Dinosaur Provincial Park Travel Guide

Discover the natural and cultural attractions, hiking and biking routes, food scene, accommodations, culture and customs, safety tips, transportation options, and nearby destinations of Dinosaur Provincial Park.


Introduction to Dinosaur Provincial Park

Dinosaur Provincial Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in southern Alberta, Canada. The park is home to the world’s richest deposits of dinosaur fossils, with more than 150 species discovered in the area. Visitors can explore unique geological formations and observe the diverse wildlife in the park, which includes over 200 species of birds, mammals, and reptiles.

List of Places to Visit in Dinosaur Provincial Park

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology

Located in nearby Drumheller, the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology is a must-visit destination for dinosaur enthusiasts. The museum houses one of the largest displays of dinosaur fossils in the world and offers interactive exhibits, educational programs, and guided tours.

Dinosaur Provincial Park Visitor Centre

The Dinosaur Provincial Park Visitor Centre provides visitors with information about the park’s geology, history, and wildlife. The centre also offers interpretive programs, guided tours, and a gift shop.

Natural Attractions of Dinosaur Provincial Park: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Badlands Loop Trail

The Badlands Loop Trail is a 4.5-kilometre hiking trail that winds through the park’s dramatic badlands landscape. The trail offers stunning views of the valley and takes visitors past several fossil sites.

Cottonwood Flats Trail

The Cottonwood Flats Trail is a 4.2-kilometre hiking trail that takes visitors through the riparian habitat of the Red Deer River. The trail offers excellent birdwatching opportunities and is a great place to spot wildlife.

Red Deer River Adventure

Visitors can take a guided canoe tour of the Red Deer River to explore the park’s unique geological features and observe the diverse wildlife. The tour is suitable for all skill levels and provides a unique perspective on the park’s beauty.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Dinosaur Provincial Park

Badlands Loop Trail

The Badlands Loop Trail is a popular hiking route that takes visitors through the park’s unique badlands landscape. The trail is suitable for all skill levels and offers excellent views of the valley.

Skunk Hollow Trail

The Skunk Hollow Trail is a 7.5-kilometre hiking and biking trail that takes visitors through the park’s scenic badlands and riparian habitats. The trail offers a great opportunity to spot wildlife and is suitable for intermediate and advanced hikers and bikers.

Best Things to Do in Dinosaur Provincial Park: Activities and Tours

Dinosaur Fossil Tour

Visitors can join a guided tour of the park’s dinosaur fossil sites to learn about the park’s unique geological features and the history of dinosaur discoveries in the area. The tour is led by knowledgeable guides and is suitable for all ages.

Wildlife Viewing

Visitors can observe the park’s diverse wildlife, including eagles, hawks, badgers, and coyotes. Guided tours are available or visitors can explore on their own.

Week-Long Itinerary for Dinosaur Provincial Park

Day 1: Arrive in Calgary and drive to Dinosaur Provincial Park. Day 2: Explore the park’s hiking and biking trails. Day 3: Take a guided fossil tour of the park. Day 4: Visit the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology in Drumheller. Day 5: Canoe the Red Deer River. Day 6: Visit the park’s cultural attractions, including the Dinosaur Provincial Park Visitor Centre. Day 7: Depart for home.

Food and Drink Scene of Dinosaur Provincial Park

Must-Try Dishes

Alberta beef is renowned for its quality, and visitors to Dinosaur Provincial Park can enjoy it at many local restaurants. Another local specialty is the Saskatoon berry, which is used in pies, jams, and desserts.

Local Beverages

Dinosaur Provincial Park is located in a wine region, and visitors can sample local wines at nearby wineries. The region is also known for its microbreweries, which offer a variety of craft beers to enjoy.

Where to Stay in Dinosaur Provincial Park: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Visitors to Dinosaur Provincial Park can choose from a variety of accommodations, including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. Many of these options are located in nearby communities, such as Brooks or Medicine Hat.

What to Buy in Dinosaur Provincial Park: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Visitors to Dinosaur Provincial Park can purchase souvenirs at the Dinosaur Provincial Park Visitor Centre or at nearby gift shops. Some popular items include dinosaur fossils, books, and t-shirts.

Local Culture and Customs of Dinosaur Provincial Park

The local culture in Dinosaur Provincial Park is strongly tied to the region’s natural history and the Indigenous people who have lived in the area for thousands of years. Visitors are encouraged to learn about the cultural significance of the park and to respect the Indigenous communities who call the area home.

Best Time to Visit Dinosaur Provincial Park

The best time to visit Dinosaur Provincial Park is during the summer months, from May to September. The weather is warm and sunny, and the park’s attractions are open to visitors.

Do’s and Don’ts of Dinosaur Provincial Park

Do:

  • Respect the park’s natural and cultural resources.
  • Follow Leave No Trace principles while hiking and camping.
  • Observe wildlife from a safe distance.

Don’t:

  • Remove fossils or other artifacts from the park.
  • Approach or feed wildlife.
  • Disrupt Indigenous cultural sites or communities.

Safety and Health

Safety in Dinosaur Provincial Park

Visitors to Dinosaur Provincial Park should be aware of the potential risks associated with hiking and camping in a wilderness area. These risks can include snake bites, sunburn, and wildlife encounters. Visitors should come prepared with appropriate gear and should follow safety guidelines.

Health in Dinosaur Provincial Park

There are no major health concerns in Dinosaur Provincial Park, but visitors should still take appropriate precautions. This includes protecting against sunburn and tick bites, and avoiding consuming untreated water.

Getting to Dinosaur Provincial Park: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Dinosaur Provincial Park

The closest airport to Dinosaur Provincial Park is in Calgary, which is approximately a 3-hour drive away.

Bus Stations Near Dinosaur Provincial Park

Greyhound Canada provides bus service to nearby communities such as Brooks or Medicine Hat.

Other Options

Visitors can also rent a car or join a guided tour that includes transportation to the park.

How to Get Around in Dinosaur Provincial Park

The best way to get around Dinosaur Provincial Park is by foot or bicycle. Visitors can rent a bike at the Dinosaur Provincial Park Visitor Centre. Guided tours are also available, including canoe tours of the Red Deer River.

Where to Go Next from Dinosaur Provincial Park: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Drumheller

Drumheller is home to the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology and is known as the “Dinosaur Capital of the World.” Visitors can explore the museum’s exhibits or hike in the nearby Badlands.

Banff National Park

Banff National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning mountain scenery and abundant wildlife. Visitors can hike, bike, or ski in the park, or simply relax in one of the many hot springs.

Conclusion

Dinosaur Provincial Park is a unique and beautiful destination that offers visitors a chance to explore the natural and cultural history of southern Alberta. From hiking and biking to wildlife viewing and guided tours, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this amazing park.

An Albertausorus skeleton in the visitor centre gallery An Albertausorus skeleton in the visitor centre gallery One of the campsites One of the campsites