Exploration Guide 2019 - Travel Drumheller

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Exploration Guide 2019 - Travel Drumheller
Exploration Guide 2019
TIME-TRAVELLING EXPERIENCES   ACTIVE ADVENTURES   SEASONAL HIGHLIGHTS   ARTSY ESCAPES
Exploration Guide 2019 - Travel Drumheller
towering high
over drumheller,
… the World’s Largest Dinosaur, is designed for
dino-enthusiasts of all ages to explore, inside and
out. Climb 106 stairs inside the giant T-rex lined
with beautiful murals to admire the breathtaking
badlands from her gaping jaw!
a must-see attraction!

WorldsLargestDinosaur.com
1-866-823-8100 | OPEN YEAR-ROUND!
60-1st Avenue W. Drumheller, AB
Exploration Guide 2019 - Travel Drumheller
DRUMHELLER
                                  H  ELICOPTER TOURS
                                  FAMILY FRIENDLY INCREDIBLE VIEWS WALK INS WELCOME

       2 LOCATIONS

HORSESHOE CANYON CAMPGROUND
HIGHWAY 9, 17KM SOUTHWEST OF DRUMHELLER
                                                           A D U LTS $ 5 5 / P E RS O N + G ST
FOSSIL SHOP - HIKING - PICNIC TABLES - VIEWING AREA
                                                           C H I L D R E N $ 5 0 / P E RS O N + G ST
                                                           (2-3              ) - CCCCCCCC 12   UUUUU

CACTUS COULEE FUN PARK
4KM WEST OF ROYAL TYRRELL MUSEUM ON NORTH DINOSAUR TRAIL   PHONE 403-334-4354
GO KARTING - MINI GOLF - EUROBUNGY
                                                           WWW.MVHELI.COM
                M AY TO S E PT E M B E R

                                                                                      Exploration Guide 2019   3
Exploration Guide 2019 - Travel Drumheller
Contents

    ON THE COVER
    Crossing the Star Mine
    Suspension Bridge
    Photo by Jeremy Fokkens

                                                                                                                                                                                                            p.   40
                                                                                                                                                                                                            Do the Dino Walk
                                                                                                                                                                                                            Learn about Drumheller’s
                                                                                                                                                                                                            prehistoric heritage on
                                                                                                                                                                                                            a fun and informative
                                                                                                                                                                                                            stroll around town.

    p.    9                                    p.   14                                p.    20                               p.    26                                p.   31                                p.    36
    Drumheller in                              Travel Back                            New Sensations                         Culture Trip                            Active Adventures                      Welcome to
    Every Season                               in Time                                From a brand-new craft                 Creative expression                     Whether it’s hiking                    the Last Chance
    There’s plenty to do in                    Discover the rich and                  brewery to a fresh twist               thrives throughout the                  among the hoodoos                      Saloon
    Drumheller, no matter                      evocative history of the               on a much-loved eatery,                Drumheller region, and                  or paddling along the                  Good food, friendly
    what time of year you                      Drumheller Valley on                   these local businesses                 you can experience it                   serene Red Deer River,                 people and rollicking
    visit. Follow these sea-                   one of the many expe-                  are shaking things up.                 first-hand at these nine                exploring the area’s                   stories await at this
    sonal itineraries for the                  riential tours offered in                                                     artistic venues.                        otherworldly scenery                   iconic watering hole.
    ideal weekend escape.                      the region.                                                                                                           is sure to inspire.

                                  TRAVEL DRUMHELLER | Box 1357, Drumheller, AB T0J 0Y0, Ph 403-823-2242, traveldrumheller.com | Advertising inquiries, admin@traveldrumheller.com | Statements, opinions and viewpoints expressed
                                  within this publication do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher, Travel Drumheller in partnership with RedPoint Media & Marketing Solutions. | Copyright 2019 by RedPoint Media Group Inc. |
                                  No part of this publication may be reproduced without the express written consent of the publisher. Printed in Canada for free distribution.
                                  Published by RedPoint Media Group Inc., 100, 1900 11th St. S.E., Calgary, AB T2G 3G2, Ph 403-240-9055 | redpointmedia.ca | President & CEO Pete Graves | Group Publisher Joyce Byrne |
                                  Client Relations Manager Natalie Morrison | Editorial Director Jill Foran | Art Director David Willicome | Graphic Designer Rebecca Middlebrook | Contributors Elizabeth Chorney-Booth, Jennifer
    Media & Marketing Solutions   Dorozio, Lisa Kadane, Julia Williams | Production Manager Mike Matovich | Audience Development & Reader Services Manager Rob Kelly | Printed by Transcontinental LGM

4    traveldrumheller.com                                                                                                                                                                              Photo by Inga Wandinger/Alamy Stock Photo
Exploration Guide 2019 - Travel Drumheller
HOT TUB
WATERSLIDE
GRADUATED
POOL ENTRY
STEAM ROOM
BY THE WORLD'S LARGEST
DINOSAUR
403 823 1322
DINOSAURVALLEY.COM/AQUAPLEX
Exploration Guide 2019 - Travel Drumheller
Drumheller Valley
                                                       Bleriot Ferry
                                                                                                                                                          To Morrin, Stettler,

