton.

It is one of the best dinosaur museums in Canada.

Inside, you will see:

• Massive fossil walls

• Full dinosaur skeletons

• Real fossils discovered in Alberta

• Interactive and educational displays

The fossil wall at the entrance is impressive. Seeing real bones from millions of years ago makes the experience unforgettable.

You can easily spend 2 to 3 hours inside the museum.

The space is clean, organized, and very family friendly.

If you enjoy exploring famous Alberta destinations, you can also check our Moraine Lake travel guide:
https://goexplorecanada.blog/moraine-lake-in-canada-explore-now-the-beauty-of-canada/

For updated ticket prices and hours, visit the official Royal Tyrrell Museum website:
https://tyrrellmuseum.com

Watch Our Drumheller Adventure

We also recorded part of our trip.

Watch our Drumheller day trip from Edmonton video to see the museum and hoodoos up close.

Stop 3: Willow Creek Hoodoos

After the museum, we drove to the famous hoodoos.

The hoodoos are tall rock pillars shaped by wind and water over millions of years.

They look unique and dramatic.

The open sky and layered hills make the area perfect for photos.

You can walk on boardwalks and stairs that lead to viewing areas.

Stay on marked paths to protect the natural formations.

It can be windy, so wear comfortable shoes and bring a light jacket.

For updated parking fees and guidelines, check Alberta Parks here:
https://www.albertaparks.ca/parks/south/dinosaur-pp/

Drumheller Badlands Experience

The badlands around Drumheller do not look like the rest of Alberta.

The dry terrain and layered hills almost feel like another planet.

It is one of the most unique landscapes near Edmonton.

A Drumheller day trip from Edmonton offers a perfect mix of education, adventure, and natural beauty.

With only about 150 km one way, it remains one of the most accessible family road trips in Alberta.

Where to Eat in Drumheller

After exploring dinosaurs and hoodoos, you will probably feel hungry.

Some popular places in Drumheller include:

• Bernie & The Boys Bistro
• Yavis Family Restaurant
• Vintage Tap House

You can also pack snacks if you prefer to keep the trip budget friendly.

There are several family-friendly restaurants in town.

Can You Really Do Drumheller in One Day?

Yes.

Here was our simple schedule:

Morning – Drive from Edmonton
Late Morning – World’s Largest Dinosaur
Midday – Royal Tyrrell Museum
Afternoon – Hoodoos
Evening – Drive back home

It was a full day, but not too exhausting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

A Drumheller day trip from Edmonton is one of the best short family adventures you can do near the city.

You get:

• Dinosaurs
• Real fossils
• Hoodoos
• Unique badlands landscapes
• Beautiful family memories

All in just one day.

If you live in Edmonton, this road trip is absolutely worth it.