25 Things to Do in Drumheller During Winter

Not just for the dinosaurs (anymore) Drumheller, Alberta, is known as the “Dinosaur Capitol of the World” and it’s a unique place to explore any time of year. Drumheller is located just northeast of Calgary and a great winter destination for families, or anyone looking to experience breathtaking and unique natural landscapes, dining opportunities, museums, and shopping. Check out this list of 25 Things to do in Drumheller in the Wintertime, and get ready to explore!

• Top Things to Do in Canadian Badlands – Drumheller to Brooks

Outdoor Attractions

Drumheller Hoodoos

The Drumheller Hoodoos are sandstone pillars that take millions of years to form. The beautiful, organic forms are around 5 to 7 meters tall. Walk along the short, accessible trail to see these unique natural wonders up close.
Address: Coulee Way, Drumheller, AB T0J 1B0
Phone: 403 823 7741
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Horseshoe Canyon

See the unique, rugged landscape of the badlands from the lookout. Over 400, 000 visitors stop at Horseshoe Canyon each year. Stop at picturesque viewpoints to snap a photo, or take a helicopter tour of the area to appreciate its natural beauty from above.
Address: Township Rd 284, Kneehill County
Phone: 403 443 5541

Horsethief Canyon

Horsethief Canyon is the stuff of legends. A long time ago, livestock thieves used to hide their stolen animals in the canyon. Even under layers of snow and ice, this Canyon is a breathtaking photo opportunity and hiking experience located just 16 kms from Drumheller, and part of Dinosaur trail.
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Drumheller Pedestrian Trails

Drumheller has 18 kms of trails located in town and on the banks of the Red Deer River. Sip on a hot chocolate or and enjoy the fresh winter air while you stroll past some of Drumheller’s attractions, such as the Town Hall, the World’s Largest Dinosaur, and the Homestead Antique Museum.

Rosedale Suspension Bridge

The 117 meter Rosedale Suspension Bridge is a pedestrian bridge that was constructed in 1931 so that workers on the Star Coal Mine could cross the Red Deer River. Now it’s an interesting spot to walk across the frozen river and imagine the history from years ago.
Address: 3061 AB-10, Drumheller
Phone: 403 823 7741

World’s Largest Dinosaur

Does the World’s Largest Dinosaur get cold? You’ll have to visit to find out! This impressive 25 meter tall statue weighs 65 000 tons and cost over a million dollars to build. A little snow isn’t a worry for the giant dinosaur, which is 4.5 times bigger than a real Tyrannosaurus Rex.
Address: 60 1 Ave W, Drumheller, AB T0J 0Y0
Phone: 1 866 823 8100
Hours: 10am-5:30 pm
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Drumheller’s Little Church

After visiting the World’s Largest Dinosaur, stop by for a minute to see Drumheller’s Little Church. This teeny tiny church will be a quick visit; it sits 6 people at a time and features benches and real stained glass windows.
Address: Murray Hill Rd, Drumheller, AB T0J 2C0
Phone: 403 823 8100

Tobogganing

Drumheller isn’t known for its ample toboggan hills, so this year the Town of Drumheller decided to do something about it. The hill near Bankview has been rehabilitated by the city for use as a public toboggan spot. Grab a sled and maybe a helmet and get ready to soar down the hill on your favorite sled.

Midland Provincial Park

Just across the Red Deer River, and connected to the town of Drumheller by a walking trail, Midland Provincial Park is a great day use area for hiking, snowshoeing, birdwatching or winter picnics. No camping is permitted in the park.
Address: Hwy 838, Drumheller
Phone: 403 742 7516
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Orkney Viewpoint

Look over the sprawling, snowy fields and ridges that make up the Red Deer River Valley. The Orkney Viewpoint is located just north of Drumheller, and is a popular and easy spot to bring your family for a walk or to watch a winter morning sunrise. Washroom facilities are available.
Address: Kneehill County
Phone: 403 443 5541

Stargazing

Drumheller is not an official dark sky preserve, but the small size, minimal light pollution and location within the Canadian badlands make it an ideal spot for stargazing and aurora watching. Bring your telescope, or just head out for a walk under the winter night sky. Sunrises are particularly brilliant in the Alberta wintertime.

Indoor Fun

Royal Tyrell Museum

No visit to Drumheller is complete without a visit to the Royal Tyrell Museum. Besides being home to spectacular dinosaur skeletons, fossils, and prehistoric specimens, the museum offers family friendly programming and learning opportunities year round. Children 3-5 will love the Kidosaurus Club (January 22 to February 26 2020)
Address: 1500 N Dinosaur Trail, Drumheller
Phone: 403 823 7707
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Heartwood Inn and Spa

Relax in a private cottage room with a jetted tub at the Heartwood Inn and Spa, or treat yourself with a manicure, pedicure, body polishing, or massage. Nothing beats the winter chill like a day of pampering and relaxing. The heartwood in and spa is a beautiful romantic getaway spot with well appointed rooms located in the heart of Drumheller.
Address: 320 Railway Ave E, Drumheller
Phone: 403 823 6495
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East Coulee School Museum

The East Coulee School Museum is typically closed from October to April, but private tours are available in the winter upon request. Have the place all to yourself, or with a school group or friends as your learn all about what early life in a coal town was all about.
Address: 359 2 Ave, East Coulee
Phone: 403 822 3970
Website

Skating

Drumheller Memorial Arena

Lace up your skates and get ready to twirl around the ice at the Drumheller Memorial Arena. The arena has public skate time available, shinny, or stick and puck.
Address: 20 1 Ave W, Drumheller
Phone: 403 823 1328
Website

Aquaplex

Sometimes the only way to beat winter chill is with a dip in a hot tub or by splashing around in a pool. The Drumheller Aquaplex has both, as well as programs and lessons for families, children and adults.
Address: 100 1 Ave W, Drumheller
Phone: 403 823 1322
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Rosebud Theater

Blast the winter blues away with a live performance of A Christmas Story or Dreams of Kings and Carpenters at Rosebud Theater, or see Letters from Wingfield Farm, a story of a business man who decides to become a farmer.
Address: 106 Martin Avenue, Rosebud, AB T0J 2T0
Phone: 403 677 2001
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Bernie and the Boys Bistro

Gather your friends and family and head to Bernie and the Boys Bistro. This burger joint is known for its generously sized gourmet burgers, milkshakes, and fries. Relax in a family friendly atmosphere and let someone else do the cooking!
Address: 305 4 St W, Drumheller, AB T0J 0Y0
Phone: 403 823 3318
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Napier Theater

Catch an evening movie at the Napier Theater and have a little popcorn and candy, too! The theater offers family friendly hours (most movies start at 7:30 pm) and family friendly prices (On Tuesday evenings a ticket is just $7!)
Address: 20 3 Ave E, Drumheller
Phone: 403 823 6411
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Badlands Gallery

The Badlands Gallery features prints, artwork and photography by local and Canadian artists. Stop into Natural Light Images, a photography gallery run by international award winning photographer and Drumheller resident, Darryl Reid. Visit Dry Canyon Collectables, a cute little one of a kind shop featuring unique treasures and crafts by local artists.
Address: 335 1st Street East, DrumhellerB
Phone: 403 823 2593
Website