                    To Hwy 27
                                                                                                                                                          Delia & Hanna
                                                                      838

                                                                                                                                 MUNSON
                                                         Horsethief
       Orkney                                             Canyon
      Viewpoint
                                837

                                                               838
                                                                        North
                                                                      Dinosaur
                      South                                             Trail
                     Dinosaur
                       Trail                                   Red
                                                                     Dee
                                                                            r Ri                                                                     9
       To Carbon & Hwy 21                                                          ve r                                                              56
                     575                                                                                                   Drumheller
                                                                                                                         Municipal Airport                     Visitor Information
                                                                                                                 Royal Tyrrell                                 Centre & World's
                                                                                                                   Museum
                                                                                                                                    Midland                    Largest Dinosaur
                                                                                                       The Little                  Prov. Park
                                                                                                        Church                    & McMullen
                                                           Dinosaur Trail Golf                                                       Island
                                                             & Country Club                                                                                        576

                                                                                          NACMINE                                                              ?

                                 N                                                          Badlands Amphitheatre

                                                                                                                DRUMHELLER
               W                                           E
                                                                                                                                                                         Hoodoo
                                                                                                                                                                          Trail

                                 S                                   Horseshoe Canyon
                                                                                                                                                           Drumheller        ROSEDALE
                                                                                                                                                 9
                                                                                                                                                           Stampede
                                                                                                                                                            Grounds
       To Calgary                                                                                                                                                                      10x
                                                   9

                                 840

                                                                                                Dinosaur Trail
                                                                                                                                                                         WAYNE                  56
                                                                                           Begin the tour at the bridge, leading to North Dinosaur
                                      To Rosebud

                                                                                           Trail. There are many attractions, services and facilities
                                                                                           along the 48-km trail. Distances are from the Visitor                          Last Chance Saloon/
                                                                                           Information Centre:                                                              Rosedeer Hotel
                                                                                           The Fossil Shop                                        0.5     km
                                                                                           The General Store                                        2     km
                                                                                           Homestead Museum                                         2     km
                        ROSEBUD                                                            Bumper Boat Amusements                                   2     km                     To Dalum & Hwy 1
               To get to Rosebud turn                                                      Fossil World Dinosaur Discovery Centre                   3     km
            south off of Highway 9 onto                                                    Midland Provincial Park Interpretive Centre              4     km
            Highway 840. Continue south                                                    Royal Tyrrell Museum                                     6     km
            for approx 10 km to Rosebud                                                    The Little Church                                        7     km
                                                                                           Dinosaur Trail Golf & Country Club                       8     km
                                                                                           Horsethief Canyon                                       16     km
                                                                                           Bleriot Ferry (halfway point on the Dinosaur Trail)     24     km
                                                                                           Orkney Viewpoint                                      18.5     km
                                                                                           Badlands Amphitheatre                                  3.5     km
                                                                                           Newcastle Beach Recreation Area and Boat Launch          2     km
                                                                                           Rosebud Theatre                                         35     km

6   traveldrumheller.com
Exploration Guide 2019 - Travel Drumheller
Starland County
                                                                                                                                                To Stettler

                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Farre
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     ll Lak
                                                                                                                                                                                                          McLaren                             e
                                                                             585                                                                                                                           Dam
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Chain
                                                                                   RUMSEY                                                                                                                                                                     Lakes

                                                                                                                   Mudsprings                                  Springwater
                                                                                                                   Lake                                           School
                                                                                                                                                McKee
                                                                                                                                                Lake           Historic Site

                                                                                                                                                        TWP RD. 324
                                                                                                                             ROWLEY
                                                                                                                             Museum
                                                                R ed

                                                                                                       839
                                                                 D ee

                                                                                                                                                                                                                       851

                                                                                                                                                                          RGE RD. 185
                                                                      r Ri

                                                                                Starland                                                   56
                                                                       ver

                                                                               Recreation
                                                                                  Area
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    CRAIGMYLE
                                                    To Three Hills                                                                                Buffalo Paddock
                                                                                                                  Sod House
                                                                       27                                                                                 9
                                                                                                                  MORRIN                                                                                                     DELIA                        To Hanna
                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Museum

                                                                                                                                                                                849
                                                                                                                                                    TWP RD. 30-4
                                                                                                                                                                                               MICHICHI
                                                                                         Bleriot Ferry
                                                                                                                                                        TWP RD. 30-2                           Michichi Dam
            To Little Fish Lake                                                                                                                                                               Recreation Area
            Provincial Park                                                                            838               MUNSON
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      851
                                                                       Horsethief
                                                                       Canyon
                                                                                                                                           9
                                                                                                        No
                                                                                                             r                                                                          RGE RD. 19-0
                                                                575
                                                                                                             th
                                                                                                                  Di

                                                                                         So
                                                                                              ut
                                                                                                                    n os

                                                    To Carbon & Hwy 21                             h                         ur
                                                                                                                       a

