Royal Tyrrell Museum

Royal Tyrrell Museum
Royal Tyrrell Museum
Royal Tyrrell Museum
Royal Tyrrell Museum
Royal Tyrrell Museum


Take a guided tour through the Badlands and see the Albertosaurus, T. Rex, woolly mammoth and other fascinating prehistoric creatures.

With its impressive collection of over 125,000 fossils, The Royal Tyrrell Museum also has a life size replica of the Albertosaurus, the first dinosaur to be discovered in the region. The fossils have been carefully arranged in chronological order to tell the story of early insects and underwater life forms from the Ice Age to the Cenozoic era. In total, the timeline stretches across a 3.9 billion years of life on Earth.Visit the Dinosaur Hall and see the 40 skeletons there, up close. These carefully constructed models include the plesiosaur, triceratops, ankylosaur and the mosasaur, a 15-metre-long lizard. Upon entering the Lords of the Land exhibit, you will be immediately welcomed by the skull of a Tyrannosaurus Rex. On display are some fascinating fossil discoveries, still captured in time in the hard rock casings which illustrate their dramatic deaths. This is also where you’ll find the remains of the above-mentioned Albertosaurus, which was first discovered by geologist J.B. Tyrrell whilst searching for coal in 1884. The Cretaceous Alberta exhibit displays this colossal dinosaur in all its glory in a life size replica.Visit the living relatives of prehistoric plants in the Cretaceous Garden. This fantastic collection displays prehistoric plant life as it was and simulates the landscape that dinosaurs once roamed. Come and witness the fire-bellied toads, salamanders, lizards and ladybugs that live among the plants and provide pest control It is difficult to imagine that the Alberta Badlands were once part of the sea. The Devonian reef exhibit gives visitors a fascinating insight into this extraordinary period of prehistoric history. To explore the Badlands in full, take the guided hike through the sandstone hoodoo rocks. Tours run daily during summer and the autumn and on some weekends during spring. There is also a fossil search that enables visitors to excavate fossils on site and learn dig techniques. You can also make a fossil cast to take home as a souvenir.Situated an approximate 135-kilometre drive from Calgary, the Royal Tyrrell Museum is just off the highway to Drumheller. Onsite parking is free and there is an admission charge for the museum. Extra fees apply for audio guides and scheduled digs. Check the museum’s opening hours on the official website before your visit, as they will vary throughout the season.

Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

Travelodge by Wyndham Drumheller

Travelodge by Wyndham Drumheller

2 out of 5
101 Grove Place, Drumheller, AB
Travelodge by Wyndham Drumheller
Quality Hotel

Quality Hotel

2.5 out of 5
100 6th Ave SE, Drumheller, AB
Quality Hotel
Ramada by Wyndham Drumheller Hotel & Suites

Ramada by Wyndham Drumheller Hotel & Suites

3 out of 5
680 2nd Street Se, Follow Hwy 9, Drumheller, AB
Ramada by Wyndham Drumheller Hotel & Suites
SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western Drumheller

SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western Drumheller

2.5 out of 5
800-680 2nd Street SE, Drumheller, AB
SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western Drumheller
Econo Lodge Inn & Suites

Econo Lodge Inn & Suites

2 out of 5
392 Centre Street and Railway Av, Drumheller, AB
Econo Lodge Inn & Suites
Badlands Motel

Badlands Motel

2.5 out of 5
801 North Dinosaur Trail, Drumheller, AB
Badlands Motel
Newcastle Country Inn

Newcastle Country Inn

3 out of 5
1130 Newcastle Trail, Drumheller, AB
Newcastle Country Inn
Canalta Jurassic – Drumheller

Canalta Jurassic – Drumheller

2.5 out of 5
1103 Hwy No 9 South, Drumheller, AB
Canalta Jurassic – Drumheller
DINOSAUR HOTEL & NEWCASTLE BAR

DINOSAUR HOTEL & NEWCASTLE BAR

2.5 out of 5
1220 Newcastle Trail, Drumheller, AB
DINOSAUR HOTEL & NEWCASTLE BAR
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Royal Tyrrell Museum

At the Royal Tyrrell Museum in Drumheller, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including baseball and leisurely walks in the scenic surroundings. The museum itself is a major attraction, featuring fascinating exhibits on prehistoric life. Additionally, the nearby adventure park offers thrilling experiences for those seeking a bit of excitement. Overall, the area is perfect for both relaxation and adventure, making it a delightful destination for tourists.

