Royal Tyrrell Museum
Explore one of the world's largest dinosaur fossil collections at the Royal Tyrrell Museum in Drumheller, Alberta.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
Royal Tyrrell Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore one of the world's largest dinosaur fossil collections at the Royal Tyrrell Museum in Drumheller, Alberta.
"Honestly, it’s probably the best and most interactive museum I’ve ever been to."
🎟️ Book Tickets in Advance
While not always mandatory, booking online can save time, especially during busy periods.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the vast museum and surrounding areas.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Dinosaur Hall
Main Galleries
Marvel at the world's largest collection of dinosaur fossils, including complete skeletons and rare specimens.
Borealopelta markmitchelli
Cenozoic Gallery
See the incredibly preserved skin and stomach contents of this armored dinosaur, a truly unique find.
Fossil Research Labs
Observation Windows
Watch paleontologists at work as they meticulously restore and preserve ancient dinosaur bones.
Mammal Hall Weight Scale
Mammal Hall
Discover how you measure up against various prehistoric mammals with this popular interactive display.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for a Better Dino Experience
Plan Your Time Wisely
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Tickets in Advance
While not always mandatory, booking online can save time, especially during busy periods.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the vast museum and surrounding areas.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Plan for at least 3-4 hours to truly appreciate the exhibits and interactive displays.
📸 Capture the Memories
Don't forget your camera! The exhibits are incredibly photogenic.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Tickets in Advance
While not always mandatory, booking online can save time, especially during busy periods.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the vast museum and surrounding areas.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Plan for at least 3-4 hours to truly appreciate the exhibits and interactive displays.
📸 Capture the Memories
Don't forget your camera! The exhibits are incredibly photogenic.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Especially during warmer months, bring water as you'll be doing a lot of exploring.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Royal Tyrrell Museum as an exceptional and highly interactive experience, suitable for all ages. The vast collection of fossils, including rare specimens and complete skeletons, is a major highlight, as is the opportunity to observe fossil restoration in action. While the museum is large and can get busy, most find the admission price reasonable and the educational value immense, making it a must-visit attraction in Alberta.
"We had such an awesome time at the Royal Tyrrell Museum! Honestly, it’s probably the best and most interactive museum I’ve ever been to. It’s super fun for both kids and adults—really well set up so everyone can enjoy it.
The place is huge, and tickets were super reasonable—we paid $21 per person and spent about 3 hours there, but we could’ve easily stayed longer. A lot of people were taking their time and walking through more slowly.
One of the coolest parts is how you walk through different time periods, starting way back in the Precambrian era and moving forward through Earth’s history. It’s crazy to see how much life has changed over millions of years.
And the fossils? Unreal. They have tons of them, including full dinosaur skeletons and even one called Borealopelta that still has skin and stomach contents. There’s also a massive T. rex and a section dedicated to Alberta’s own Albertosaurus.
There are also fun hands-on activities, like fossil dig spots and touchable displays, which are great for kids (and adults who like to play). The museum is located right in the Drumheller badlands too, which makes the whole experience even cooler.
If you’re anywhere near the area—or even if you’re not—it’s 100% worth the trip!"
Jenny Sun
"If you want to see amazing dinosaurs and at very affordable adult price, here's where you want to be. 21$ Canadian. This place is incredibly informative, amazing, well put together and laid out building. There's even an area where you can watch through a window and see people working there restoring dinosaur bones and doing the fine parts of preservation needed in the field. nothing but respect for this museum. if you love dinosaurs then here's the place to go!"
Kolat 10
"Such a great and fun time exploring this huge ("mammoth?" Maybe?) Museum. I loved all the exhibits... it would have been nice to have an audio tour at some point... i felt like i couldnt read "fast enough" to keep up with the current of people. All in all, a really great day and fun and interesting, too."
Riley Batten
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Royal Tyrrell Museum is located in Drumheller, about a 1.5-hour drive northeast of Calgary. You can drive yourself, or consider guided tours if you don't have a vehicle. +1
Public transportation options to Drumheller are limited. Driving is the most common and convenient way to reach the museum. Some visitors have inquired about tour legitimacy for those without vehicles.
Many visitors combine a trip to the Royal Tyrrell Museum with exploring the unique Drumheller badlands, including the Hoodoos and suspension bridge.
Yes, there is ample parking available at the Royal Tyrrell Museum for visitors.
