Dinosaur Provincial Park
Explore a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Alberta's badlands, home to one of the world's richest dinosaur fossil fields.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temps, fewer crowds
Dinosaur Provincial Park
Best Time
Cooler temps, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Alberta's badlands, home to one of the world's richest dinosaur fossil fields.
"An eerie yet fascinating environment where you can explore the many trails and view hoodoos."
🚗 Park Entrance is Free!
Enjoy the stunning scenery and hiking trails without an admission fee. Parking is also free!
👟 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
The badlands terrain can be uneven and dusty. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are a must for exploring the trails.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Badlands Trails
Various locations throughout the park
Hike through otherworldly landscapes sculpted by wind and water, dotted with hoodoos and rich with prehistoric history.
Fossil Display
Park Visitor Centre
See incredible dinosaur fossils unearthed from the park, protected and displayed for an up-close look at ancient life.
Hoodoos
Throughout the park
Marvel at these iconic, naturally sculpted pillars of rock, a testament to millions of years of erosion.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Fossil Hunters
Respect the Ancient Landscape
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Park Entrance is Free!
Enjoy the stunning scenery and hiking trails without an admission fee. Parking is also free!
👟 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
The badlands terrain can be uneven and dusty. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are a must for exploring the trails.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Alberta's badlands can get very hot, especially in summer. Carry plenty of water, particularly when hiking.
📸 Capture the Scenery
The unique landscapes and sunsets are incredibly photogenic. Don't forget your camera! 
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Park Entrance is Free!
Enjoy the stunning scenery and hiking trails without an admission fee. Parking is also free!
👟 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
The badlands terrain can be uneven and dusty. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are a must for exploring the trails.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Alberta's badlands can get very hot, especially in summer. Carry plenty of water, particularly when hiking.
📸 Capture the Scenery
The unique landscapes and sunsets are incredibly photogenic. Don't forget your camera!
🐍 Watch for Wildlife
Keep an eye out for snakes, birds, and other animals that call this unique ecosystem home.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Dinosaur Provincial Park for its stunning, otherworldly badlands scenery and its immense paleontological significance. The free entry and parking are a major plus, and many highlight the well-maintained campgrounds and facilities. While some note the limited dining options within the park, the overall experience is described as fascinating, awe-inspiring, and a must-visit for anyone interested in dinosaurs or unique landscapes.
"One of my favourite campgrounds to visit is the Dinosaur Provincial Park in the badlands of Alberta. It’s an eerie yet fascinating environment where you can explore the many trails throughout the park and view hoodoos amongst the hills and valleys while imagining the prehistoric creatures that roamed through the very same landscape that you are camped at. Definitely worth the visit."
Franklin Beecham
"This is an amazing provincial park, a must visit! The views are stunning, and the hikes are out of this world!
The parking is free of charge as well is the entrance to the park. The main building has a restaurant and a very small convenience store.
There are washrooms on location and showers (camping)."
Gerry Ghostrider
"This is an amazing park to visit. The camping is great. It's family-friendly with a playground as well. There are on-site showers, and the bathrooms are all recently renovated and clean.
The views and surroundings are like nowhere else in Alberta. Such a gorgeous place."
Amanda
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Dinosaur Provincial Park is located about a 2-hour drive northeast of Calgary. Take Highway 1 East to Brooks, then head north on Highway 36 and follow signs for the park. Many visitors also combine a trip here with Drumheller, though they are distinct locations.
While it might seem far, Dinosaur Provincial Park is surprisingly accessible from Banff, roughly a 3.5 to 4-hour drive east. It's a great option for a unique day trip or overnight stay if you're looking for a different landscape than the Rockies.
Public transportation options to Dinosaur Provincial Park are very limited. It is highly recommended to have your own vehicle or rent a car for the most flexibility in exploring the park and surrounding areas.
While both are famous for dinosaurs and badlands, Dinosaur Provincial Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with more extensive fossil fields and unique geological formations. Drumheller is home to the Royal Tyrrell Museum and has a more developed tourist infrastructure.
Yes, the park offers guided tours, including hikes to dinosaur bone beds, which are highly recommended for a deeper understanding of the paleontology and history. Booking in advance is advised, especially during peak season.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the entrance to Dinosaur Provincial Park and its parking facilities are free of charge. This makes it an accessible destination for all visitors.
Dinosaur Provincial Park is generally open year-round, but visitor services and facilities like the campground and interpretive programs operate on seasonal schedules. It's best to check the official Alberta Parks website for current operating hours and program availability.
