One of the biggest challenges we have as photographers is staying inspired and motivated, especially if we shoot the same locations over and over again. The best way to reignite your creativity is by going somewhere totally new and unexpected. If you are ready to try a total change of landscape and switch gears from mountains to valleys, this is your guide to where to go and what to do in Drumheller.
As soon as you drive into Drumheller, what strikes you the most is how it is the complete opposite to the Rocky Mountains. You feel like you are in another planet, like Mars. The valleys and canyons have unique and beautiful textures, the abandoned barns and ghost towns make you feel like you are in a time capsule. The town of Drumheller embraces and is fully proud of being the Dinosaur Capital of the World. There are dinosaur statues on almost every block in addition to being the home to the world famous Royal Tyrrell Museum (by the way it is pronounced Tee-rell, NOT ty-rrell) and the World’s Largest Dinosaur. If you have little kids, this place is a dream come true for them.
Without further a do, I present you with a list of bucket list shots and places you need to see when in Drumheller:
1. THE HOODOS AT SUNSET
Please note that you are NOT allowed to actually step on the Hoodos. The photo of me is not on an actual hoodo but on the area right behind the hoodos which you can climb. This is also a really great location for Astro photography. I did not personally take night photos but I have seen many photos at this location where you can photograph the Milky Way.
PHOTO CREDIT: @swissclick_photography
2. HORSESHOE CANYON –First photo is sunrise at winter and next photos are sunset in summer.
3. WORLD’S LARGEST DINOSAUR– You cannot miss this 25 meter tall Tyrannosaurus Rex as it is right in town.
First photo is from the outside and second from the inside. For ticket pricing and information visit their website- https://www.worldslargestdinosaur.com
4. TOWN OF DOROTHY – This has a pretty neat elevator grain and old barns.
5. BADLANDS AMPHITHEATRE– Canada’s Largest Outdoor Stage. I had no idea this place existed. It is privately owned but they do host events and plays that are worth checking out with the family. To see upcoming events, visit their website- https://badlandsamp.com
6. THE LITTLE CHURCH- It is so small you have to see this yourself. It is comical and cute all at the same time. It is like a puppy or the baby of churches.
7. DRIVING AROUND THE VALLEYS- This is everywhere you go in Drumheller. This is to highlight the textures which can really inspire to capture different images and great portraits. The photo is courtesy of @swissclick_photograpphy on Instagram.
8. ORKNEY VIEW POINT AT SUNRISE- The Red Deer River snakes perfectly through the badlands as the sun directly rises over the horizon. Early in the morning you can hear the coyotes howling and this location is always so peaceful and quiet.
9. THE ROYAL TYRRELL MUSEUM- This I would say is the main attraction at Drumheller. It is dedicated to the study of Palaeontology and it has one of the best fossil collections in the world. It is AWE-mazing and a must see if you are in town. For ticket pricing and activities, visit their website: http://www.tyrrellmuseum.com
10. THE ATLAS COAL MINE- This is an inactive coal mine that operated from the 1930s to 1970s and it is Canada’s most complete historical coal mine. The mine is open from April into summer and you can find out more about their tours on their website- https://atlascoalmine.ab.ca
HONOURABLE MENTIONS WHILE YOU ARE HERE
VALLEY BREWING
You need to take a quick break from all the activities and photography and there is NO BETTER place to quench your thirst than to visit the award winning brewery at Valley Brewing. No joke, I am not a beer drinker. I do not enjoy the taste of beer and how bloated it makes me feel, but I stopped in for a photoshoot and I had to taste it. It was going down as easy as cool aid. It was delicious, refreshing and flavourful. I kept chugging and chugging and sssshuuugginggg and shhhuuuhh…
HORSETHIEF CANYON
This canyon is located 16km NW of Drumheller and it is also worth checking out. Especially at sunset if you are into photography. The sun sets perfectly just on the horizon as you can see on this photo that I took a couple summers ago.
Finally, below I will leave a link to other local activities and vendors that are worth checking out if you want to go canoeing, e-biking and eating:
E-biking and canoes: http://reddeerriveradventures.com
Last Chance Saloon in Wayne: https://visitlastchancesaloon.com
Black Mountain Roasters for a good cup of coffee and pastries: https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Product-Service/Black-Mountain-Roasters-2107036512752990/
