The Culture Crawler
If you are kid-free and up for adventure, but prefer a slow and steady pace, this itinerary is for you. Indulge in quiet dinners, galleries, museums and a quaint bed-and-breakfast, and be immersed in Drumheller’s hospitality, pioneering spirit, and natural splendour.
Day 1
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9:00 a.m.
Stop for a breakfast bagel and locally roasted coffee at Café Olé, a Spanish-style grab-and-go eatery.
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9:30 a.m.
Once you’ve recharged your batteries, walk over to the Badlands Historical Centre and peruse the oddities on display, including a two-wheeled car. 335 1 Street E., Drumheller.
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10:30 a.m.
Take advantage of Drumheller’s scenery by playing a round at the Dinosaur Trail Golf & Country Club. Play nine holes and fit in lunch at the club’s Wild Sage restaurant.
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2:00 p.m.
Returning to the town centre, stop at the Homestead Museum. More than 10,000 artifacts are on display, including a two-headed calf and the Murray House, a home that was purchased through the 1919 Eaton’s catalogue. 901 North Dinosaur Trail, Drumheller.
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3:00 p.m.
Next, visit the Badlands Gallery, operated by the Canadian Badlands Artist Association. Then head next door to Ateliero Verda and see artist-in-residence Jacqueline Sveda’s vibrant paintings.
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3:30 p.m.
See the impressive collection at Valley Doll Museum & Gifts, where more than 700 dolls are on display in vignettes, including King Henry VIII with all his wives.
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4:30 p.m.
Enjoy a short, scenic drive to the hamlet of Rosebud via Highway 9 West and Highway 840 from Drumheller. Stop in at the Rosebud & District Centennial Museum, featuring local pioneering and ranching history.
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5:30 p.m.
Wrap up the day with an evening of dinner theatre. A ticket to Rosebud Theatre will get you a show and a meal at the Mercantile across the street.
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9:30 p.m.
Bed down at Rosebud Country Inn. This cozy retreat has 10 rooms, each with its own ensuite, but none with a television.
The Culture Crawler Day 1 Map
Day 2
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9:00 a.m.
Time for a self-guided tour of the area. Beginning in Drumheller, head west then north on South Dinosaur Trail for the 23-kilometre scenic drive to the Bleriot Ferry across the Red Deer River. Head back to town for lunch.
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Noon
Lunch at O’Shea’s Eatery & Ale House; pub grub with a gourmet twist. Order boneless wings in more than two dozen flavours, and grab a jumbo pretzel with honey mustard to go.
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1:00 p.m.
Enjoy an afternoon spa treatment at The Heartwood Inn and Spa. Women and men alike can indulge in a manicure, pedicure or massage.
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3:00 p.m.
If you’re visiting between July 11-13, 18-20 or 25-27, don’t miss the Canadian Badlands Passion Play, an elaborate three-hour annual theatrical portrayal of the life and death of Jesus Christ.
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6:30 p.m.
Make dinner reservations — three days in advance — at Sublime Food & Wine, one of Drumheller’s newest eateries. The lamb chops with sun-dried tomato pesto come highly recommended.