Shopping

Visit The Fossil Shop Inc, located 4.8km from the Royal Tyrrell Museum, for unique gifts and souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, check out the nearby Centre Street Mall, located 19.3km away, featuring a range of shops and eateries to enhance your shopping experience.

Recreation

The Low Left Indoor Golf Experience offers an exciting sports atmosphere just 4.8km from the Royal Tyrrell Museum, perfect for golf enthusiasts. For a tranquil retreat, visit Horsethief Canyon, located 33.8km away, where you can unwind amidst stunning landscapes. Akokiniskway Greens Golf Course, 22.5km away, combines sport with outdoor charm.

Adventure

Embark on the Dinosaur Trail, a scenic hiking adventure located 4.8km from the Royal Tyrrell Museum, where you can immerse yourself in nature. Additionally, explore the Drumheller Hoodoos, 14.8km away, and marvel at the unique rock formations while enjoying the breathtaking outdoor scenery.

Nightlife

The Canadian Badlands Passion Play, just 3.2km from the Royal Tyrrell Museum, offers a cultural theatre experience with a romantic flair. For adventure lovers, Cactus Coulee Fun Park and Jurassic Laser Tag & Arcades, both 2 and 6.4km away respectively, provide thrilling arcade fun and excitement.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Royal Tyrrell Museum

Whether you seek adventure, stunning scenery, or outdoor escapades, the Royal Tyrrell Museum and its surroundings offer an array of attractions. Popular points of interest include the national park, local churches, and golf courses, providing diverse experiences for every type of traveller. Explore the rich natural beauty and cultural heritage that this remarkable region has to offer during your visit.

  • Midland Provincial Park: Located a mere 1.3km from the Royal Tyrrell Museum, Midland Provincial Park offers stunning scenery and outdoor adventures. Explore its rugged landscapes, hiking trails, and diverse wildlife, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
  • Drumheller's Little Church: Just 805m away, this charming Little Church is a unique cultural gem. With its quaint architecture and serene atmosphere, it invites visitors to reflect and appreciate its peaceful surroundings, making it a delightful stop for those interested in local culture.
  • Dinosaur Trail Golf and Country Club: Situated 1.4km from the museum, this welcoming golf course offers a family-friendly environment. Enjoy a round of golf amid beautiful landscapes, or engage in various recreational activities that cater to all ages.

Best time to go to Royal Tyrrell Museum

The best time to visit Royal Tyrrell Museum is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. December is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly sunny with no rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January17.6°F (-8.0°C)No RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
February17.2°F (-8.2°C)No RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
March27.0°F (-2.8°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April37.8°F (3.2°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May50.4°F (10.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June57.4°F (14.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
July62.8°F (17.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
August62.2°F (16.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
September54.1°F (12.3°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October40.1°F (4.5°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November26.2°F (-3.2°C)No RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
December16.2°F (-8.8°C)No RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Royal Tyrrell Museum

For a budget-friendly visit to the Royal Tyrrell Museum, consider travelling between November and January for lower accommodation prices, particularly on Wednesdays, while avoiding the pricier summer months. Use Expedia’s search tool to find the best deals by filtering prices from lowest to highest and look for package deals that bundle flights, hotels, and activities. Additionally, explore free activities in the nearby area to enhance your experience without spending extra, and always check for any hidden fees or additional savings before booking to maximise your budget.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Royal Tyrrell Museum are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Royal Tyrrell Museum is Wednesday. The most expensive day to stay around Royal Tyrrell Museum is Sunday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your selections based on your budget, preferred location, and the type of accommodation you desire. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel reservation for the Royal Tyrrell Museum with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.