The Canadian Badlands has unique coulee landscapes and hoodoo rock formations that run from Stettler in the North to Lethbridge in the South. The Badlands region in Alberta is famous for rich deposits of fossils, including dinosaur bones, unearthed at the UNESCO World Heritage Site Dinosaur Provincial Park and showcased at the world-class
Royal Tyrrell Museum.
Royal Tyrrell Museum
The Royal Tyrrell Museum is Canada’s only museum dedicated exclusively to the science of palaeontology. In addition to housing one of the world’s largest displays of dinosaurs, the Museum offers a wide variety of creative, fun, and educational programs that bring the prehistoric past to life.
Floodwaters from melting glaciers carved the Red Deer River valley more than 10,000 years ago, creating the badlands. Explore this unusual landscape along several hiking trails that begin just outside the Museum’s main entrance.
Spectacular views of the badlands can also be seen at Horseshoe Canyon, south of Drumheller on Highway 9 and at Horsethief Canyon, 11 km north of the Museum. East of Drumheller, along Highway 10, are the dramatic Willow Creek Hoodoos, a favourite visitor attraction.
Last Chance Saloon
Coal mining started in the Badlands in 1912, boosting the population of Wayne, AB to more than 2,500. Since it stopped in 1957, just 27 residents remain. Nevertheless, it sees enough business to fill 18-hour days come summer. Thanks to faithful patrons, visitors from all over the world – and the occasional movie or television appearance, the Last Chance Saloon celebrated it’s centennial in 2013.
11 Bridges of Wayne, AB
In a short 6 kilometre stretch between Wayne and the main highway, you will find yourself crossing 11 one way bridges spanning the winding Rosebud River.