Legends Unearthed
Less than two hours east of Calgary, the Canadian Badlands is like nowhere else on earth.
Hundreds of thousands of visitors are drawn to the region’s iconic hoodoos, its vibrant entertainment scene, and the opportunity to come face to face with legends of our paleontological past. Unlike other destinations in Alberta, the Canadian Badlands invites visitors to immerse themselves in a unique blend of geological splendor, nature, entertainment, and exploration—delivering a visitor experience that combines adventure, deep historical connection, and celebration of the arts.
The region's main communities—Drumheller, Brooks, Rosebud, and Hanna—serve as gateways to world’s leading paleontological sites, outdoor adventures, and thriving arts venues. Visitors can access key attractions via the Trans-Canada Highway or take Highway 56 through the heart of dinosaur country, with year-round accommodations and activities available throughout the region.
Outside of Calgary, Edmonton and the Rockies, the Canadian Badlands is Alberta’s most popular destination—and is ready for your next tourism development project.
At a glance
- Location: Southeast Alberta
- Key community: Drumheller
- Getting here: 135 km (83 mi) drive from Calgary International Airport
- Projected visitor spend: $412M by 2035
- Market catchment: Within a two-hour drive, 2.1M residents have a median disposable household income of $105K
- Welcoming to businesses and visitors: The zone has a committed destination marketing organization driving year-round visitation through promotion and destination development.
Location
Where the Canadian Badlands is situated
Visitors can access key attractions via the Trans-Canada Highway or take Highway 56 through the heart of dinosaur country, with activities throughout the region and accommodations available year-round. There is also a private airport located behind the Royal Tyrrell Museum.
High demand for key activities
Highly engaged international travellers are already planning trips to Alberta—and these unique experiences are what they’re coming for. Year-round offerings in the Canadian Badlands can anchor travel itineraries and drive sustained tourism growth.
Main attractions
What’s bringing visitors to the Canadian Badlands?
Royal Tyrrell Museum
450,000 people travel to Drumheller’s world famous museum each year to see one of the world’s largest collections of dinosaur fossils. Visitors can discover a new appreciation for the Badlands’ unique landscape, as the museum explains the vast timeline of the area from its ancient beginnings. The Royal Tyrrell Museum also conducts fieldwork, and its scientists are often involved in new discoveries.
Dinosaur Provincial Park
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its striking scenery, and is home to some of the world’s most extensive dinosaur fossil fields, attracting 100,000 visitors per year. Visitors can enjoy glamping accommodations nestled among this vast ancient landscape, broaden their knowledge through educational programs, or go on guided hikes to familiarize themselves with the area’s rich history. 170 km (105 mi) away from Drumheller, Dinosaur Provincial Park invites guests back in time through its rugged, remote environment.
Badlands Amphitheatre
Home to Canada’s largest outdoor stage, this 2,500-seat amphitheatre and indoor arts centre hosts countless performances and festivals each year—set against an unforgettable backdrop of the region’s iconic hoodoos. With their spectacular natural setting situated on over 400 acres of Canadian Badlands, this arts and culture venue creates memorable performance experiences and interactions with the land.
Get inspired
Discover your next great investment with our expert-led team.
Contact us to learn more about Travel Alberta’s efforts to grow tourism in the region, and to access third-party opportunity assessments and bespoke insights.
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