10 must-see attractions in Canada's Dinosaur Provincial Park, Alberta

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

Through our own experience of trip through canada, we tell you what you can do and what to see in Dinosaur Provincial Park, our eighth Natural Park visited on our route through Canada along with the Rocky Mountains. 

A visit we make after going into the United States for a couple of days to visit the Montana's Glacier National Park, next to the border with Canada. And from visiting previously Canada's Waterton Lakes National Park.

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

Drumheller It is perhaps the most famous place of the so-called Canada's Dinosaur Valley, since it is one of the largest cities in the area and houses the Tyrell Museum and together with other very attractive tourist offers.

Instead, Dinosaur Provincial Park, this is A natural space where they found the largest number of dinosaur fossils, 2 hours from Drumheller. Located in the middle of the so-called Badlands, a semi-desert area in a valley with surprising and very beautiful scenery.

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About us

Why visit Canada's Dinosaur Provincial Park

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

A natural park known both by the dinosaur fossils 75 million years ago, which give it its name, as well as its impressive geological formations of the Badlands.

In this Alberta Provincial Park, More than 40 species of dinosaurs have been discovered with more than 400 dinosaur fossils found. Today it is still one of the most important centres for paleontological research. Many scientists from all over the world come here to study the fossils and understand history better.

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 find Dinosaur Provincial Park.

The best way to access is with your rental vehicle, there is very few public transport options, if not none 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 are not designed for walking. They are very wide streets and are designed for cars rather than pedestrians.

In Dinosaur Provincial Park you need a car for everything, There is no shuttle bus system connecting the different points of the park., and only if you hire taxis or tours will you be able to move around if you do not have your own vehicle.

Something you should know is that it is a very manageable natural park and you can go from here to there. walking most of the time inside the center of the park.

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. 

To stay in a hotel or apartment, the closest place with accommodation offers is Brooks or a little further away Drumheller.

Depending on the route you choose, one place or another may be better for you. In any case, if you are going to visit Drumheller, the capital of the dinosaurs, which you will surely do, it is highly recommended to go to Badlands motel What a great price, quality and location.

About the campsite, we can tell you that it is one of the best public campsites that we have seen, it is the Dinosaur Provincial Park Campground where there is only the option of camping in a tent, motorhome or camper, but if you go with this plan it will undoubtedly be a great accommodation.

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 hand side, you will find This parking lot to 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

An important first stop is at the parking lot of Visitor Center of this Dinosaur Provincial Park to load us 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 services different, from a restaurant bar to laundry, even if you need it.

Royal Tyrrel Museum Field Station, museum within the Visitor Center

Inside the Dinosaur Provincial Park Visitor Center we find this small museum, belonging to the Royal Tyrrell Museum, which houses the largest number of fossils in the National Park in its main building in Drumheller. This museum is much smaller, but for the price of only $2 it is 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 circular trail begins 1 km called UNESCO Overlook where we can get a first impression of the peculiarity of these wastelands. Although various trails start from the Visitor Center and surrounding areas. The best thing is to let the Visitor Center recommend them to you.

The Badlands Loop Scenic Byway with Dinosaur Fossil Specimens

Near the information center and crossing the campground, there is a 3 km scenic dirt road to visit the Badlands. wastelands with shapes and colors Amazing where or two stops with andparking lots to see dinosaur fossilsAt the end of the route there is a picnic area next to the public campsite as well.

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

Requesting leave from the Alberta administration You will be able to fish in this impressive river that meanders 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

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

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

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.

Es visitable inside in some specific hours which depend on the time of year.

Patricia's Dinosaur Sculpture

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

Patricia Rodeo

In Patricia, a town of 4 houses, at the entrance to the Alberta Dinosaur Provincial Park, we had the lucky to come across his 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.

From August 30 to September 1 The Patricia Rodeo took place there, so if you go in the near future, see if you're lucky enough to see it.

To access the rodeo you have to pay $20 per day for adults, children free, or $40 for the three-day pass. This gives you the right to park your car, and even if you go in a motorhome or camper to sleep there with it, and see all the equestrian shows and races which they do daily from 16 pm until very 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, free with donation. A folklore museum of this area with buildings and antiques and a dinosaur sculpture.  

If it's hot, put on your swimsuit because right in front of the Brooks museum you have a water park with free public access very fun for kids.

Dinosaur Provincial Park Canada map what to see

Conclusions about Dinosaur Provincial Park

It was certainly a place that we really liked, the change of landscape that we experienced in the Dinosaur Provincial Park, accustomed to the alpine landscapes from which we came from the Rockies, we were fascinated

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!