How to Explore Drumheller and the Hoodoos Without a Car

Known as the “Dinosaur Capital of the World,” the town of Drumheller is famous for its prehistoric legacy and spectacular geology like the nearby hoodoos. Located 135 km (84 mi) from Calgary, Drumheller makes a perfect overnight getaway, weekend away or day trip, but it can be tricky for visitors without a car. Two new bus services are making it much easier to get to and around the heart of the Canadian Badlands: a FlixBus route from Calgary and a local free shuttle.

From the world-renowned Royal Tyrrell Museum to the shops of downtown, Drumheller is full of one-of-a-kind things to see and do. Now anyone can enjoy the beauty of a weekend in the Drumheller area without renting a car.

Getting to Drumheller from Calgary by bus

Traditionally, getting to Drumheller from Calgary required a guided tour or personal vehicle. Visitors now have the option to get to Alberta’s Canadian Badlands through a direct bus route.

Here are the key details for travellers to know about the bus route between Drumheller and Calgary :

• The new route is operated by Flixbus with tickets available on the company’s website or app.
• Catch the bus at the Calgary International Airport, in downtown Calgary, or at the Whitehorn transit station.
• Flixbus goes directly to the Royal Tyrrell Museum or to downtown Drumheller.
• The ride takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on where you board in Calgary.
• The downtown Drumheller stop is also the meeting point for the handy new ValleyConnect shuttle, so you can head straight out into the Drumheller Valley upon arrival.

How to spend a weekend in Drumheller car-free

ValleyConnect is a free hop-on/hop-off bus designed to showcase the Drumheller Valley’s most popular attractions. Two different routes take visitors to either the east or west ends of town and slightly beyond.

The seasonal shuttle bus runs from June 26, 2026, to the end of August on Fridays and Saturdays. Buses depart hourly, so you can take as much time as you’d like to explore each stop.

Here’s what you’ll discover in Drumheller along the bus routes.

Get to know Drumheller's Downtown Plaza

Best for: Anyone enchanted by small town quirkiness and unique food and shopping opportunities.

ValleyConnect’s downtown shuttle hub sits right in the heart of Drumheller’s friendly downtown. Stroll through the streets to spot colourful dinosaur statues scattered around town. The biggest of them all is a 25 m (86 ft) fibreglass T-Rex named Tyra, officially known as the World’s Largest Dinosaur.

The big dinosaur is within easy walking distance of the Plaza. Follow your visit with a scoop of Alberta-made ice cream at the locally owned Valley Ice Cream Shoppe.

Drink in the views of the Badlands from pathways along the coulee-lined Red Deer River. Or stick to the charming downtown streets where you’ll find plenty of long-standing businesses alongside shops and restaurants from a new generation of residents.

Living up to its name, the chef-run Heller Good Sandwiches is a new favourite among locals and visitors. Across the street you’ll find Rockin’ Cowboy, a hip western wear shop stocked with boots, hats and vintage garb.

Royal Tyrrell Museum

Best for: Families and anyone fascinated by dinosaurs.

The world-famous Royal Tyrrell Museum is the only museum in Canada focusing solely on prehistoric life. This is also a working research facility where scientists often make discoveries about dinosaurs and other ancient lifeforms.

Dinosaur lovers of all ages will enjoy the museum's interactive exhibits. The building showcases the world’s largest collections of dinosaur fossils, including rare T-Rex remains.

The fun extends outdoors just outside the museum. Take a self-guided walk along the Badlands Interpretive Trail, a 1.4 km (0.9 mi) loop starting at the museum. Or sign up for a fossil hunting hike, excavation experience or 2 km (1.2 mi) interpretive adult hike, all scheduled regularly throughout the spring, summer and fall months.

Hoodoos

Best for: Showstopping photo ops, geology enthusiasts and fans of “Can This Love Be Translated?”

The Canadian Badlands’ unique topography can make you feel like you’re on another planet. One of the area’s most striking geological features are the hoodoos, a series of flat-topped sandstone columns. The ValleyConnect bus stops at the site long enough for some photos and a short walk among the hoodoos.

The hoodoos are incredibly fragile and protected by the province. Be sure to stick to the paths and the convenient stairway that leads visitors to a bird’s-eye view of these awe-inspiring natural structures.

Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site

Best for: History and train buffs and light adventurers. Family-friendly, though older kids may get more out of it.

Decades ago, Drumheller was a booming coal mine town. The Atlas Coal Mine is the last of the 139 mines that once operated in the area. Today the site serves as an interpretive museum to provide an example of a historic Alberta mine.

Plan on spending at least an hour at the mine site. General admission includes self-guided access to the site’s surface areas, including multiple exhibits detailing what it would have been like to work in the mine. Guests who want to stay longer can book a guided tour of the mine’s processing plant, go for a spin on an antique train or take a hike with an interpreter to explore the mine portal.

East Coulee

Best for: Culturally curious travellers, budding historians and anyone looking to slow down.

Located roughly 20 km (12 mi) from downtown, East Coulee looks like a town of its own, but it is officially part of Drumheller. East Coulee used to be a thriving town, but the demise of the coal mines has left it as a quiet, although charming, rural community.

Stroll around the serene streets before heading into the East Coulee School Museum.  Operational from 1930 to 1971, the 11-room schoolhouse was once filled with the children of coal miners. Now it teaches visitors about the history of the area and the people who pioneered life in Drumheller. Guests can sit in a recreated classroom, browse the huge collection of artifacts or grab a refreshment in the museum’s homey tearoom.

Fun fact: Drumheller is named after an early settler in the valley named Sam Drumheller. See if you can spot his picture in the museum.

Where to stay in Drumheller

Since most stops on the ValleyConnect loops require at least an hour or more to fully enjoy, you may want to turn a day trip into an overnight or multi-day stay. The Drumheller area has hotels and other accommodations for families, solo travellers and adventurous types.

Bridgeviews Glamping

Enjoy the outdoors without sacrificing comfort by glamping in the Canadian Badlands. At Bridgeviews, choose either a canvas yurt or geodome for a stay on the banks of the Rosebud River. Each structure is fit with real beds and indoor furniture for cozy and restful stay.

The site offers plenty of room for kids to play as well as amenities including a barrel sauna and a geodome with various wellness programming.

Bridgeviews is located outside of the downtown area, so plan to take a taxi. Be sure to do a grocery run for picnic and barbecue supplies as there is no restaurant on site.

New to glamping? Here’s everything you need to know

Ramada Drumheller

Ramada Drumheller is a comfortable, modern hotel and is within walking distance of downtown. It features cozy rooms and a family-friendly pool and waterslide.

The Tyrannosaurus Rest

This traditional B&B is a picture of small-town hospitality. The Tyrannosaurus Rest is a short walk from the Downtown Plaza. The family-style home features welcoming rooms, private bathrooms and tasty breakfasts.