While many fossils are protected and displayed, it is possible to find fossil fragments. However, it is illegal to remove any fossils from the park. If you find something significant, report it to a park interpreter.
Yes, Dinosaur Provincial Park offers excellent camping facilities, including campsites with amenities like showers and washrooms. Reservations are highly recommended, especially during the summer months.
Yes, visitors must stay on marked trails to protect the fragile badlands environment and any potential fossil discoveries. Off-trail exploration is prohibited to preserve the park's integrity.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Popular hikes include the Badlands Trail (easy, accessible), the Cottonwood Flats Trail (moderate, diverse scenery), and guided hikes to bone beds (advanced, requires booking). The park offers trails for various fitness levels.
The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including snakes, birds of prey, deer, and various small mammals. Keep a respectful distance and enjoy observing them in their natural habitat.
The main building at the park has a restaurant and a small convenience store. For more extensive dining options, visitors often travel to nearby towns like Brooks.
The campground is well-maintained with recently renovated washrooms and clean showers. It's family-friendly and offers a comfortable base for exploring the park.
Absolutely! The park has a playground, and many of the shorter trails are manageable for families. The educational aspects of the fossils and unique landscape are also engaging for kids.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire park offers incredible photographic opportunities, especially the badlands formations, hoodoos, and the dramatic sunsets. Look for unique angles and textures in the landscape.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography, creating dramatic shadows and warm hues across the badlands. Sunsets are particularly spectacular.
Yes, you can photograph any fossil fragments you might find, but remember it is illegal to remove them from the park. Documenting your finds is encouraged.
Drone usage is typically restricted in national and provincial parks to protect wildlife and the natural environment. It's essential to check the latest park regulations regarding drone operation before your visit.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive badlands scenery, while a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting. A sturdy tripod is beneficial for low-light conditions and long exposures, especially during sunset.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key recommendations for families: Utilize the playground, opt for shorter, accessible trails like the Badlands Trail, and consider booking a guided tour specifically designed for families. The park's camping facilities are also family-friendly, offering a unique overnight experience surrounded by ancient landscapes. Remember to pack plenty of snacks and water, as the badlands can get hot.
💰 Budget Travelers
To maximize savings, consider packing your own food and snacks, as on-site dining options are limited and can be pricier. Camping is also a very affordable accommodation option, offering a chance to stay immersed in the park's unique environment. For those not camping, a day trip is entirely feasible and still offers a rich experience without significant cost.
🚶♀️ Hikers & Nature Enthusiasts
+1Must-do hikes include the Badlands Trail for an accessible introduction and the Cottonwood Flats Trail for more varied scenery. For the truly adventurous, guided hikes to bone beds offer an unparalleled opportunity to connect with the park's paleontological heritage. Remember to wear appropriate footwear and carry ample water, as the terrain can be demanding and the weather unpredictable.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Paleontological Significance
Visitors can learn about these incredible discoveries at the park's interpretive displays and through guided tours. These tours often lead participants to actual bone beds, where they can see where these magnificent creatures once roamed and where their fossils were found. It’s a truly immersive experience that brings prehistory to life.
The park's designation as a World Heritage Site underscores its global importance. It's not just about the dinosaurs; it's about understanding the evolution of life and the geological processes that shaped our planet. The ongoing research and discoveries continue to expand our knowledge of prehistoric life.
Exploring the Badlands Ecosystem
+1Visitors can explore this fascinating environment via a network of trails, ranging from easy interpretive walks to more challenging backcountry hikes. The Badlands Trail and Cottonwood Flats Trail are popular choices, offering different perspectives of the park's geology and flora. It's crucial to stay on marked paths to protect the fragile soil crusts and prevent erosion.
Beyond the geological wonders, the park is also a haven for wildlife. Keep an eye out for various bird species, reptiles like snakes, and mammals such as deer and coyotes. The natural grasslands surrounding the badlands also contribute to the park's biodiversity, making it a rich area for nature observation.
Camping and Visitor Experience
The park is also family-friendly, featuring a playground for children. The educational programs and interpretive talks provided by park staff are highly engaging for all ages, making it a fantastic destination for families interested in dinosaurs and natural history.
While the park has a restaurant and a small convenience store, for a wider range of dining options, visitors often venture to nearby towns. However, the convenience of having facilities on-site, coupled with the unparalleled natural beauty, makes camping a highly recommended way to experience Dinosaur Provincial Park.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit