From Calgary: Drumheller Badlands Private Tour (Small Group)
Traveler rating
4.2/5
Based on 5 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is From Calgary: Drumheller Badlands Private Tour (Small Group) worth booking?
From Calgary: Drumheller Badlands Private Tour (Small Group) is a 8-hour experience in Calgary, Canada, from $431 per person. It scores 55 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.2/5 rating across 5 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 55 / 100
- Rating
- 4.2/5 (5)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $431 per person
Embark on a private tour of Drumheller, Alberta, where ancient history meets extraordinary landscapes. Known as the "Dinosaur Capital of the World," Drumheller offers a fascinating journey through time, featuring iconic sites like the Royal Tyrrell Museum, home to one of the most extensive dinosaur fossil collections in the world. Explore the dramatic beauty of the Badlands, with its unique Hoodoos and towering rock formations that seem to tell a story of millions of years. This custom-tailored, private tour allows you to immerse yourself in Drumheller’s prehistoric past at your own pace, offering the flexibility to linger at your favorite spots or discover hidden gems off the beaten path. Whether you’re a history buff, an adventurer, or simply seeking a tranquil escape into nature, this unforgettable experience ensures you make the most of your visit to one of Canada’s most intriguing regions.
What you get
About this experience
Embark on a private tour of Drumheller, Alberta, where ancient history meets extraordinary landscapes. Known as the "Dinosaur Capital of the World," Drumheller offers a fascinating journey through time, featuring iconic sites like the Royal Tyrrell Museum, home to one of the most extensive dinosaur fossil collections in the world. Explore the dramatic beauty of the Badlands, with its unique Hoodoos and towering rock formations that seem to tell a story of millions of years. This custom-tailored, private tour allows you to immerse yourself in Drumheller’s prehistoric past at your own pace, offering the flexibility to linger at your favorite spots or discover hidden gems off the beaten path. Whether you’re a history buff, an adventurer, or simply seeking a tranquil escape into nature, this unforgettable experience ensures you make the most of your visit to one of Canada’s most intriguing regions.
What's included
Included
- Private transportation
- GST (Goods and Services Tax)
- Bottled water
- Guide
- Parking fees
Not included
- Gratuities
- Museum and Atlas coal mining has a fee around $15
- Lunch
- anding and/or facility fees
What you'll see and do
Horseshoe Canyon
A scenic canyon offering breathtaking views and hiking opportunities, ideal for nature lovers. it may be closed during winter
30 minutes here
Royal Tyrrell Museum
The Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology in Drumheller, Alberta, is a world-class destination showcasing one of the largest dinosaur fossil collections. Located in the heart of the Canadian Badlands, the museum features iconic specimens like the Tyrannosaurus rex, interactive exhibits, a live fossil preparation lab, and a scenic outdoor trail. Just 1.5 hours from Calgary, it’s perfect for families and dinosaur enthusiasts, offering a fascinating glimpse into prehistoric life amid stunning Badlands landscapes. you can have your lunch here in their cafeteria
120 minutes here · Admission not included
World's Largest Dinosaur
The World's Largest Dinosaur is a massive, 26-meter-tall (86 feet) fiberglass T. rex statue in Drumheller, Alberta. Visitors can climb a staircase inside the dinosaur to reach its mouth, where a viewing platform offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding Badlands. Open year-round, this iconic attraction is a fun photo spot and a unique way to experience Drumheller's connection to its prehistoric roots.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Drumheller's Little Church
Drumheller's Little Church is a charming and unique landmark in Drumheller, Alberta. Originally built in 1968 and later reconstructed, it’s a tiny, fully functional church designed to seat just six people at a time. Though small, it’s a serene and picturesque spot often used for meditation or reflection. Situated along the Dinosaur Trail, it’s a delightful stop for visitors exploring the Badlands and adds a touch of peacefulness to a day of adventure.
10 minutes here
The Badlands Interpretive Trail is a short, scenic hike located near the Royal Tyrrell Museum in Drumheller, Alberta. This easy loop trail winds through the rugged Badlands terrain, showcasing striking hoodoos, unique rock formations, and layers of sedimentary rock that tell the story of millions of years of geological history. Along the trail, interpretive signs provide insights into the region’s natural and paleontological significance. It’s a perfect addition to a museum visit, offering an up-close experience of the fascinating Badlands landscape.
30 minutes here
Horsethief Canyon
Horsethief Canyon is a breathtaking natural attraction located just outside Drumheller, Alberta. This dramatic canyon, named for its history as a hideout for horse thieves, offers stunning views of the rugged Badlands terrain, with deep ravines, layered rock formations, and vibrant colors. Visitors can hike into the canyon for a closer look at its unique landscape or enjoy the panoramic vistas from the rim. Known for its striking beauty and geological significance, Horsethief Canyon is a must-see destination for nature lovers and photographers exploring the Drumheller area.
30 minutes here
The Star Mine Suspension Bridge is a historic pedestrian bridge located near Drumheller, Alberta. Originally built in 1931 for coal miners traveling to the Star Mine, this 117-meter (384-foot) long suspension bridge spans the Red Deer River, offering stunning views of the river and surrounding Badlands. Though the coal mine is no longer operational, the bridge remains a popular tourist attraction, providing a unique glimpse into the area's mining history and a great spot for photos. Visitors can walk across the bridge and explore the scenic trails nearby.
20 minutes here · Admission included
The Hoodoos
The Hoodoos near Drumheller, Alberta, are iconic natural rock formations shaped by millions of years of erosion. These unique sandstone pillars, topped with harder stone caps, stand 5 to 7 meters (16 to 23 feet) tall and are a striking feature of the Badlands landscape. Known for their unusual appearance and historical significance to Indigenous cultures, the Hoodoos are a protected site. Visitors can explore the area via designated pathways, making it a must-see stop for anyone touring Drumheller and the surrounding Badlands.