                                                                                                                                  Tr a
                                                                                                   Di

                                                                                                                                       i
                                                                                                        nos

                                                                                                                                                                                                                 576
                                                                                                                                       l

                                                                                                             ur
                                                                                                         a

                                                                                                                  Tr a i
                                                                                                                         l
    Star Mine                                                                                                                                                           849                                                                       To Little Fish Lake
Suspension Bridge                                                                        DRUMHELLER                                                                                                                                               Provincial Park
                                                                                                                                                   10
                                                                                                                                                          56
                                                                                                         9
                                                           To Calgary
                                                           & Rosebud                                                                            ROSEDALE

CAMBRIA                                                                                                                                                         56                10

                                Hoodoo
 Re
      dD                         Trail
           ee                    10         The Hoodoos
                rR
                     i ve
                            r

                                                                                                                                                                                                            Hoodoo Trail
                                             LEHIGH
                                                 Hoodoo                                                                                                                                                Much of the famous eerie landscape of the badlands
                                                                                                                                                                                                       can be seen along the popular Hoodoo Trail. Distances
                                                  Trail                                                                                                                                                are from the Visitor Information Centre:
                                                                        East Coulee
                                EAST COULEE                             School Museum                                                                                                                  Rosedale Suspension Bridge & Picnic Area              8.5   km
                                                                                                                                                                                                       Last Chance Saloon/Rosedeer Hotel                      11   km
                          Atlas Coal Mine                                                                                                                                                              The Hoodoos                                            16   km
                        National Historic Site             10                      570                                                                                                                 East Coulee School Museum                              23   km
                                                     569
                                                                                                                                                                                                       Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site                 24   km

                                                     To Dorothy & Dinosaur
                                                            Provincial Park

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Exploration Guide 2019          7
Exploration Guide 2019 - Travel Drumheller
Exploration Guide 2019 - Travel Drumheller
Drumheller IN
           EVERY SEASON                      There’s plenty to do in the valley, no matter
                                             what time of year you choose to visit.
                                             By Elizabeth Chorney-Booth

                                             M
                                                           any people flock to Drumheller during the summer months, when kids are out of school
                                                           and the weather is hot. Summer is undeniably a great time to visit the valley, but with
                                                           so many services, attractions and historical sites, there’s something to see and do every
                                             month of the year. If you’re planning a weekend in the area, these itinerary suggestions will keep
                                             your days filled, whether it’s spring, summer, fall or winter.

Photo by Rory Collins/ @rorycollinspatrick                                                                                             Exploration Guide 2019   9
Exploration Guide 2019 - Travel Drumheller
SPRING
     Spring is the season to get
     a jump on Drumheller’s
     premier activities, since the
     crowds are generally smaller
     than they would be in the
     summer months. Spend a
     laid-back weekend exploring
     and relaxing.

      Saturday morning: Shoul-          ABOVE Flavourful
     der season may just be the best     entrees made with
     time to visit the world-famous      local ingredients
                                         await at Sublime
     Royal Tyrrell Museum of             Food & Wine.
     Palaeontology — take your
     time and get an up-close look
     at the dinosaur exhibits, or
     participate in a spring program
     led by the museum’s educators.
      Saturday afternoon: Enjoy
     some pampering at the Heart-
     wood Inn and Spa. This wel-
     coming inn features a luxurious
     spa offering blissful massages,
     manicures, pedicures and other
     specialty body treatments.
      Saturday evening: Indulge
     in an intimate dinner and a sig-
     nature cocktail at Sublime Food
     & Wine, Drumheller’s premium
     restaurant specializing in fine
     Canadiana cuisine made with
     fresh and local ingredients.
      Sunday morning: Explore
     the terrain of the badlands and
     breathe in the crisp spring air
     with a walk along the 117-metre
     Star Mine Suspension Bridge
     in Rosedale, followed by a lei-
     surely hike through the Willow
     Creek Hoodoos.
      Sunday afternoon: End
     with a visit to the East Coulee
     School Museum. Opening for
     the season in May, this spot is a
     12-room former schoolhouse,
     now used to tell the stories of                         THE EXIBITS IN DINOSAUR HALL,              at the Royal

     the coal mining families that                           Tyrrell Museum, include this towering display of the
     settled in the Drumheller Valley.                       mighty Tyrannosaurus rex.

10    traveldrumheller.com                                                                        Sublime photo by Dennis Standage; T-rex photo by Rebecca Middlebrook
Taking in a bird's-eye view
                                                                                                                                                                           of Horseshoe Canyon is an
                                                                                                                                                                           unforgettable experience.

                                                                                                                                                                           INSET Bring your appetite
                                                                                                                                                                           to Bernie & the Boys Bistro,
                                                                                                                                                                           loved for its fun vibe and
                                                                                                                                                                           massive burgers.

