Tucked into the striking landscape of Alberta’s Badlands lies a museum unlike any other. The Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology is not just a place to view fossils—it’s a world-class research facility, an immersive educational space, and a gateway to Earth’s ancient past. Located in Drumheller, this museum houses one of the largest displays of dinosaur skeletons in the world, drawing visitors from across the globe to marvel at the rich prehistoric history of Western Canada.
Whether you’re a curious traveler, a science enthusiast, a teacher planning a field trip, or a parent looking to spark your child’s imagination, this museum promises an unforgettable experience.
Why Visit the Royal Tyrrell Museum?
The Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology is Canada’s only museum dedicated exclusively to the science of palaeontology. What sets it apart isn’t just its enormous collection of fossils—it’s the way it tells the story of life on Earth. With over 160,000 fossil specimens, many of which were discovered in Alberta, the museum offers a chronological journey through more than 4 billion years of natural history. It brings prehistoric eras to life through dramatic displays and expertly curated galleries that span from the Precambrian to the Ice Age.
In addition to its public galleries, the museum is a major center for palaeontological research. Scientists here actively conduct fieldwork, publish studies, and make new discoveries that add to our understanding of ancient life. The museum even houses fully equipped laboratories and a fossil preparation area visible to guests, giving a behind-the-scenes look at how fossils are preserved and studied.
What to Expect Inside the Museum
Inside the museum, visitors can explore a variety of themed galleries, each designed to showcase different periods and types of prehistoric life. The exhibits are organized both chronologically and thematically, allowing visitors to see how life evolved over millions of years.
Dinosaur Hall is one of the most popular areas, featuring massive mounted skeletons like Tyrannosaurus rex, Triceratops, Stegosaurus, and Albertosaurus. This hall is both awe-inspiring and educational, with detailed information about each species, their habitats, and their behaviors. The Cretaceous Garden is another favorite, where you can walk among living plants that thrived 70 million years ago in a climate-controlled indoor environment.
Other key exhibits include “Lords of the Land,” highlighting top predators of the Mesozoic, and “Age of Mammals,” which showcases the giants that followed the age of dinosaurs, such as mammoths and saber-toothed cats. Each exhibit is accompanied by interactive displays, videos, and models to make the learning experience engaging for all ages.
Hands-On Experiences for All Ages
What makes the Royal Tyrrell Museum especially unique is its dedication to experiential learning. The museum offers numerous interactive exhibits and programs that invite guests to dig deeper into the science of palaeontology. Children and adults alike can engage with touch tables, fossil casts, and digital installations that allow for a more tactile and personalized exploration of ancient life.
One of the most popular activities is fossil casting, where visitors can create their own replica fossil to take home. In summer, the museum offers outdoor programs like “Dinosite,” a guided hike to real fossil beds, and “Fossil Prospecting,” where participants can learn how to identify and unearth real fossils under expert supervision. These programs provide a rare opportunity to become a palaeontologist for a day.
Inside the Science Hall, guests can explore the mechanics of fossilization, extinction events, and Earth’s changing climates through hands-on displays. Whether you’re brushing off sediment or piecing together a skeleton, every visitor has a chance to become part of the prehistoric story.
Planning Your Visit: Tips and Essentials
A visit to the Royal Tyrrell Museum can be an enriching half-day or full-day experience. Located just 6 km from Drumheller, Alberta, the museum is accessible by car, and the drive through the Badlands provides scenic views that are part of the adventure. If you’re coming from Calgary, expect about a 90-minute drive northeast.
The museum is open year-round, with extended hours in summer. Admission fees are reasonably priced, and there are discounts for families, youth, seniors, and groups. The museum offers ample parking, picnic areas, and a beautiful outdoor trail behind the building with views of the surrounding Badlands.
Inside, the Cretaceous Café provides a variety of food and drink options, and the museum shop features unique gifts like fossil replicas, educational toys, and palaeo-themed books. The entire facility is wheelchair accessible, and strollers are available for families. To avoid crowds, it’s best to arrive early or visit on a weekday.
Explore the Surrounding Badlands
Beyond the museum walls, the dramatic landscapes of the Canadian Badlands offer endless opportunities for exploration. The museum’s backyard trail connects directly to the rugged terrain, with interpretive signs that explain the unique geology and fossil history of the area. It’s a great way to experience the setting that gave birth to so many discoveries.
Nearby attractions include the Hoodoos Trail, where you can see bizarre rock formations shaped by millions of years of erosion. Just a short drive away is Horseshoe Canyon, offering panoramic views and hiking trails through deeply carved valleys. The Atlas Coal Mine and the town of Drumheller also provide historical context and additional adventures.
Whether you’re hiking, sightseeing, or taking photos, the Badlands are an essential part of the Royal Tyrrell Museum experience. They help visitors appreciate the ancient environments that once thrived here and the modern beauty of this rugged, fossil-rich region.
Final Thoughts: Why the Royal Tyrrell Museum Belongs on Your Bucket List
The Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology is more than a museum—it’s an educational experience, a world-class research center, and a celebration of Earth’s ancient history. With its extensive fossil collections, engaging exhibits, hands-on activities, and dramatic location in Alberta’s Badlands, it appeals to travelers of all ages and interests.
Whether you’re a lifelong dino fan or simply curious about the natural world, this museum delivers inspiration, education, and adventure. Make sure to add it to your Alberta itinerary—it’s one of Canada’s most unforgettable attractions.