Canadian Badlands

From dinosaur fossils and hoodoo-filled valleys to scenic hikes and unforgettable road trips, Alberta’s Canadian Badlands offer an otherworldly landscape that is packed with family-friendly adventures. This unique region invites visitors to step back in time, explore landscapes shaped over millions of years, and discover some of the province’s most fascinating natural and cultural attractions.

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing camping weekend or are ready for a family-friendly adventure, there’s no shortage of ways to experience the Badlands. Based on our experiences, here are the best places and adventures to add to your Alberta family travel bucket list.

Favourite Adventures in Alberta’s Badlands

Dinosaur Provincial Park: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is, by far, one of our favourite places to explore in Alberta. It is renowned worldwide for containing the richest concentration of Cretaceous dinosaur fossils. The park features badlands trails, a striking river valley, cozy campground and guided fossil discovery tours.

Discover Drumheller: Whether it’s a weekend getaway or an extended holiday, Drumheller is a great year-round destination for families. Visit the Royal Tyrell Dinosaur Museum, check out the Willow Creek Hoodoos, climb the world’s tallest Dinosaur, walk the Star Mine Suspension Bridge and look for dinosaur friends around town!

Writing-On-Stone Provincial Park: Located along the Milk River in Southern Alberta, this UNESCO World Heritage site holds the highest concentration of Indigenous rock art in the Great Plains. Camp along the Milk River under an old cottonwood tree, explore the sandstone hoodoos and learn more about this sacred Indigenous history.

Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump: Yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site in Alberta’s Badlands, the Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump was used for over 6,000 years by Indigenous Plains people to hunt bison by herding them over a steep cliff. You can learn more about that important history through interpretive walks, exhibits and special programming.

Plan Your Trip to Alberta’s Canadian Badlands

Because of the distance between destinations and attractions in Alberta’s Badlands, a little planning can go a long way, especially if you’re travelling with kids. Here’s what you need to know to plan an unforgettable Badlands adventure filled with dinosaurs, hoodoos, and wide-open adventure.

When to visit? Many of the destinations in the Badlands can be visited year-round. Visiting from May through September will ensure that all attractions are open and that you’ll have warm weather for outdoor adventures. However, travelling in the shoulder season helps you avoid the extreme heat, crowds and mosquitoes!

What to pack: It gets HOT in the summer, so be sure to pack summer clothing, bathing suits, sunscreen, hats and plenty of water. The temps dip at night, so bring a jacket or fleece, and don’t forget the bug spray. Bring sturdy footwear, as the terrain is rugged and can become extremely slippery when wet.

Travelling with kids: Beat the heat by planning outdoor activities in the morning, and remember hats, sunscreen, and water. Avoid open-toed shoes, or your kids will be complaining about rocks in their sandals! If you’re visiting the museum or want to do a fossil tour, book in advance to avoid disappointment. Pack lots of snacks because outside Drumheller, there are not many options for food and supplies.

Must-Have Experiences in the Badlands

The Canadian Badlands are made for exploring. With leaning hoodoos, ancient fossils, and the chance to discover the world of dinosaurs at world-class museums and parks, this is a region where every stop feels like a discovery. For families, it’s a place where curiosity comes naturally, and every trail, viewpoint, and visitor centre tells a story millions of years in the making. These are the top experiences that capture the spirit of the Badlands and can help bring this amazing landscape to life.