                                                    dinosaurs, but Fossil World              back of a horse. Willow Creek       Badlands Passion Play, which,
SUMMER                                              Dinosaur Discovery Museum’s              Adventures offers a trail-ride      for the first time ever, is being   Horseshoe Canyon, where the
Summertime is family time                           animatronic dinosaurs are per-           experience that gives riders        presented as a musical this         flights take off and land.
in the Drumheller Valley.                           haps the next best thing. Kids           of all skill levels a unique view   year. (Running the first three       Sunday afternoon:
Spend your weekend taking                           can learn about palaeontology            of the area’s landscape and         weekends in July.)                  Burn off a little steam at
advantage of big, sunny skies                       through a fossil dig or other            geological features.                 Sunday morning: See the           Cactus Coulee Fun Park. The
and adventurous activities                          forms of creative play, while             Saturday evening: Grab            Horseshoe and Horsethief            family-friendly park features
suitable for all ages.                              adults peruse the multitude of           a burger at Bernie & the Boys       Canyons from above with a           go-karts, a Western-themed
                                                    fossils on display.                      Bistro before heading out to        helicopter tour from Mountain       mini-golf course and, for the
 Saturday morning: Visitors                         Saturday afternoon:                    the Badlands Amphitheatre to        View Helicopters. After a spin      truly adventurous, Eurobungy
to Drumheller won’t see living                      Explore the badlands on the              catch a performance of the          in the chopper, take a hike into    trampoline equipment.

Helicopter photo by Robert Berdan; Bernie & The Boys Bistro photo by C. Schatz Photography                                                                            Exploration Guide 2019              11
BELOW Antique dolls are
                                                                              NOW 101 YEARS OLD,                                 the Atlas Coal
                                                                                                                                                                                displayed in creative scenes at
                                                                             Mine is a National Historic Site and the                                                           Valley Doll Museum & Gifts;
                                                                             most complete historic mine in Canada.                                                             Winter walks in the hoodoos
                                                                                                                                                                                can be invigorating.

                                                                                                                                                                                Valley Doll Museum & Gifts, the
                                                                                                                                                                                Badlands Gallery, Natural Light
                                                                                                                                                                                Images, Dry Canyon Collect-
                                                                                                                                                                                ables or The Fossil Shop.
                                                                                                                                                                                 Saturday afternoon: Make
                                                                                                                                                                                the short drive to Dorothy, a
                                                                                                                                                                                pioneer “ghost town” just 15
                                                                                                                                                                                minutes away. Wander among
                                         out from Drumheller, enjoy                                                                                                             the abandoned structures,
                                         the drive over the 11 one-lane                                                                                                         which include an old grain
                                         bridges between Rosedale                                                                                                               elevator, two little churches
     FALL                                and Wayne.                                                                                                                             and vintage cars.
     Fall is a particularly pictur-       Saturday evening: Take                                                                                                                Saturday evening: Bond
     esque time in the Drumheller        in dinner and a show at the                                                                                                            with friends and family over a
     Valley — as the leaves              Rosebud Theatre, which                                                                                                                 spirited bowling tournament.
     change and the weather              stages several professional-level                                                                                                      Drumheller’s Sandstone Lanes
     cools, the badlands take on a       productions every year, most of                                                                                                        offers Canadian-style five-pin
     new kind of beauty.                 which include a buffet meal.                                                                                                           bowling and also is home to a
                                          Sunday morning: Embark                                                                                                               fully licensed lounge.
      Saturday morning: Check           on an easy hike through                                                                                                                 Sunday morning: Winter
     out the Homestead Antique           Midland Provincial Park, which                                                                                                         doesn’t mean the end of out-
     Museum, which is open               surrounds the Royal Tyrrell                                                                                                            door adventure in Drumheller.
     through to the second week of       Museum. The self-guided                                                                                                                In addition to its summertime
     October. Peruse the museum’s        Badlands Interpretive Trail                                                                                                            tours and activities, Red Deer
     collection of early homestead-      is a 1.4-km loop, complete                                                                                                             River Adventures provides tours
     ers’ clothing, furniture, musical   with signage explaining all of                                                                                                         and rentals for snowshoe expe-
     instruments, farm equipment         the natural formations you’ll                                                                                                          ditions and electronic fat bikes.
     and other antique items.            encounter along the way.            WINTER                                                                                              Sunday afternoon: Engage
      Saturday afternoon: While          Sunday afternoon: Dig             Many of Drumheller’s                            Saturday morning: Start                           in a little indoor adventure at
     the afternoon away with lunch       into Drumheller’s history with      seasonal attractions close                     your weekend with some retail                       Escape This!, Drumheller’s first
     and a round of drinks at the        a guided tour of the Atlas          mid-fall, but there’s still                    therapy! Wander Drumheller’s                        escape room. In the spirit of
     Last Chance Saloon in the tiny      Coal Mine. The outdoor site,        plenty to do around town in                    collection of interesting shops                     the area, visitors can try out
     town of Wayne. The saloon is        which includes the recently         the winter, as the snow adds                   and galleries. You’re bound                         coal mining, Prohibition era,

                                                                                                                                                                                                      -
     known for its excellent burgers     restored iconic tipple, is open     some sparkle to the coulees                    to find some curiosities and                        and, yes, dinosaur-themed
     and friendly vibe. On your way      into October.                       and hoodoos.                                   original works of art at the                        escape games.

