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Mantrip & tipple – Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site
About Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site , Drumheller, Alberta, Canada
Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site was once a working mine established in early 1900s,and was part of the erstwhile booming coal industry that covered the region of Drumheller.
After the Leduc oil strike of 1948, the fortunes of the region declined and Atlas coal mine closed its operations in 1979. It was designated Alberta Provincial Historic Resource in 1989 and a National Historic Site of Canada in 2002.
The Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site is famous for fascinating underground tours, train tours, and tipple tours. “Remember to breathe” at this authentic Drumheller attraction, where we tell true tales of mines and men.
What to do at Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site?
Attractions & Things to do at Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site.
Every year there are more things to do at this Alberta coal mining museum. Go underground. Ride the narrow gauge train. Hear a ghost story in one of our haunted places.
In late October, the Haunted Atlas Coal Mine is a popular Halloween activity for families from Calgary, Edmonton and Drumheller. More than a haunted house, this is an industrial site gone bad! Choose your scare: is it Big Boo or Little Boo?
Teachers love the experiential, story-rich programming and enthusiastic guides. If you are planning a Drumheller field trip or Alberta educational school tour, book a tour at the Atlas Coal Mine. The students will have fun while learning.
Visit this breathtaking mining museum in East Coulee, the last coal mine in Drumheller, Alberta…the heart of the Canadian Badlands.
Main Site: Wander through the original historic surface plant buildings at your own pace. See the wash house, lamp house, supply house, mine office, miner’s shack and interpretive building. Walk the footsteps of the miners around the tipple trail and read the interpretive panels.
Go on enticing tours offered at the coal mine.
Atlas Coal Mine Tunnel Tour – Photo by Palle Kjar
JUNKYARD ARCHAEOLOGY TOUR: Join an Atlas interpreter on a journey through a landscape of mega earthworks, demolished buildings, and amazing industrial equipment! Fully enclosed shoes are required for this tour.
PROCESSING PLANT TOUR: Learn how coal was sorted, stored, and shipped in this unique processing plant. Walk the gantry – a gradual ascent – 125 feet up to the top of the Tipple to learn about the reality young boys faced: that the dangers of the surface were a training ground for the formidable “belly of the beast”.
MINE PORTAL HIKE: Join an Atlas interpreter on a 75 minute hike exploring the Atlas’ underground and upper site spaces.
Mature content, parental discretion advised. Wear comfortable walking shoes.
When to visit Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site?
Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site Hours
10 AM to 5PM
Best time to visit Atlas Coal Mine
Mornings are less crowded and arriving early allows time to plan your tours here before they fill up. For tourists with limited time, give us a call prior to arrival to find out daily tour schedules to best fit us in your day. One can spend 45 minutes to a half day here.
How much to visit Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site?
Miners Path – Photo by Marg Meisner
Atlas Coal Mine Admission / Tickets / Rate
$12.50/Adult, $9.50/Youth, Senior.
Train Ride: $6.50
General site admission does not include the tours.
Various Tours: $13.50 to $15.50
If you are bringing a formal group, see Group Information. Discount available for formal pre-booked groups of 10 + people.
Visa, Mastercard, Interac, Cash, US Dollar accepted in person at the Welcome Desk.
How to get to Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site?
Address: 110 Century Dr. East Coulee, Alberta, T0J 1B0
From Drumheller
Travel east on hwy 10, the scenic Hoodoo Trail. Follow the signs. We are across the river from historic East Coulee.
Driving Times:
1.5 hours from Calgary; 3.5 hours from Edmonton; 25 minutes from the Royal Tyrrell Museum; 15 minutes from downtown Drumheller; 5 minutes from the Hoodoos; Across the river from historic East Coulee
GPS coordinates
N51 19.75 W112 28.847
For detailed directions, see the map tab.
Parking is free.
What about amenities, and accessibility at Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site?
We are a family-friendly site with picnic tables and washrooms available.
We are somewhat wheelchair accessible.
Pets are allowed on site, but not on our guided tours.
We sell drinks and snacks in our giftshop but we do not have a full cafeteria.
Alternatively, the East Coulee School Museum has a Tea Room. This charming museum is just 5 minutes away and can be contacted directly at: 403.822.3970.
