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Welcome to this article about 10 things to do and see in Alberta Dinosaur Provincial Park in Canada.

Through our own travel experience in Canada , we tell you what you can do and see in Dinosaur Provincial Park , our eighth National Park visited on our route through Canada along the Rocky Mountains.

This visit comes after a couple of days spent in the United States visiting Glacier National Park in Montana , right on the border with Canada, and after previously visiting Waterton Lakes National Park in Canada.

The first thing you should know is that Alberta's Dinosaur Provincial Park is not the so-called Drumheller Dinosaur Valley, also called the dinosaur capital of the world, which we visited after Dinosaur Provincial Park.

Drumheller is perhaps the most famous place in Canada's so-called Dinosaur Valley , as it is one of the largest towns in the area and is home to the Tyrell Museum and other very attractive tourist offerings.

In contrast, Dinosaur Provincial Park , located two hours from Drumheller, is the natural area where the largest number of dinosaur fossils have been found. It lies in the heart of the Badlands, a semi-desert region in a stunningly beautiful valley.

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Why visit Canada's Dinosaur Provincial Park

Located in the Canadian province of Alberta and near the border with Montana in the United States , Dinosaur Provincial Park is also one of the UNESCO World Heritage natural parks since 1979 and a must -see in Canada.

A natural park known both for the 75-million-year-old dinosaur fossils that give it its name, and for its impressive geological formations of the Badlands.

In this Alberta Provincial Park, more than 40 dinosaur species have been discovered, with over 400 dinosaur fossils found . Today, it remains one of the most important centers for paleontological research. Many scientists from around the world come here to study the fossils and gain a better understanding of history.

Safety Tips for Visiting Dinosaur Provincial Park

Visiting the Canadian Badlands is an incredible experience! This place is like a landscape from another planet, but it also has its challenges. You don't need a pass or pay any taxes, but you do need to be aware that there are some risks. Here are some safety tips to enjoy it to the fullest without complications:

1. hydrate well: The weather in the Badlands can be dry and hot, especially in the summer. Bring plenty of water, as you won't find many fountains to refill your bottle.
2. Protect your skin: Don't underestimate the sun. Use high-factor sunscreen and wear a hat or cap. Sunglasses are also key, because the sun's reflection on the ground can be very strong.
3. suitable footwear: Rock formations and uneven terrain can make it easy to slip. Good hiking boots will help you walk more safely and comfortably.
4. Be aware of wildlife: In the Badlands there are snakes, including some rattlesnakes. If you see one, do not approach them and give them their space. Also pay attention to other animals that may be nearby such as black widow spiders or scorpions.
5. find your: Trails can be tricky, so it's easy to get lost. Bring a map, compass or GPS when you're not using cell service because cell service is rarely good.
6. leave no trace: Take your trash with you and respect natural areas. The Badlands are a fragile place and we need to take care of it.

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How to get to Canada's Dinosaur Provincial Park

On our trip we arrived in Canada at Calgary airport which is the closest to the Canadian Rockies.

Just 1,5 hours from Calgary you'll find Dinosaur Provincial Park.

The best way to get there is with your rental car ; there are very few public transport options, if any, that are direct and easy.

How to get around Alberta's Dinosaur Provincial Park in Canada

The first thing we find that is different between the countries of North America and Europe is the organization of the streets of cities and towns.

In Canada , just like in the US, the streets aren't designed for walking. They're very wide and designed for cars rather than pedestrians.

In Dinosaur Provincial Park you absolutely need a car for everything; there is no shuttle bus system connecting the different points of the park , and you can only get around if you hire taxis or tours if you don't have your own vehicle.

Something you should know is that it's a very manageable natural park and you can walk from here most of the time within the park center.

Where to stay in Alberta Dinosaur Provincial Park, Canada

Surely, what you would prefer like us to visit Dinosaur Provincial Park is to stay right there, in the middle of the natural park, right? 

Well, this can be a bit tricky. The first thing you need to know is that there is only one option there and it is a campsite without bungalows or cabins. 

For accommodation in a hotel or apartment, the closest place with available lodging is Brooks , or a little further away, Drumheller.

Depending on your route, one place might suit you better than another. In any case, if you're going to visit Drumheller, the dinosaur capital, which you almost certainly will, the Badlands Motel is highly recommended ; its price, quality, and location are fantastic.

Regarding the campsite, it's one of the best public campsites we've seen. It's the Camping del Parque Provincial de los Dinosaurios (Dinosaur Provincial Park Campsite), where the only options are tent, motorhome, or campervan camping. But if you're planning on staying in a tent, it will undoubtedly be a great place to stay.

What to see in Canada's Dinosaur Provincial Park in Alberta: 10 must-do plans

Below, I will give you the exact coordinates of the parking lots for the walking routes and all the best places to visit in the Alberta Dinosaur Provincial Park in Canada, a park that the whole family fell in love with.

