Summary
A visit to Dinosaur Provincial Park in Alberta’s badlands is a must. We took a road trip through Alberta and spent time glamping (comfort camping) in the ancient fossil-filled land during our road trip to Drumheller. Dinosaur Provincial Park in the Badlands of Southern Alberta.
Dinosaur Provincial Park Overview
It is a long way from anywhere, and if you don’t have a tent or camper, you need to drive a fair distance to find a place to stay. That is why it’s great to take advantage of the comfort camping tents the park has set up for your enjoyment.
Centrosaurus Quarry Hike
The Centrosaurus Quarry Hike is the best way to see a huge concentration of dinosaur fossils. This site served as an excavation location where scientists gathered important findings and left the rest for visitors to admire. It’s an interactive experience, with the guide testing your knowledge of dinosaurs.
If you’re like me, you might recall what you learned in school or the movie Jurassic Park. Much of the park remains off-limits to visitors without a guide, hence taking a tour is the best way to explore and simultaneously learn about history, geology, and dinosaurs.
Dinosaur Provincial Park is a Working Fossil Excavation Site
Excavations are ongoing here, leading to regular discoveries as this remains one of the most fossil-rich destinations worldwide! It’s remarkable to view these fossils up-close, and I can only ponder how many would vanish without restriction on access. During our tour, we even witnessed someone attempting to take a fossil after being reminded not to pick up anything.
I had to intervene because the situation was astonishing. I exclaimed, “He just told us not to take anything, and you just picked up a fossil!”
Not to mention that she had her child with her; it’s concerning what message that sends. If everyone picked a stone or a bone during each tour, there’d be nothing left for future generations to enjoy.
Spotting Fossils in Alberta Badlands
We encountered numerous dinosaur bones during our exploration and learned how to distinguish a rock from a fossil. By the time we returned to our bus, identifying bones and fossils became second nature.
Once you grasp what to look for, and if you’re fortunate enough to traverse an area filled with fossils, they become part of your scenery. Though the Centrosaurus hike was perfect, it occurred at midday under the harshest sun. Discover another spectacular park in Alberta, Jasper National Park.
Sunset Tour of Dinosaur Provincial Park
We aimed to capture photographs of this extraordinary canyon, yet the hike prioritizes the dinosaur experience over merely photographing landscapes. We aspired for stunning shots of the picturesque scenery.
The park welcomed us with breathtaking views as we arrived. The Sunset tour showcases all the prime spots for viewing the rocks illuminated by the setting sun.
The tour varies daily and is conducted by an experienced guide who shows you their preferred locations within the park. You’ll witness incredible sights and have opportunities to take fantastic photos.
Amazing Views of the Alberta Badlands
Be prepared; these tours gather many participants, so shoot quickly. Familiarize yourself with your camera and stay alert. The group leader often decides when to return to camp, which might occur before sunset (as we experienced). Therefore, capture your images while the opportunity lasts!
The canyons are rich with hoodoos, coulees, and awe-inspiring rock formations stretching as far as the eye can see, resulting in an enchanting scene, whether at sunset or not.
Note: A coulee refers to a deep ravine, while hoodoos are tall, narrow rock spires made of soft rock with a harder rock cap on top, resembling a hat. Explore more at: Things to do in Drumheller, Alberta.
Glamping – Glamour Camping in Dinosaur Provincial Park
Many individuals criticize glamping (camping with comfort), believing that unless you camp in the traditional sense with a tent, it’s not a real camping experience. We disagree.
While traveling, carrying all your camping gear isn’t always feasible, yet you may still wish to immerse yourself in nature. Fortunately, the campsites come equipped with gas barbeques, leading to an ideal evening for grilling steaks!
We ventured to Brooks for our dinner supplies and spent the evening under the night sky, cherishing nature in comfort.
Dinner at the Campsite
Alberta offers amazing and affordable beef, so I selected the finest cuts priced at $7 each. Not a bad deal! The potatoes had been cooking for about 30 minutes, and upon arriving at the campsite, I uncorked a bottle of wine and placed the corn and steak on the grill.
All necessary cooking items were provided in a large Rubbermaid container, including utensils, oil, plates, and cutlery—we didn’t need to bring a single item. We could even store our leftovers in the fridge overnight.
Luxury Tents
It was glamping at its finest! Sitting outside at the picnic table, we savored our meal before quickly cleaning up in the shared washing facilities nearby. Everyone interacted outside, creating a relaxing vibe.
I absolutely love camping in Canada. As you stroll past campsites, folks greet you with a smile. The sites are adequately spaced for privacy. We retired to our tent, finished our wine, and gazed at the stars while enjoying the soothing sounds of nature. Ultimately, we fell asleep to crickets and awoke rejuvenated, ready for our next leg toward Drumheller, where more hoodoos awaited!
Exploring Drumheller
Drumheller is merely an hour’s drive from Dinosaur Provincial Park and serves as an ideal next destination. It’s wise to allocate an entire day for your journey from Dinosaur Provincial Park to Drumheller. While it’s a manageable 200 km drive, there are multiple attractions worth visiting along the way.
The most renowned stop is the Hoodoos of Drumheller, fascinating structures nestled along the highway, thousands of years old. We documented the details at The Hoodoos of Drumheller. Don’t forget to have lunch at the Last Chance Saloon and tour the historic Atlas Coal Mine during your trip.
Royal Tyrell Museum | Dinosaur Bones
Drumheller is home to the Royal Tyrrell Museum, featuring the world’s largest dinosaur. After witnessing scattered bones at Dinosaur Provincial Park, it was impressive to observe the results from years of excavation efforts.
This esteemed museum is a working facility where they constantly clean and display newly discovered bones. It stands out as one of the few museums globally, showcasing authentic dinosaur bones rather than replicas. For any dinosaur enthusiast, this road trip is an absolute necessity!
For additional information on camping at Dinosaur Provincial Park, please visit their Website for reservations.
