Drumheller

Introducing Drumheller

Drumheller is one of the few cities on earth that can say that its main industry is dinosaurs. Located in the heart of the badlands, 150km northeast of Calgary, it’s a small yet endearing city. The town has perhaps taken its Jurassic identity a bit too far, with mocked-up monsters on every street corner and dino-related prefixes to more than a few business names. There is even the world’s tackiest, ahem, largest dinosaur standing proudly above the downtown core in all its concrete and steel glory.

But don’t let this paleontological civic pride deter you – once you get beyond the kitsch, the town itself is quirky and fun. The summers are hot and the surrounding scenery is straight from a classic old western film. Hoodoos dominate the landscape and the Royal Tyrrell Museum sits on the outskirts of town, which is a world-class place to learn about – what else – dinosaurs.

Even the tourist information center (403-823-1331; 60 1st Ave W; 10am-6pm) is marked by a huge T-rex. If you’re driving, tune into 94.5 FM, the local radio station, which provides up-to-date information about what’s happening in town.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009