Alberta Parks
Dinosaur Provincial Park
Alberta Est. 1955 80 km²
UNESCO badlands with more dinosaur skeletons found in situ than anywhere on Earth.
Overview
Dinosaur Provincial Park is a 80 km² badlands amphitheatre along the Red Deer River where erosion has surfaced dinosaur fossils from more than 40 species — more than any other single site worldwide. Guided hikes and bus tours from the visitor centre are the only way to reach the restricted Natural Preserve. Self-guided access is limited to five short public trails around the campground.
- UNESCO World Heritage Site (1979)
- 40+ dinosaur species found in the park
- Guided fossil safaris into the restricted preserve
- One of the most alien landscapes in Canada
Quick facts
- Size
- 80 km²
- UNESCO listed
- 1979
- Fossil species
- 40+ dinosaurs
- Public trails
- 5 short loops
Things to do
Guided fossil safari
Centrosaurus bonebed hike
Cottonwood Flats interpretive walk
Red Deer River paddle
Camping
Reservations: Required · Frontcountry: Yes · Backcountry: No · RV: Yes · Glamping: Yes
- 126 sites in the river-valley campground
- Serviced RV loops
- Comfort camping tents
Campgrounds in and near this park
- Dinosaur Provincial Park
Brooks, Alberta · In-park
Hiking
Badlands Trail
Easy · 1.3 kmThe best public glimpse of the eroded hoodoo landscape.
Coulee Viewpoint
Easy · 1 kmShort climb to the rim over the entire badlands.
Cottonwood Flats
Easy · 1.4 kmRiverside walk under 200-year-old cottonwoods.
Wildlife
Common
Mule deer, Coyote, Cottontail, Bull snake
Signature
Prairie rattlesnake, Golden eagle, Great horned owl
Viewing tips
Wildlife most active at dawn/dusk when the badlands cool.
Safety
Rattlesnakes present — stay on trails. Summer temperatures exceed 35°C.
Photography
- Badlands at sunrise from Coulee Viewpoint
- Hoodoos glowing at golden hour
- Milky Way from campground (dark skies)
- Cottonwood Flats in autumn gold
Best time to visit
spring
May-June: mild temperatures, best fossil-safari season.
summer
Very hot — book early tours.
fall
Sept-Oct: cool, gorgeous light, thin crowds.
winter
Campground closed; day-use access possible.
Peak: May, September · Shoulder: June, October
Family & accessibility
Family
- Visitor centre with real dinosaur skeletons
- Junior interpreter program
- Family-friendly guided walks
Accessibility
- Accessible visitor centre and Cottonwood Flats
- Paved Coulee Viewpoint access
Reservations
Book through Alberta Parks Reserve — opens 90 days ahead of arrival.
Fossil safari tours book separately at albertaparks.ca — sell out weeks ahead in summer.
Reserve nowSuggested itineraries
weekend
UNESCO Fossil Weekend
Two nights, one guided safari, one public-trail day, evening at visitor centre exhibits.
family
Dino Kids Trip
Combine with Royal Tyrrell Museum in Drumheller — three days end-to-end.
FAQ
Can I look for fossils on my own?
No — collecting or moving fossils is a federal offence. You can look on public trails and photograph anything you see.
How do I book a guided safari?
Online through Alberta Parks weeks in advance — the Centrosaurus Bonebed hike sells out fastest.
How far from Drumheller?
About 2.5 hours drive — Drumheller has the Royal Tyrrell Museum, this park has the actual badlands.
Nearby
National parks
- Waterton Lakes National Park · 258 km
- Banff National Park · 321 km
- Kootenay National Park · 321 km
Nearby cities
- Drumheller · 116 km
- Calgary · 184 km
- Canmore · 273 km
Other provincial parks
Plan this trip with a human
Our Travel Concierge builds custom itineraries around Dinosaur Provincial Park — permits, campsites, driving times, and shoulder-season strategy included.
Talk to the Concierge
