Calgary to Royal Museum | Drumheller PRIVATE TOUR

Exploring Alberta’s Badlands: A Detailed Look at the Calgary to Drumheller Private Tour

If you’re eyeing a trip from Calgary into the heart of Alberta’s iconic badlands, this private tour to Drumheller sounds like a fantastic way to do it. While we haven’t traversed it ourselves, the reviews and itinerary paint a picture of a well-rounded experience that offers a mix of natural beauty, fascinating history, and a few fun roadside attractions.

What we really appreciate about this tour is its flexibility—your own group, your own pace. Plus, the fact that hotel pickup is available makes it even more convenient. The downside? Entrance tickets aren’t included, which means you’ll need to budget for those separately, especially for popular stops like the Royal Tyrrell Museum.

This trip suits travelers who want a personalized experience, value comfort, and love to see a variety of sights without rushing. It’s especially good if you’re into paleontology, striking landscapes, or just want to explore beyond the usual tourist spots with a knowledgeable guide leading the way.

Key Points

• Private, customizable experience allows for a relaxed pace and personalized stops.
• Comfortable transport in a luxury sprinter van ensures a smooth ride through Alberta’s scenic routes.
• Flexible itinerary with stops at Horseshoe Canyon, hoodoos, coal mine, dinosaur attractions, and more.
• Entrance tickets are not included, so plan to purchase those separately.
• Hotel pickup and drop-off make logistics easier, especially if you’re staying nearby.
• Highly rated guides are frequently praised for their friendliness and knowledge.

An Honest Look at the Calgary to Drumheller Private Tour

This private tour offers a chance to see Alberta’s most intriguing natural and cultural sites in a single day. It’s a substantial trip—8 to 10 hours—so it’s best suited for those who want an in-depth, relaxed experience rather than a quick overview.

The Journey Begins: Horseshoe Canyon and Drumheller

The tour kicks off with a visit to Horseshoe Canyon, a natural marvel shaped like its name, with two arms extending about 5 km each. It’s a free stop, and we love how this kind of natural wonder gets you up close to the landscape’s raw power. One reviewer noted that the canyon’s unique shape and flowing coulees make it a captivating first stop, and it’s an excellent way to start the day with some fresh air and impressive views.

Next, you’ll briefly stop in Drumheller itself, which is more of a quick greeting than a sightseeing stop, just 15 minutes to stretch your legs and soak in the small-town vibe.

The Hoodoos: Eroded Rock Spires

No visit to this part of Alberta would be complete without seeing the hoodoos—tall, slender spires of sandstone topped with a hard cap rock that look like nature’s own sculpture gallery. The guide often highlights these formations’ fascinating erosion story, and many visitors find them surprisingly photogenic. The 30-minute stop lets you walk among these natural “hats,” with some reviews calling this a highlight of the day.

A Deep Dive into Alberta’s Mining Past: Atlas Coal Mine

The Atlas Coal Mine is a key piece of local history, and it’s considered Canada’s most complete historic coal mine. The tour includes a 30-minute stop here, but keep in mind, entrance tickets are not included. This means if you’re interested in exploring inside or taking a guided tour of the mine, you’ll need to purchase those separately. Many previous guests found the site interesting, though one noted that certain attractions like the coal mine may be less engaging if the mine itself is closed.

The Iconic Dinosaur and the Big T-Rex

A fun and kitschy highlight is the World’s Largest Dinosaur, a roadside attraction in the form of a T-Rex. It’s a quick 30-minute visit, perfect for snapping photos and marveling at this giant creature. The reviews praise this stop as a fun photo op, especially for dinosaur enthusiasts or families.

Small Town Charm & Scenic Overlooks

The Little Church of Drumheller provides a peaceful moment, with its tiny, quaint presence serving as a small but charming stop. Nearby, Horsethief Canyon offers stunning views of rugged terrain and peaceful landscapes, often called surprisingly breathtaking considering its location in the middle of nowhere.