12    traveldrumheller.com                                                         Atlas Coal Mine photo by iStock/Getty Images Plus; Valley Doll photo by Rebecca Middlebrook; hiking photo by Leigh McAdam/HikeBikeTravel.com
Guest Service Agent
                                  noun. (see chauffeur, translator, tour guide, travel agent, etc.)

               place copy here
 “I-can’t-believe-they-did-that”
        about this picture       moment
               and what is hap-
 Many Albertans
            pening think three hours is a long way to come see the Badlands and the Tyrrell Museum. But last year we had a
 family who came over 18 hours, and 9,000 km. All the way from Beijing to experience our natural wonders. Of course they
 didn’t bring their car with them so when it came time to visit the museum, they needed a taxi.

 How hard can that be right? Well it turns out that when you don’t speak English, don’t have extra cash, and when cabs are
 expensive – it’s actually quite a challenge. Our Guest Service Agent, Rene, took it upon himself to right some wrongs when
 he, aided by one of our maintenance staff, acted as a translator and chauffeur for this lovely family. Our people spent their
 weekend getting taxi quotes, translating, and deciding it would be best to transport them to and from the museum in their
 own cars.

 These guests were astonished by the level of hospitality, but it was all in a day's work for our team at Canalta Jurassic. This
 above-and-beyond service is easier to understand when you know how our hotel group is privately owned, family-run
 and based right here in Western Canada. We don’t have a rigid set of global policies, rather we empower our staff to be
 legendary with just one overriding guideline: Do whatever it takes to surprise and delight our guests.

 Canalta Hotels. Empowered to be legendary.

                                                                                                 1.855.933.1933
 Dogs can           Indoor        FREE High    FREE Deluxe                                  CanaltaHotels.com
stay for $15        Hot tub       Speed wifi    Breakfast
                                                                                                            Exploration Guide 2019   13
TRAVEL
                BACK IN
                TIME
                 Become a geologist, fossil hunter, coal miner or pupil for a day
                 at some of the valley’s most popular sites and attractions.
                 By Lisa Kadane

                  T
                                here’s something romantic about     further science by uncovering part of the Earth’s    Not only was the town the epicentre of the
                                palaeontology. You spend your       past. It’s no wonder many kids aspire to be fossil   Great Canadian Dinosaur Rush between 1911 and
                                days working in a picturesque       hunters when they grow up.                           1917, the discovery of coal in the Red Deer River
                                landscape, hunting for dinosaur        The chance to see dinosaurs and search for        Valley in the late 1880s fuelled the development
                 skeletons — like the dashing Dr. Alan Grant from   their remains is just one reason why history-        of Western Canada, and visitors come to explore
                 the original Jurassic Park movie — and help        loving travellers come to the Drumheller region.     the historic mining towns.

14   traveldrumheller.com                                                                                                                                 iStock/ Getty Images Plus
72 MILLION YEARS AGO                       the Drumheller
                                                                                                                  Valley was a warm, wet coastal environment
                                                                                                                  where dinosaurs thrived.

                                                                                                                                                                                  BELOW Experience
                                                                                               PALAEONTOLOGISTS                                                                   the hands-on fun of
                                                                                                                                                                                  fossil-hunting on a
                                                                                               continue to unearth                                                                Dinosite hike.
                                                                                               exciting finds in the
                                                                                               Drumheller region.

    Both dinosaur tourism and the explosive                                     1 Hunt for fossils               between rocks and fossils
growth of the coal industry were made possible                                next to the Royal                  before they’re set loose to
thanks to Drumheller’s geology. Seventy-two mil-                              Tyrrell Museum of                  find their own bones.
lion years ago, the region was a warm, wet coastal                            Palaeontology                          “It’s more than just dino-
environment on the shore of the inland Bearpaw                                Journey into the heart of the      saurs,” says Earle Wiebe, head
Sea — the dinosaurs died and were buried in                                   badlands in Midland Provincial     of education at the Royal
the swamps, which preserved their remains; over                               Park on a 90-minute Dinosite       Tyrrell Museum. “They find
time, other organic matter was compressed and                                 guided hike to prospect for fos-   fossils of other species as well
slowly transformed into coal.                                                 sils. The park, which surrounds    — turtle shells, crocodile teeth,
    Fast-forward to the present day, and those                                the Royal Tyrrell Museum, is       clam or oyster shells, a lot of
bogs and swamps are now the Canadian Badlands,                                rich with the fossilized remains   petrified wood. After they
a fascinating, arid landscape of easily erodible                              of dinosaurs such as the had-      finish prospecting, they return
sandstone and mudstone. The scenery is unique                                 rosaur, a common duck-billed       their finds to the badlands.”       partial hadrosaur skeleton still
in Canada, and another reason to visit the region.                            dino that roamed the land              Wiebe says the tour will        in the ground and learn about
    There are a variety of fun, immersive ways to                             around 72 million years ago.       open your eyes to the diversity     how it might have come to be
explore the rich geological and social history of                                 A museum educator teach-       of creatures that lived and died    buried there.
the Drumheller region. Following are just four                                es kids (over four) and adults     in the region over the millen-      tyrrellmuseum.com
suggestions of experiential tours to try.                                     alike how to tell the difference   nia. You’ll even get to see a       403-823-7707

Palaeontologist photo by Greg Funston; Dinosite photo ©Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology                                                                             Exploration Guide 2019         15
COAL MINING       has played a huge role in shaping
                 Drumheller's history and development.

