Drumheller, the small Canadian community known for its deep affinity for the prehistoric world, is gaining global attention as one of the most remarkable dinosaur tourism destinations. Located just 90 minutes northeast of Calgary, this town has captured the hearts of tourists worldwide who come to marvel at its rich dinosaur heritage.
Upon arrival in Drumheller, visitors are greeted by colorful dinosaur statues scattered throughout the town. One of the most beloved attractions is the World’s Largest Dinosaur, a towering 86-feet tall fiberglass T-Rex. Ascending its inner staircase allows you to bask in the breathtaking scenery from the statue’s mouth. And if you’re hungry for the real deal, the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology is just a few minutes away.
Established in 1985, the museum is a crown jewel in the field of dinosaur studies, housing over 160,000 fossils. While it boasts marvelous displays of various dinosaur species, including the famous T-Rex skeleton called Black Beauty, one particular find has captivated paleontologists worldwide. The Borealopelta markmitchelli, an ankylosaur specimen, is one of the best-preserved dinosaur fossils ever discovered. Its features, such as intact stomach contents and preserved melanosomes revealing its reddish skin tone, provide invaluable insights into these ancient creatures.
But the Royal Tyrrell Museum isn’t solely dedicated to dinosaurs. Visitors can explore the museum’s halls showcasing life from the earliest days on Earth to the early Cenozoic era. The Burgess Shale exhibit, adorned with massive sculptures of Cambrian Explosion-era organisms, highlights the rich biodiversity of ancient Canada found in British Columbia’s Yoho National Park.
While in Drumheller, don’t miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the contemporary beauty of Alberta. Bikes and Bites, a local tour company, offers e-bike tours that take you through the town’s stunning landscapes. From leisurely cruises observing Drumheller’s iconic dinosaur statues to adventurous journeys through Alberta’s badlands to discover ghost towns and coal mining history, there’s something for everyone.
After a day of exploration, you can satisfy your thirst at Valley Brewing, known for its diverse array of beers crafted using Alberta-grown barley. Other dining destinations, such as Bernie & The Boys and the historic Last Chance Saloon, offer a glimpse into Drumheller’s past, serving classic comfort food with a touch of nostalgia.
While Drumheller is a must-visit for dinosaur enthusiasts, it’s essential to mention that Dinosaur Provincial Park, just 90 minutes outside of town, is another destination worthy of exploration. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a 28-square-mile preserve known for its abundance of fossilized remains and breathtaking badlands views. From hadrosaurs to ankylosaurs, visitors can witness the wonders of prehistoric life and even encounter modern wildlife during a hike through the park.
Drumheller and its neighboring attractions prove that Alberta has much more to offer than just its spectacular mountain views. Whether you’re a dedicated dinosaur nerd or simply seeking an adventure-filled vacation, Drumheller is the ultimate destination for an unforgettable journey into the world of ancient creatures.
Drumheller, mali kanadski grad poznat po svojoj velikoj naklonosti prema praistorijskom svetu, dobiva globalnu pažnju kao jedna od najzapaženijih destinacija za turiste koji se zanimaju za dinosauruse. Smješten samo 90 minuta severoistočno od Kalgarija, ovaj grad osvaja srca turista iz celog sveta koji dolaze da se dive njegovom bogatom nasleđu dinosaurusa.
Po dolasku u Drumheller, posetioci se susreću sa šarenim statuama dinosaurusa koje su razbacane po gradu. Jedna od omiljenih atrakcija je Najveći dinosaurusa na svetu, visok 26 metara, koji je napravljen od staklenih vlakana. Penjanje unutar njega omogućava vam da uživate u prelepim pejzažima iz usta statue. A ako ogladnite za pravim doživljajem, Kraljevski muzej paleontologije Tyrrell je samo nekoliko minuta udaljen.
Osnovan 1985. godine, muzej je dragulj u oblasti proučavanja dinosaurusa, u kojem se nalazi preko 160.000 fosila. Iako ima neverovatne prikaze raznih vrsta dinosaurusa, uključujući čuvenu T-Rex lubanju nazvanu “Crni lepotan”, jedan nalaz posebno je očarao paleontologe širom sveta. Borealopelta markmitchelli, primerak ankylosaura, jedan je od najbolje očuvanih fosila dinosaurusa ikada pronađenih. Njegove karakteristike, poput netaknutog sadržaja stomaka i očuvanih melanocita koji otkrivaju njegov crvenkasti ton kože, pružaju neprocenjive uvide u ove drevne životinje.
Ali Kraljevski muzej Tyrrell nije posvećen samo dinosaurusima. Posetioci mogu istražiti muzejske dvorane koje prikazuju život od najstarijih dana na Zemlji do rane kenozojske ere. Izložba Burgess Shale, ukrašena velikim skulpturama organizama iz ere kambriske eksplozije, ističe bogatu biodiverzitet drevnog Kanade koji se nalazi u Nacionalnom parku Yoho u Kolumbiji Britaniji.
Dok ste u Drumhelleru, ne propustite priliku da se predate savremenom lepotom Alberte. Lokalna turistička firma Bikes and Bites nudi ture e-biciklima koje vas vode kroz prelepe pejzaže grada. Od opuštenih vožnji posmatrajući ikonične statue dinosaurusa Drumhellera do avanturističkih putovanja kroz Alberta’s badlands kako biste otkrili napuštene gradove duhova i istoriju rudarstva uglja, tu ima nešto za svakoga.
Nakon dana istraživanja, možete zadovoljiti svoju žeđ u pivovari Valley Brewing koja je poznata po raznovrsnom izboru piva napravljenog od ječma iz Alberte. Drugi restorani kao što su Bernie & The Boys i istorijski Saloon Last Chance nude uvid u prošlost Drumhellera, služeći klasičnu hranu koja donosi prizvuk nostalgije.
Iako je Drumheller obavezan za entuzijaste dinosaurusa, važno je spomenuti da Dinosaur Provincial Park, samo 90 minuta izvan grada, još jedna destinacija vredna istraživanja. Ovaj UNESCO svetski prirodni lokalitet je rezervat od 28 četvornih milja poznat po svojim brojnim fosiliziranim ostatcima i prelepim pejzažima. Od hadrozaura do ankylosaura, posetioci mogu videti čuda praistorijskog života i čak sresti modernu divljač tokom šetnje kroz park.
Drumheller i njegove obližnje atrakcije dokazuju da Alberta ima mnogo više da ponudi osim spektakularnih planinskih vidika. Bez obzira da li ste posvećeni ljubitelj dinosaurusa ili jednostavno tražite avanturistički odmor, Drumheller je ultimativna destinacija za nezaboravno putovanje u svet drevnih stvorenja.