The Grand Finale: Royal Tyrrell Museum

The highlight for many visitors is the Royal Tyrrell Museum, which is ranked as one of the top paleontology museums in the world. A two-hour visit allows plenty of time to explore its extensive fossil collections and exhibits.

Reviewers consistently rave about the museum’s quality—one called it “absolutely astonishing,” and many noted that it far exceeded their expectations. It’s a major draw, especially for dinosaur lovers or those interested in prehistoric life. Just remember, entry tickets are not included, so plan ahead.

The Value of the Experience

At $352.59 per person, this tour isn’t inexpensive, but it offers a lot in return. You’re largely paying for the convenience of private transportation, the flexibility to spend as much time as you want at each stop, and the ease of hotel pickup and drop-off.

While some see the price as high—particularly compared to a self-drive or shared tour—the reviews suggest it’s worth it for the comfort, personalized attention, and the ability to explore in depth. For example, one guest mentioned that the museum visit alone felt “well worth the money,” thanks to the extra time and expert guidance.

Practical Details & Considerations

Transportation & Comfort

Traveling in a luxury sprinter van means you’ll enjoy a smooth, climate-controlled ride. The vehicle is also insured and licensed, giving peace of mind. Guests frequently comment on how clean and comfortable the van is, which makes a long day much more pleasant.

Duration & Flexibility

The tour lasts roughly 8 to 10 hours, depending on traffic and how long you choose to linger at each site. The itinerary is designed to be flexible—your guide will accommodate your interests and pace. The reviews highlight that guides are friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive, often going out of their way to ensure guests have a memorable experience.

What’s Not Included

It’s worth noting that entrance tickets are not included for the Royal Tyrrell Museum, Atlas Coal Mine, or the Dinosaur Head Viewpoint. You’ll want to budget for these separately, which some guests find manageable, especially when planning ahead.

Booking & Cancellation

Booking well in advance (about 95 days on average) is recommended, as this tour is popular. Cancellations are free if made more than 24 hours before, making it a flexible option if your plans change unexpectedly.

Who’s This Tour Best For?

This private tour is ideal for travelers who want a personalized, relaxed exploration of Alberta’s badlands without the hassle of planning every detail. It’s perfect if you prefer comfort and flexibility, and if you’re eager to spend quality time at each attraction. Families, dinosaur enthusiasts, or anyone interested in natural landscapes and history will find plenty to enjoy.

It’s less suited if you’re on a tight budget or prefer a quick, brief visit to each site—since the price reflects the private, curated nature of the experience. Also, keep in mind that entrance fees aren’t included, so budget accordingly.

FAQ

Are entrance tickets included in the tour price?
No, tickets for the Royal Tyrrell Museum, Atlas Coal Mine, and Dinosaur Head Viewpoint are not included. You’ll need to purchase those separately.

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, pickup and drop-off at your hotel are offered if you select that option during booking, which adds to the convenient nature of this private tour.

How long does the tour last?
Typically between 8 and 10 hours, depending on traffic and how long you spend at each stop.

What kind of vehicle is used for transportation?
A comfortable, licensed, insured luxury sprinter van ensures a smooth ride with climate control.

Can I customize the itinerary?
While the route is generally fixed, guides are praised for their friendliness and attentiveness, often accommodating guest interests.

Is this tour suitable for children or families?
While not explicitly marketed as family-focused, the stops—especially the dinosaur museum—are engaging for kids and families have enjoyed the experience.

What is the booking process like?
Bookings are recommended about 3 months in advance, with free cancellation available if you cancel more than 24 hours prior.

What is the price for this tour?
It costs around $352.59 per person, which includes transportation and personalized service but not entry fees.

All in all, this private Calgary to Drumheller tour offers a compelling mix of natural beauty, history, and fun roadside sights, all delivered in comfort and with personal attention. If you’re after a flexible, in-depth exploration of the Canadian Badlands with a knowledgeable guide, it’s a solid choice—just remember to budget for the entrance fees and plan your day accordingly.