                                                              mining; in fact, it was a dark,    miners died on the job, many of                  drinking, gambling and prosti-
                                                              dank, dangerous job, and the       them crushed during cave-ins.                    tution that went on in frontier
                                                              Unmentionables Tour at the         You’ll also get an earful about                  boomtowns like East Coulee
                                                              Atlas Coal Mine in East Coulee     the region’s terrible living                     and Drumheller.
                                                              reveals all of its dirty secrets   conditions during the 1910s                          Russell says any of the tours
                             2 Go underground at              during an hour-long tour that      and 1920s, as well as the sordid                 at the Atlas Coal Mine are a
                            the Atlas Coal Mine               takes mature guests (14+) into     aspects of life in a mining town,                step back in time because the
                            Dinosaurs might get all the       site buildings.                    including the bootlegging and                    buildings and mine have been
                            glory, but it was the area’s          “We don’t hold back — we                                                        left as they were on the day
                            coal miners — who risked          tell it like it was,” says site                                                     the mine shut down in 1984.
                                                                                                 “We don’t hold
                            their lives to bring coal above   curator Jay Russell.                                                                    “All of the site is original and
                            ground — that really built the        You’ll learn all about coal    back — we tell it                                in situ,” says Russell.
                            area’s towns. There wasn’t        mining fatalities — between        like it was.”                                    atlascoalmine.ab.ca
                            anything glamorous about coal     1911 and 1980, more than 200       —Jay Russell                                     403-822-2220

16   traveldrumheller.com                                                                                       Photos courtesy of Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site (3732.1, 3569.3a, 3569.68)
LEFT Lothar
                                                                                                                                          Malmberg has
                                                                                                                                          been leading ghost
                                                                                                                                          tours in the area
                                                                                                                                          since 2011.

                                                                                                                                          RIGHT The East
                                                                                                                                          Coulee School
                                                                                                                                          Museum lets
                                                                                                                                          visitors experience
                                                                                                                                          the pleasures and
                                                                                                                                          rigours of school
                                                                                                                                          days in the 1930s.

                                                                                                                                          certainly get a sense of it as we   the dunce cap, taking people
                                                                                                                                          go through the tour,” Malmberg      out for the strap, or making
                                                                                                                                          promises.                           them stand with their nose to
                                                                                                                                             Failing that, he says that       the blackboard.
                                                                                                                                          guests’ imaginations usually take       “Kids love it when their dad
                                                                                      “Drumheller is                                      the reins as they’re led through    gets punished,” says Steeves,
                                                                                      considered to be                                    the twilight by lantern light.      who runs the program on long
                                                                                      the most actively                                   ucmagic.ca@gmail.com                weekends between May and
                                                                                      haunted town                                        403-677-2162                        September, or for groups of 15
                                                                                      in Alberta.”                                                                            or more.
                                                                                                                                                                                  During the tour, you’ll
                                                                                        —Lothar Malmberg
                                                                                                                                           4 Be a pupil inside                have to pledge allegiance to
                                                                                                                                          a 1930s schoolhouse                 the flag and sing “God Save
                                                                                                                                          Submit to a hand inspection         the King,” as was customary
 3 Discover the spirit                             from June through August. The                      that have come and gone.”           and talk back to the teacher        during the 1930s. You’ll also
of the area on a                                   family-friendly, two-hour walk                        The guide also tells three       at your peril during the Miss       discover what students ate for
guided ghost walk                                  leads participants on a historic                   ghost stories along the way.        Morrison program at the East        lunch back then. It could be
“Drumheller is considered to                       tour of downtown Drumheller,                       These aren’t scary tales; rather,   Coulee School Museum.               anything from “gopher stew”
be the most actively haunted                       where more than 37 heritage                        they focus on the specters’             “Miss Morrison is a very        (an actual meal back in the day),
town in Alberta,” says Lothar                      buildings still stand. The guide                   feelings of sorrow and sadness.     strict schoolmarm,” explains        to hurka sausage and cabbage
Malmberg. He would know,                           stops at various storefronts and                   After all, the town is haunted      Barb Steeves, executive             rolls, which reflect the town’s
considering he wrote the                           talks about the people who                         because of its history as a         director of the museum, which       immigrant population from
book on it.                                        built them, why they built them,                   coal-mining centre where many       is located inside the town’s        Eastern Europe.
   Malmberg, author of                             how they influenced the town,                      lost their lives — in a span of     original 12-room schoolhouse.           The program ends with a
Drumheller Ghost Walk, also                        and what happened to them,                         seven decades, more than 200        During this reenactment of a        discussion of classroom differ-
created the Drumheller Guided                      bringing their stories to life and                 miners died in accidents.           1936 school day, Miss Morrison      ences over the past 80 years.