Viewpoint to Dinosaur Provincial Park and the Badlands

Just before entering Dinosaur Provincial Park, on the right, you will find this parking lot at the best viewpoint of this impressive natural park that forms the Badlands.

From here you can see the incredible semi-desert landscape of the Badlands and the Red Deer River, undoubtedly the best place to take aerial photographs of this brutal landscape.

Canada's Dinosaur Provincial Park Visitor Centre

A first important stop is at the Visitor Center parking lot of this Dinosaur Provincial Park to load up with maps and all the information about this place.

Let us advise you on the best visits to make on the days you go and on the guided tours and activities you can do when you go.

Next to the Visitor Center, in the parking lot, you will find a center with different services, from a restaurant and bar to a laundry , even if you need it.

Royal Tyrrel Museum Field Station, museum within the Visitor Center

Inside the Dinosaur Provincial Park Visitor Center, you'll find this small museum, part of the Royal Tyrrell Museum, which houses the largest collection of fossils in the National Park at its main building in Drumheller. This museum is much smaller, but for just $2, it's well worth a visit to see our first dinosaur fossils and learn about the archaeological history of this incredible place.

UNESCO Overlook/Prairie Loop and other trails

From the Dinosaur Provincial Park Visitor Center, a 1 km circular trail called the UNESCO Overlook Trail begins , offering a first glimpse into the unique character of this badlands. While several other trails start from the Visitor Center and surrounding area, it's best to ask for recommendations at the Visitor Center.

The Badlands Loop Scenic Byway with Dinosaur Fossil Specimens

Near the information center and across from the campsite, there's a scenic 3km loop dirt track leading to the Badlands. These barren lands feature striking shapes and colors, and there are two stops with parking areas for viewing dinosaur fossils . At the end of the route, there's also a picnic area next to the public campsite.

Apart from the two Fossils Display stops, you will find some other parking to do different trails such as the famous Cotton wood Fats Trail or the Badlands Trail.

Fishing on the Red Deer River

By obtaining a license from the Alberta administration, you can fish in this impressive river that winds through these reddish lands of the Badlands.

There are signs prohibiting swimming, so please refrain from doing so. Perhaps this is due to the danger of the rattlesnakes that are so common in this area.

Johns Ware's Cabin

John Ware's Cabin is located just behind the restaurant and parking lot of Dinosaur Provincial Park.

It is a historic site associated with the pioneering Black Canadian cowboy John Ware. Born into slavery in South Carolina in 1845 , John Ware won his freedom and later became an iconic figure of the Canadian West for his exceptional skills in cattle ranching and horsemanship.

The cabin itself is a simple, rustic structure, typical of the early homes built by settlers in the 19th century. It is constructed of logs, with a modest design, reflecting the practical, self-sufficient lifestyle of the time. Although modest in appearance, the cabin has great cultural and historical value.

It can be visited inside at certain times depending on the time of year.

Patricia's Dinosaur Sculpture

To get to Dinosaur Provincial Park you have to go towards Brooks , which is the largest town, and then Patricia , a mini-town with a Dinosaur sculpture at the entrance that serves as the gateway to Alberta's Dinosaur Provincial Park.

Patricia Rodeo

In Patricia, a village of just four houses at the entrance to Alberta's Dinosaur Provincial Park, we were lucky enough to stumble upon their rodeo . One of the coolest experiences we had in Canada.

The province of Alberta and its main city Calgary are a world-renowned attraction for their rodeos, with the Calgary Stampede being the main attraction. So, when we saw that there was a rodeo in Patricia, we couldn't miss it.

The Patricia Rodeo took place from August 30th to September 1st , so if you're going on those dates, see if you're lucky enough to catch it.

To enter the rodeo, you have to pay $20 per day for adults (children are free), or $40 for a three-day pass. This entitles you to park your car, and even if you're traveling in an RV or camper, you can stay overnight. You can also watch all the shows and equestrian races that take place daily from 4:00 PM until late at night.

The atmosphere is incredible and highly recommended to experience it!

Brooks History Museum

If you end up staying overnight or passing through Brooks, we recommend first stopping at the Brooks Museum , which is free with a donation . It's a museum of local folklore, featuring buildings, antiques, and a dinosaur sculpture.

If it's hot, put on your swimsuit because right in front of the Brooks Museum there's a free public water park that's great fun for kids.

Dinosaur Provincial Park Canada map what to see

Conclusions about Dinosaur Provincial Park

It was undoubtedly a place we really liked; the change of scenery we experienced in Dinosaur Provincial Park , accustomed as we were to the alpine landscapes we came from in the Rocky Mountains, fascinated us.

It's like being in Canada's Grand Canyon, but with the added bonus of being in Dinosaur territory, the great place where they lived more than 75 million years ago. This fact alone is undoubtedly fascinating.

Don't hesitate to go! It's well worth it and if you can sleep in their campsite: it's amazing! 

Good route, friends!