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The rich, rolling farmlands of Alberta break away to a twisting, curving canyon. Its walls are multi-layered with sandstone, mudstone, and coal that alternate with shale sequences. These rock layers dates back to the Cretacious Period just before the gigantic dinosaurs became extinct.
The Badlands Of Drumheller are very rare. A natural process has exposed the sedimentary layers from early time periods. A rich cache of fossils as well as intact dinosaur skeletons have been found here.
The history of the Drumheller Valley began thousands of years ago. Reptiles, some as high as a two-story building, eventually gave way to a universal quest for energy. Thousands of coal miners infiltrated this valley and began boring mines to feed the steam engines that ran the rails of Canada’s western provinces. Pioneer families followed close behind where they established farms and put down roots in the fertile soil of Drumheller.
As glaciers retreated more discoveries were made. Unique rock formations and dinosaur fossils soon surfaced. Now, after two world wars during the 20th Century, coal has been replaced with gas and oil.
Museums provide a great formulation for developing culture in the Drumheller Valley. Talent from around the world is represented here.
The Royal Museum of Palaeontology is popular all across North America. Scientists from around the world gather here to use the research facility.
Drumheller has a natural amphitheater, the Canadian Badlands Passion Play that has been quoted as being “life changing” and “world class.” Art, theatre and excellent dance facilities are always available.
The Drumheller Valley is located in South Central Alberta. The area offers picturesque scenery as well as a multitude of interesting activities. It is within easy driving distance of Red Deer, Banff, and Calgary. The highways are good and lead you back to prehistoric times, which contrasts effectively with the present. As you enter the valley, hills give way to steep, dry coulees that have been eroded by wind and rain for thousands of years.
A half million tourists visit the Drumheller Valley annually. There are more than fifty attractions that can be visited within one 60 square mile radius. What is now Drumheller once lay on a coastal lowland of a vast inland sea. Dinosaurs roamed here because of the warm, humid climate and lush vegetation.
Duckbilled creatures lived in the lowlands followed in time by such mammoths as the Tyrannosaurus Rex. About 10,000 years ago, the glacier melt carved deep gorges into the prairie landscape. Since that time, erosion has further sculpted the valley, shaping the Badlands and revealing dinosaur fossils.
Today, Drumheller is one of Alberta’s largest tourist attractions. The local economy is based on agriculture and the gas and oil service industry.
The town of Drumheller is located in the Badlands of Alberta. The area has a moderate climate and has excellent educational resources and recreational facilities. Major cities are easily accessible and the cost of living is low. What makes this community so unique is the laid-back atmosphere.
The Drumheller Valley is an outdoor lover’s paradise. The rivers and parks are spectacular. The uniqueness of the coulees, hoodoos, canyons and badlands give ample places to explore and discover. Other activities are swimming, boating, hiking, downhill and cross-country skiing.
As Drumheller moves into the new millennium, the community is meeting challenges in community services and social programming through positive action.
Due to the unique Badlands in the area, Drumheller has always attracted thousands of visitors. Since 1985, visitors to the area have increased from 100,000 to 400,000 annually. Alberta Tourism claims the Drumheller Valley is the third most popular attraction in the province. The Drumheller Valley Ski Hill opened in 1993. The community feels that the addition of the ski hill will increase tourism in the winter.
The development of the Atlas Coal Mine has created a historic tourist attraction where you can tour a coal mine, which compliments the Royal Tyrell Museum. Tourism and the Royal Tyrell have given the community a greater sense of pride and a positive attitude toward future growth and development.
If you want to take a vacation the whole family will enjoy, Drumheller should be your destination. Awesome scenery, a multitude of attractions and great accommodations makes Drumheller an experience of a lifetime. The children will love exploring this land of dinosaurs while being educated at the same time.
The love affair between kids and dinosaurs are one-sided and passionate. Take along the camera for some outstanding shots and pick up a keepsake for the kids at one of the many shops in Drumheller. This is one trip they will be ecstatic about. The topic at the dinner table after returning home is sure to be about dinosaurs.
Drumheller is a great opportunity for people of any age to learn more about our earth. It is a great opportunity for the whole family as well as a very exciting and rewarding experience. Be sure to put it on your list of places to see.
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