                                                                                                                                                                                             -
Ghost Walk Tour, which runs                        tapping in to what Malmberg                           “If you’re sensitive to that     doles out some of the old           ecsmuseum.ca
every Friday and Saturday night                    calls the “echoes of the folks                     sort of paranormal stuff, you’ll    punishments, like putting on        403-822-3970

Ghost walk photo courtesy of Lothar Malberg; dunce cap photo by Karen Durrie; schoolroom photo courtesy of East Coulee School Museum                                           Exploration Guide 2019             17
ADVERTISEMENT                                                  WHAT TO DO | WHERE TO GO | WHAT TO BUY

      EAST COULEE                                               CARACOL CLAY STUDIO                                            JUNGLING WORKS
      SCHOOL MUSEUM                                             AND GALLERY                                                    HOME AND GIFT
      Experience life in a coal mining community: a school
      converted into a museum of the coal mining era.           Janet and John invite you to visit their East Coulee           Featuring Canadian Crafted Products inspired by the
      Learn how families lived or book an interactive program   Gallery full of their handmade pottery treasures.              wonders of the Badlands and designed by owner/artist
      with the strict school marm! Cafe - homemade food.        Open from 10 am–4 pm daily. Just follow the signs.             Debra Jungling. Treat yourself to a shopping experience!
      Fifteen minutes east of Drumheller. Open May to           Browsers welcome.                                              The store offers a unique blend of gifts, kitchenware and
      Sept 30, 7 days 10 am to 5 pm.                                                                                           home decor set in the inviting atmosphere of a restored
                                                                169 6 St, East Coulee                                          1920s brick building. Open year round.
      403.822.3970                                              403-822-2258
      ecsmuseum.ca                                                                                                             299 1st St W (Gorgosaurus Street), Drumheller AB
                                                                                                                               403-823-2208
                                                                                                                               jungling@telusplanet.net
                                                                                                                               junglingworks.com

     MCLAREN DAM                                                STARLAND RECREATION AREA                                       MICHICHI
                                                                                                                               RECREATION AREA
     Open May 15 to Oct. 15. From the junction of Hwy 9 and     Open May 15 to Oct. 15, this campground is located             Open May 15 to Oct. 15, this campsite is located 0.5 km
     Range Rd 17-5, travel 24 km north on SH 851, then 3.2 km   beside the Red Deer River north of the Morrin Bridge.          south of Michichi along SH 849. The campsite offers
     west, 0.8 km south and east into the site. This serene     It offers large, spacious camping areas and a scenic           a beautiful setting with great fishing opportunities, a
     location offers great fishing opportunities in a quiet     backrop of the river and hills. Besides fishing, canoeing      playground, coin-operated showers and a camp kitchen.
     country setting.                                           and great hiking opportunities, there is also a playground
                                                                and three ball diamonds.                                       403-772-3793
     403-772-3793                                                                                                              starlandcounty.com
     starlandcounty.com                                         175 3 St W, Drumheller AB
                                                                403-820-5524

18    traveldrumheller.com                                                                                                   Year Round   Seasonal   Wheelchair Access   Family Friendly   Breakfast
DRUMHELLER SUPER 8                                                     DRUMHELLER                                                  KNEEHILL COUNTY
                                                                       RAMADA INN & SUITES                                         CAMPGROUNDS
Indoor pool, waterslide, hot tub, free breakfast, guest                Indoor pool, waterslide, hot tub, free breakfast, fitness   Camp in Kneehill County!
laundry, exercise room, elevator, king and kitchen suites              centre, guest laundry, business centre, meeting room,       Keiver’s Lake, west of Three Hills, offers over 40
available, ground floor rooms with exterior access. Close              high-speed Internet. Pets with permission. King suites,     campsites, 8 group sites, day use areas, and various
to Ramada, O’Shea’s Eatery & Ale House, Boston Pizza                   ground-floor rooms with exterior access, elevators.         recreational amenities. Braconnier Dam, located off
and A&W. Pets with permission.                                         Close to Super 8, Boston Pizza, A&W, O’Shea’s Eatery        Highway 21, has 10 campsites available. Swalwell Dam,
                                                                       and Ale House.                                              off Highway 575, boasts a fully stocked dam, 10 camp-
403-823-8887 | Toll Free: 1-888-823-8882                                                                                           ing stalls and day use areas.
super8.com                                                             403-823-2028 | Toll Free: 1-877-807-2800
gm@super8drumheller.com                                                canaltahotels.com                                           403-443-5541
                                                                       gm@ramadadrumheller.com                                     kneehillcounty.com

CANALTA HOTELS - HANNA                                                 CANALTA JURASSIC HOTEL                                      NEWCASTLE COUNTRY INN