Absolutely! The Royal Tyrrell Museum is a popular day trip destination from Calgary, offering a full day of prehistoric exploration.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices are very reasonable. As of recent reviews, adult tickets were around $21 CAD, making it an affordable experience for dinosaur enthusiasts.
While not always required, booking tickets online in advance is recommended, especially during peak season or weekends, to avoid potential queues.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Royal Tyrrell Museum website for the most up-to-date information on operating hours before your visit.
The museum offers affordable admission prices. Check their official website for any potential discounts for seniors, students, or families.
Policies on re-entry can vary. It's advisable to inquire at the admission desk upon arrival if you anticipate needing to leave and return.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the Dinosaur Hall with its impressive skeletons, the Borealopelta exhibit, and the fascinating fossil research labs where you can see paleontologists at work. +1
Yes, it's incredibly family-friendly! Interactive displays, hands-on activities like fossil digs, and the sheer scale of the dinosaurs make it a hit with children of all ages.
Most visitors spend at least 3-4 hours exploring the museum, but you could easily spend longer if you're a dedicated dino fan.
While the museum itself is self-guided, there are often educational programs and talks. Check their schedule for any special presentations.
TikTok users have highlighted a 'secret garden' area within the museum, featuring plants that dinosaurs might have eaten, adding an unexpected natural element to the visit.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the museum has a cafeteria offering a range of food options for visitors.
Outside food and beverages may be restricted to designated areas. It's best to check the museum's policy upon arrival.
Drumheller offers various dining choices, from casual cafes to restaurants, if you prefer to eat outside the museum.
The cafeteria typically offers a selection of sandwiches, salads, hot meals, and snacks suitable for a museum visit.
Museum cafeteria prices can be slightly higher than off-site options, but they offer convenience.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed for personal use in most areas of the museum. However, flash photography might be restricted in certain exhibits to protect the fossils.
The massive dinosaur skeletons, the Borealopelta exhibit, and the fossil lab viewing areas are incredibly photogenic. The surrounding badlands also offer stunning photo opportunities.
Drones are typically not permitted inside museums or in enclosed public spaces. Always check specific regulations.
Absolutely! The dinosaur skeletons are a major draw, and visitors are encouraged to capture their grandeur.
Some visitors enjoy taking photos with the interactive displays, like the weight scale in the Mammal Hall, or capturing the scale of the T. rex.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pro-tip: Look for the weight scale in the Mammal Hall for a fun comparison, and don't miss the chance to see paleontologists at work in the fossil labs. Consider packing snacks and drinks for little ones, though there is a cafeteria on-site.
🦖 Dinosaur Enthusiasts & Paleontology Buffs
Must-do: Take your time in the Dinosaur Hall and the Cenozoic Gallery. If possible, research some of the key specimens beforehand to deepen your appreciation for the scientific significance of the museum's collection.
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
Plan ahead: Combine your museum visit with exploring the unique Drumheller badlands, including the Hoodoos and the suspension bridge, to make the most of your journey. Allocate at least half a day for the museum itself.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The World-Class Fossil Collection
+1Key specimens include the iconic Tyrannosaurus rex, Alberta's own Albertosaurus, and the remarkably preserved Borealopelta markmitchelli, which still retains evidence of its skin and stomach contents. The museum's dedication to paleontology means new discoveries are frequently added, keeping the exhibits fresh and exciting.
Beyond the famous dinosaurs, the museum showcases fossils from various geological eras, from the Precambrian to the Cenozoic, illustrating the vast timeline of life on Earth. This comprehensive approach makes it a vital center for paleontological research and public education.
Interactive Learning and Family Fun
The weight scale in the Mammal Hall, for instance, allows visitors to compare their own weight to that of various prehistoric creatures, providing a tangible sense of scale.
Many reviews highlight how well the museum is set up for both kids and adults, with interactive elements that cater to different learning styles. This focus on engagement makes it a standout attraction for families visiting Alberta.
The Drumheller Badlands Setting
Visitors often combine their museum visit with exploring the iconic Hoodoos, the Atlas Coal Mine, and the scenic suspension bridge over the Red Deer River. The Badlands Interpretive Trail offers a chance to walk through this ancient landscape and appreciate its stark beauty firsthand.
This integration of the museum with its natural environment creates a holistic experience, allowing visitors to not only learn about dinosaurs but also to immerse themselves in the very landscape where they once roamed. It's a powerful reminder of the deep geological history of Alberta.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit