Seventy five million years ago dinosaurs roamed the earth and then suddenly they became extinct. All that remains today of these colossal reptiles is their bones. Where better to find dinosaur bones then at the UNESCO World Heritage site Dinosaur Provincial Park in Alberta Canada.
Once a low lying coast plain with a subtropical climate in what is now southeastern Alberta’s Badlands was a perfect place for the dinosaurs to roam. A 27 km (17 mile) stretch along the Red Deer River has yielded over 300 dinosaur skeletons since the 1880’s. The Tyrrell Museum, located in Drumheller Alberta, the dinosaur capital of the world, is the perfect place to learn about these ancient creatures.
The Tyrrell Museum is not actually at the Dinosaur Park, it is 175 kms (109 miles) away in Drumheller. A day trip to the museum then a visit to the park on a subsequent day is probably the best way to get the most out of a vacation in the Badlands. Many visitors just go to the museum and consequently miss out on a wonderful experience at the park.
Dinosaur Park is not developed as a major tourist destination. Reservations are recommended as the park gets very busy during the summer months. Although you won’t find hotels or restaurants there you will find a large campsite and opportunities to take guided tours of one of the most fascinating places in Western Canada. If you like to hike and camp and want to learn more about paleontology Dinosaur Park is the place for you.
If you are looking for a less outdoor type of experience then the Tyrrell Museum in Drumheller is where you want to go. This world class museum is home to 40 dinosaur skeletons and over 100,000 fossils and offers summer programs for children and adults alike who want to become amateur paleontologists and experience the thrill of uncovering dinosaur fossils.
Drumheller is also home to the famous Hoodoos, sandstone pillars created by millions of years of erosion. These geological formations are said to be “petrified giants who come alive at night to hurl rocks at intruders.” Perhaps this is one of the reasons that you are not allowed to climb on them.
If you would like to go where the dinosaurs roamed then consider a trip to the Badlands of Alberta, Dinosaur Park and the Tyrrell Museum in Drumheller. Discover over 75 million years of history and see the remains of some of the largest and most interesting creatures who ever walked the face of the earth.
Getting There:
If you would like to visit Dinosaur Park or the Tyrell Museum, the best place to start is Calgary Alberta. Several international airlines fly into Calgary on a daily basis. Rent a car and drive South East on Highway 1 (221 kms, 138 miles) to Brooks (Dinosaur Park) or drive North East on Highway 2 then on Highway 9 (143 km, 90 miles) to Drumheller (Tyrrell Museum). Plan to spend at least one to two days in each place.
For more information on traveling to Dinosaur Park, check out the travel tips on the official Dinosaur Provincial Park website at http://tpr.alberta.ca/parks/dinosaur/triptips.asp.
