If you're fascinated by dinosaurs, Drumheller and vicinity is the place to be. Founded in 1910 and named in honour of its promoter, Sam Drumheller, the area was originally mined for coal until the seams were exhausted. Today, the local economy centres on oil, gas and dinosaurs. Situated about 90 minutes drive northeast of Calgary, the town sits in the heart of the Alberta Badlands in the fossil-rich Red Deer River Valley.

In 1884, the explorer and geologist Joseph Tyrrell found a dinosaur skull in the area and since then archaeological digs have been going non-stop. Not to be missed is the fabulous world-class Royal Tyrrell Museum of Paleontology with its superb exhibits of life-size models and over 35 full-scale skeletons of dinosaurs, hands-on exhibits, films, research centre and preparation laboratory. 70 million years ago this area was a swampy forest on an inland sea and is today Canada's version of the Grand Canyon. Local attractions include the Badlands Historical Centre, the Homestead Museum, Reptile World and the Canadian Badlands Passion Play, performed outdoors every July in a natural amphitheatre.

Drumheller accommodations include hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts and campgrounds.