Private Badland Tour
Traveler rating
4.3/5
Based on 9 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Private Badland Tour worth booking?
Private Badland Tour is a 8-hour experience in Calgary, Canada, from $526 per person. It scores 55 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.3/5 rating across 9 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 55 / 100
- Rating
- 4.3/5 (9)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $526 per person
One of the things that makes travelling in Alberta such a special experience is that the landscapes are so diverse. Home to the Canadian Rockies, Horsethief Canyon, the Hoodoos, Horseshoe Canyon, and the Alberta Badlands, there is so much beauty in this province and so many things to do in Alberta. If you’re after dramatic landscapes, gorgeous hikes, cool towns, and incredible prehistoric history with dinosaurs, the Alberta Badlands is a great place to go. Collectively referred to as the Canadian Badlands, it stretches more than 35,000 square miles. Two of the most famous places being the town of Drumheller and Dinosaur Provincial Park.
What you get
About this experience
One of the things that makes travelling in Alberta such a special experience is that the landscapes are so diverse. Home to the Canadian Rockies, Horsethief Canyon, the Hoodoos, Horseshoe Canyon, and the Alberta Badlands, there is so much beauty in this province and so many things to do in Alberta. If you’re after dramatic landscapes, gorgeous hikes, cool towns, and incredible prehistoric history with dinosaurs, the Alberta Badlands is a great place to go. Collectively referred to as the Canadian Badlands, it stretches more than 35,000 square miles. Two of the most famous places being the town of Drumheller and Dinosaur Provincial Park.
What's included
Included
- Private transportation
- A fun filled day.
Not included
- Please note that meals/snacks will be the responsibility of the client.
- Admission tickets where applicable - itinerary #4 - $9 and #7 - $21
- Admission fees
What you'll see and do
Drumheller
Drumheller is a town northeast of Calgary, in Alberta, Canada. On the edge of town, in Midland Provincial Park, the Royal Tyrrell Museum contains a large collection of dinosaur fossils.
120 minutes here
Horseshoe Canyon
Horseshoe Canyon in the Canadian Badlands is an eye-popping sight. Stand on the edge of this huge u-shaped canyon and survey the beauty and mystery of the badlands. The maroon-striped canyon walls reveal the layers of time down to the Cretaceous period when dinosaurs roamed a lush sub-tropical habitat some 70 million years ago.
40 minutes here
The Hoodoos
Hoodoos take millions of years to form and stand 5 to 7 meters tall. Each hoodoo is a sandstone pillar resting on a thick base of shale that is capped by a large stone. Hoodoos are very fragile and can erode completely if their capstone is dislodged.
40 minutes here
East Coulee School Museum
East Coulee is nestled along the Red Deer River, surrounded by the uniquely beautiful landscape know as the Canadian Badlands. Just minutes away from Drumheller, it’s a quiet place and a welcome retreat from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Lunch break - lunch at own expense.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Rosedale Suspension Bridge
This suspension bridge isn't very long or particularly high, but it's definitely not for the faint of heart. Made of see-through wire mesh, it sways like a river reed in the wind. The bridge was used by miners from 1931 to 1957; you can see the now-closed mines on the far side of the Red Deer River. Despite the previous use of rowboats and aerial cable cars, the bridge was considered dangerous due to high winds and floods and has been closed as it is considered dangerous for use.
60 minutes here
Click a picture with the world's largest dinosaur. Admission to the top is not included. Though taking pictures is free!
40 minutes here
Royal Tyrrell Museum
Royal Tyrrell Museum in Drumheller is Canada's only museum dedicated exclusively to the science of palaeontology. In addition to housing one of the world's largest displays of dinosaurs., the museum offers a wide variety of creative, fun, and educational programs that bring the prehistoric past to life.
120 minutes here · Admission not included
Horsethief Canyon
Horsethief Canyon is a must-see while exploring the Canadian Badlands. Stand on the edge for spectacular views of the valley below. If you're feeling adventurous, hike down the steep trail and explore the canyon that is named after the outlaws who hid their stolen livestock here more than 100 years ago.
30 minutes here
Orkney Viewpoint
The Orkney Viewpoint is a popular tourist attraction, offering stunning views of the Red Deer River Valley.
15 minutes here
Calgary
Calgary, a cosmopolitan Alberta city with numerous skyscrapers, owes its rapid growth to its status as the centre of Canada’s oil industry.
2 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Calgary
Our driver will meet passengers at the arrivals gate
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Our driver will meet passengers at the arrivals gate
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
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 5 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Advantage Shuttles
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 9 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
9 verified traveler reviews for Private Badland Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Harry was an amazing tour...
Harry was an amazing tour guide. It was below freezing all day, but he brought us to the best places and kept us warm. He has wide knowledge and is very invested in his clients having a great time.
via Viator
A long day to see not much.
First looks at the horseshoe canyon were great but then the tour became repetitive. Attractions advertised in the tour description were closed on Mondays including the Dinosaur Park museum. No refreshments were provided on an 8-9hr tour so on top of the $800 plus to book it became a very expensive outing to see very little. Guide was also not very well informed.
via Viator
Worth the money for the entire day, minor hiccups.
Had an absolutely amazing time! The only reason I gave it a 4/5 was because the driver didn't seem very familiar with the schedule or when places are open/closed. I say this because we did miss going to the mining museum. They were closing when we drove up and the driver hassled the museum guides as they were leaving for the day, which we told him not to do. They were clearly closed and it wasn't their fault and telling them "I have a van full of people wanting to go in," was awkward." The driver was a nice enough guy, but he should have run a timetable by us throughout the day to make sure we got to everything. Would still do it again, because it's worth not driving around all day back and forth from Calgary and all the other locations were fantastic.
via Viator
Great Day out at the Badlands
Our driver and guide Henry was excellent. He showed us 7 main sights and attractions in and around the town plus going to a restaurant for lunch. Henry was friendly and courteous while giving us flexibility in times for each location. Thank you for a great day.
via Viator
Wonderful day trip to the Badlands.
Wonderful day trip to the Badlands. Our guide was very friendly and helpful. Our 2 hours at the Royal Tyrell Museum was the highlight. I wish my grandchildren were with me because they would have loved it even more than I did. It was superb. The rest of the day was very good also with my favorites being the Hoo Doos and scenery of the badlands. Great tour.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $526 to $720
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 3
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Advantage Shuttles, who run 5 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 50.3.
See everything Advantage Shuttles runsWhy this scores 55
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Private Badland Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Calgary.
How much does Private Badland Tour cost?
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Prices start at $526 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 Private Badland Tour 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 Private Badland Tour 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 (4.3/5 across 9 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 Private Badland Tour?
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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 Private Badland Tour 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 Private Badland Tour?
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Around 3 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 Private Badland Tour 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 Private Badland Tour?
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Included: Private transportation; and A fun filled day. Not included: Please note that meals/snacks will be the responsibility of the client; Admission tickets where applicable - itinerary #4 - $9 and #7 - $21; and Admission fees. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Private Badland Tour include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 119 listed pickup locations in and around Calgary. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Private Badland Tour 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 Private Badland Tour?
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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 Private Badland Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Private Badland Tour 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 Private Badland Tour?
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Across 9 reviews averaging 4.3 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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