Located on the traditional grounds of Treaty 7 First Nations–the Siksika (Blackfoot), Kainai (Blood), Piikani (Peigan), Stoney-Nakoda, and Tsuut’ina (Sarcee) peoples. The Badlands of Drumheller offers some of Alberta’s most spectacular and unique out-of-this-world landscapes.  Every year Drumheller welcomes one million visitors from across Alberta, Canada and the world!

Here are the top five tips to help make your visit more enjoyable and help keep Drumheller and the valley at its best for future generations.

• Hoo Doos: Arguably one of Alberta’s more distinct attractions, it is a must-stop for visitors to take in on their travels. Did you know that the Hoo Doos are sandstone on a shale base, capped with a stone? They take millions of years to form and are very fragile. Do not climb on them! Walking/climbing or sitting on the Hoo Doos will shorten their life span as they erode quickly.  Please stick to the pathways, dispose of garbage properly and pick up after your pets. This will help ensure that the Hoo Doos are around longer for everyone to enjoy

 

• Keep it clean:  No matter where you travel in Drumheller, please help us keep it clean. It is essential to take your trash with you, pick up after your dog and put it all in the proper place. Not disposing of waste properly and not picking up after your dog is disrespecting the places you are visiting and creating harm to the ecosystem, and it’s just good manners to clean up after yourself.

 

• Be Prepared:  Come prepared in summer; the Drumheller Valley can reach up to +40C (104 F).  Bring hats, sunscreen, sunglasses, long sleeves, good hiking shoes, and plenty of water when out on the hiking trails, as there are limited places for shade. Try to do long hikes early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the day’s heat. Bug spray and an excellent first aid kit are recommended to pack in your hiking bag. Always check the weather and trail conditions before heading out, and let someone know where you are going.  Please note that most trails have bentonite which is extremely slippery when wet. Please stick to hiking trail paths and keep an eye open for wildlife in the area.

 

• Leave it be:  Inukshuks are beautiful and are a structure of stones stacked in a human form, traditionally used by the Inuit people as a landmark. Please do not build Inukshuks as they can damage the landscape, destroy wildlife habits you might not know, or lead hikers astray. Also, please do not pick rocks, sticks,  flowers, etc. By doing this, you are damaging the landscape and impacting the fragile ecosystem in the Badlands. Please leave the landscape the way you found it so that others can enjoy it.

 

• Respect the locals: The best way to be the best visitor is to remember that you visit a place where people live. Our residents have a wealth of knowledge of the area, take pride in their hometown, and are proud business owners that are integral to keeping Drumheller a great place to live and visit. Support local businesses and restaurants where you can, so local people benefit from your visit.

 

We thank you for choosing Drumheller as your travel destination and hope we can continue to help create lifelong memories for you, your family and your friends