Ever dream of walking where dinosaurs once roamed? Find your way to a magical, prehistoric world in Drumheller, Alberta, nestled in the heart of Canada’s Badlands. Here, you’ll see dinosaur sculptures that line the streets and where even the streets are named for these ginormous creatures. My favorite B&B name was the Tyrannosaurus Rest!
Getting to Drumheller is easy from Calgary. Take a leisurely drive east through wide-open prairies and gently rolling hills. Once you descend into the Red Deer River Valley, the landscape changes. Lush greens give way to an otherworldly scene of layered rock and wind-sculpted cliffs. It’s like stepping onto another planet — one that’s millions of years old.
Make Your Dino Dreams Come True
The crown jewel of Drumheller is the Royal Tyrrell Museum, a world-renowned center for paleontology that takes you through 3.9 billion years of life on Earth, with some of the most impressive dinosaur fossils ever unearthed. Picture a towering Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton and exquisitely preserved fossil beds that tell the story of Alberta’s ancient inhabitants.
I wandered from gallery to gallery, marveling at how scientists piece together the past from tiny fragments of bone and earth. Tons of kids in school groups were wide-eyed with wonder, their imaginations sparked by the giants towering over them. The museum is both interactive and educational, making it ideal for families, history buffs, or anyone with a sense of curiosity.
More Than Just Dinosaurs
Drumheller also has its share of kitschy charm. You can’t miss the World’s Largest Dinosaur, a 26-meter-tall T. rex statue right in the middle of town. Climb the 106 steps to the top, and you’ll be rewarded with a fun (and slightly surreal) view from inside the dino’s mouth!
Downtown Drumheller is a throwback to small-town Alberta, with cozy cafes, retro diners, and friendly, smiling faces. We carried out from Bertas Burritos, a Mexican food truck and ate it at the Drum Distilling Company, along with local brews.
Unplug at Thanksgiving Ranch: Alberta’s Hidden Gem of Western Hospitality
If you’re looking for a place to catch your breath, reconnect with nature, and rediscover the simple joys of country living, check out Thanksgiving Ranch, near Pincher Creek. The scenery is breathtaking and the experience amazing, under the helm of Brad Bustard whose family has owned the ranch for generations.
From the moment I arrived at the ranch, it felt like time slowed down. Surrounded by 4,000 acres of pristine wilderness, the landscape stretches wide and wild, framed by the majestic Rocky Mountains.
Luxury Meets the Ranch
Don’t let the word “ranch” fool you — this is no rustic bunkhouse. Thanksgiving Ranch offers the perfect balance of luxury, comfort, and authenticity, enhanced with gourmet meals. The guest lodge, complete with vaulted timber ceilings, roaring stone fireplaces, and cozy leather chairs, is the kind of place you want to hang out with friends or family.
A True Western Experience
Of course, no ranch visit would be complete without time in the saddle. The wranglers at Thanksgiving Ranch are as welcoming as they are skilled, leading guests on scenic horseback rides through alpine meadows, winding creeks, and rugged backcountry trails.
Back at the ranch, I watched real ranch hands at work—mending fences and tending to livestock. Guests can roll up their sleeves and join in, or simply relax and soak it all in.
Meals are hearty, homemade, and full of local flavor — think Alberta beef, fresh garden vegetables, and warm biscuits. We gathered around the long wooden table each evening, sharing stories and laughter over candlelight.
A Place for All Seasons
While I visited in late spring, I could easily imagine Thanksgiving Ranch in every season, as the leaves turned, or a quiet snow-covered wonderland in winter. Thanksgiving Ranch is open all year. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with family, you’ll leave refreshed and recharged. So lace up your boots, turn off your phone, and step into the serenity of Thanksgiving Ranch. It’s more than a destination. It’s a feeling you’ll carry long after the dust settles from your ride.
Discover Waterton: Where Mountains Meet the Prairie
Waterton Lakes National Park in Alberta is Canada’s hidden jewel, nestled where the prairie rises to kiss the Rocky Mountains. So I packed my hikers, grabbed my camera, and followed the call of the wild to this enchanting UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A Castle on the Hill
Driving into Waterton, the first thing you’ll see is the iconic Prince of Wales Hotel, perched dramatically on a bluff overlooking the glittering Upper Waterton Lake. Do have High Tea there and enjoy the full selection of scones, sandwiches, and desserts as you gaze out on the sparkling blue waters. The waiters were dressed in authentic garb as they showcased the selection of teas. My favorite was the Creamy Earl Grey.
Small Town, Big Heart
The town of Waterton is tiny—just a few streets lined with cozy cafés, shops, and friendly locals. If you want to stay a spell, there are several B&Bs in town, plus the Bayshore Inn and other hotels. We dined with the deer overlooking the lake at Lakeside Chophouse, which was one of the best meals I had in Alberta.
The Wild is Calling
Adventure in Waterton is just steps from your door. First, my group climbed up Bear’s Hump Trail and were rewarded with panoramic views of the entire valley. Then we headed to Cameron Lake for kayaking and paddleboarding. Then we sailed across Upper Waterton Lake into the U.S. side of the park — hello, Montana!
In Waterton, you don’t just visit nature—you live in it. The park is home to more than 250 species of birds, and I saw everything from soaring eagles to colorful warblers. This town knows resilience. After a devastating wildfire swept through in 2017, Waterton bounced back with renewed spirit. Today, the landscape is a blend of rebirth—charred trees standing beside vibrant wildflowers and new growth.
Waterton is a place where families bike the Red Rock Parkway, couples kayak in crystalline waters, and solo travelers find clarity beneath the stars. If you’re looking for a destination that will lift your spirits and leave footprints on your heart, Waterton is waiting. For more information, go to travelalberta.com
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