30 minutes here
Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site
The Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site, located near Drumheller in East Coulee, Alberta, is a preserved coal mining facility that offers a fascinating glimpse into Alberta’s mining history. This former coal mine, operational from 1936 to 1979, features Canada’s last-standing wooden tipple, underground tunnels, and various mining artifacts. Visitors can take guided tours, including a thrilling climb up the tipple or a ride on the narrow-gauge coal train. Perfect for history buffs and adventurers, the Atlas Coal Mine brings the stories of miners and their challenging lives to life in the heart of the Badlands. Note that: this mining is only open in Summer time starting from May 15th
45 minutes here · Admission not included
Calgary
Dropping back to Calgary at your selected place and if we have time you can spend 1hr at Cross Iron Mills for shopping or walk
120 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 5 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 5 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Journey to Banff tours
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 5 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
4 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
1 mentionReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
1 mentionThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Organization
1 mentionPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
5 verified traveler reviews for From Calgary: Drumheller Badlands Private Tour (Small Group). Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Drumheller and the Royal Tyrell Museum
We were able to customize our tour a bit to fit in our schedule, which was great. Highly recommend the Royal Tyrell Museum. It was very well organized. Our tour guide was very nice and accommodating. Great tour!
via Viator
Great experience
My husband and I did this trip. Our driver, Mihir, was courteous and knowledgeable. There is so much to see in the Badlands and Drumheller. The dinsaour collection at the Royal Tyrell Museum is astonishing and makes this trip worthwhile. I recommend this service.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear that you and your husband had a memorable trip and that Mihir provided excellent service. The Badlands and Drumheller truly are incredible, and the Royal Tyrrell Museum is a must-see. We're glad you enjoyed it. We appreciate your recommendation and look forward to welcoming you on another adventure soon!
via Tripadvisor
We had a great day!...
We had a great day! Beautiful scenery, easy walking, and fascinating things to see. Our guide Yug, was patient and put up with the 6 of us and our silliness. Just wish we had a bigger van, 3 of us have long legs and a minivan is a bit tight. Regardless, we had a fun day!
Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing your experience! We're delighted to hear that you had a fun and memorable day exploring the beautiful scenery. Yug will be happy to know his patience and good humor made a difference — he really enjoys what he does! We appreciate your feedback about the van size and will definitely consider that for future tours. Thanks again for choosing us, and we hope to see you all again soon
via Viator
Great experience and polite guide
We had a wonderful experience with this company; the guide was experienced, helpful, and supportive, and we highly recommend their excellent services to others.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your kind words! We're delighted to hear you had a wonderful experience and that your guide made a positive impact on your trip. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we truly appreciate your support. We hope to welcome you again on another adventure!
via Tripadvisor
They never showed up to...
They never showed up to pick us up for the tour at the start time, and never called to say they would be late. We waited for almost an hour, then left. Called Viator, and they couldn’t get in touch with the company neither. It was a 10 hour tour, so our whole day was wasted.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your feedback, and we sincerely apologize for the inconvenience you experienced. Our guide was indeed present at the scheduled pickup location and waited for 30 minutes past the start time. During that time, multiple attempts were made to reach you, but unfortunately, we were unable to get through. Due to strict airport security regulations, our guide was not permitted to wait any longer and was required to leave the area. We completely understand how disappointing it must have been to miss out on a full-day tour, and we’re truly sorry for the disruption to your plans. While this situation was out of our control, we want to assure you that a full refund has been processed through Viator. We hope to have the opportunity to welcome you on a future tour and provide you with a much better experience.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Price range
- $431 to $590
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Journey to Banff tours, who run 10 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 49.0.
See everything Journey to Banff tours runsWhy this scores 55
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
From Calgary: Drumheller Badlands Private Tour (Small Group): questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Calgary.
How much does From Calgary: Drumheller Badlands Private Tour (Small Group) cost?
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Prices start at $431 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Calgary usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does From Calgary: Drumheller Badlands Private Tour (Small Group) take?
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Plan for about 8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Calgary is not rushed.
Is From Calgary: Drumheller Badlands Private Tour (Small Group) worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 55 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.2/5 across 5 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Calgary, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule From Calgary: Drumheller Badlands Private Tour (Small Group)?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is From Calgary: Drumheller Badlands Private Tour (Small Group) suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book From Calgary: Drumheller Badlands Private Tour (Small Group)?
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Around 2 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Calgary can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Calgary and add a light layer if any part of the 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does From Calgary: Drumheller Badlands Private Tour (Small Group) start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Calgary within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Calgary?
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On Outty we rank every Calgary experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Discover Banff National Park - Premium Day Trip, Day of Dinosaurs & Hoodoos from Calgary to Drumheller Badlands, Drumheller & Hoodoos Day Trip from Calgary, Explore the Badlands. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Calgary?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Calgary?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in From Calgary: Drumheller Badlands Private Tour (Small Group)?
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Included: Private transportation; GST (Goods and Services Tax); Bottled water; Guide; and Parking fees. Not included: Gratuities; Museum and Atlas coal mining has a fee around $15; Lunch; and anding and/or facility fees. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does From Calgary: Drumheller Badlands Private Tour (Small Group) include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 150 listed pickup locations in and around Calgary. Be ready about 5 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is From Calgary: Drumheller Badlands Private Tour (Small Group) offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for From Calgary: Drumheller Badlands Private Tour (Small Group)?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is From Calgary: Drumheller Badlands Private Tour (Small Group) wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to From Calgary: Drumheller Badlands Private Tour (Small Group) if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about From Calgary: Drumheller Badlands Private Tour (Small Group)?
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Across 5 reviews averaging 4.2 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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