The newly renovated Canalta Hotel in Hanna offers                      Free deluxe continental breakfast, guest laundry, high      Adult and senior accommodations. Clean, comfort-
friendly service and quality amenities. This location                  speed internet, elevator, hot tub and steam room. Kitch-    able and quiet. Charming staff. Recipient of many
offers guests a fitness center, hot tub, guest laundry,                en Suites and ground floor rooms with exterior access.      housekeeping awards. Free Wi-Fi, self-serve breakfast,
free high speed Wi-Fi and complimentary deluxe conti-                  Hotel is attached to the Cretaceous Conference Center,      gluten-free available upon request. Air-conditioned.
nental breakfast to start your day. Room types include                 the ultimate venue for your next event or corporate         No pets.
kitchenette and business suites.                                       meeting. Close to Tim Horton’s, Extra Foods, conve-
                                                                       nience store, Dairy Queen and liquor store.                 403-823-8356 | Toll Free: 1-888-262-4665
403-854-2400                                                                                                                       newcastlecountryinn.net
canaltahotels.com                                                      403-823-7700
                                                                       Toll Free: 1-888-823-3466 (DINO)
                                                                       canaltahotels.com

   Free Wi-Fi   Pet Friendly   Tent   Camper services   Reservations                                                                                         Exploration Guide 2019         19
THE VALLEY BREWING
TEAM, LEFT TO RIGHT
Nick Sereda, Ryan
Sisson and Nick
Patterson.

20    traveldrumheller.com   Photo by Christy Turner Photography
NEW SENSATIONS                     Discover the modern side of the Drumheller Valley.
                                                               By Elizabeth Chorney-Booth

 Drumheller is famous for things that are very, very old — things like dinosaur fossils, rock formations and remnants of Alberta’s coal mining heyday.
Of course, that doesn’t mean new things aren’t happening in the area all the time. The valley has plenty of fresh attractions to discover and services to
       experience. The following three businesses represent a constantly evolving community that keeps on top of modern tastes and trends.

                                                                                              S
                                                                                               Valley Brewing
                                                                                                          ince the provincial regulations surrounding craft and
                                                                                                          microbreweries opened up at the end of 2013, Alberta has
                                                                                                          seen an explosion of new breweries, and Drumheller is
                                                                                                          getting in on the action this spring.
                                                                                                  The brand-new Valley Brewing is the brainchild of business
                                                                                               partners Nick Sereda and Ryan Sisson. Sereda is already well-known
                                                                                               to Drumheller shoppers: for 15 years, he’s owned and operated
                                                                                               Shredz Snow and Skate, supplying local skateboarders, cyclists and
                                                                                               snowboarders with gear and trendy clothing and accessories.
                                                                                                  Born and raised in Drumheller, Sereda wanted to expand his
                                                                                               business, so he began looking for gaps in what Drumheller had to
                                                                                               offer to both locals and visitors. Seeing how well craft breweries
                                                                                               were doing in other communities in Alberta, he teamed up with
                                                                                               Sisson, and Valley Brewing was born.
                                                                                                  To highlight Drumheller’s sense of community and educate
                                                                                               tourists on local history, Valley Brewing’s packaging is helping to tell
                                                                                               the stories that make the area unique. The brewery’s logo features
                                                                                               a stylized hoodoo, and each beer is named after an iconic piece of
                                                                                               Drumheller history.
                                                                                                  “We want to tell a story of the valley,” Sereda says. “Drumheller
                                                                                               has a rich history with its geological features, the dinosaurs, the
                                                                                               coal mining days and the agriculture. We’d like to tie each variety
                                                                                               of beer into one of those things and tell a story with the name
                                                                                               and what’s printed on the can.”
                                                                                                  Valley Brewing brews all of its beer on-site, and beer lovers will
                                                                                               soon be able to enjoy pints and flights in the on-site tasting room,
                                                                                               with cans and growlers available for take-home purchase. Sereda
                                                                                               says the plan is to start with four or five core “easy drinking” beers
                                                                                               and then to slowly develop some seasonal specials as well. (Valley
                                                                                               Brewing is anticipated to open in May 2019.) valleybrewing.ca

                                                                          THIS SPRING, DRUMHELLER is welcoming
                                                                         its very first craft brewery.

                                                                                                                                       Exploration Guide 2019             21
Vintage Kitchen and Bar
                 Evan Pappas, who has lived in Drumheller since
                 the early 1990s and has experience operating a
                 number of different restaurants in the area, has
                 owned the popular Vintage Tap House since 2009.
                 With plenty of TVs playing sports and a menu
                 full of comfort food favourites, the pub quickly
                 became a popular spot for locals and visitors to       accessible to people of all ages. Last fall, he        everyone seems to really like the steak spice we use.”
                 stop in to watch a game and have a pint of beer.       opened the Vintage Kitchen and Bar, attached to           For those who aren’t craving steak, Vintage
                     There was only one issue: since the tap house is   the Tap House. That room has the same menu as          also serves pizza, pasta, burgers and other sand-
                 licensed as a bar, families with kids couldn’t come    the Tap House, including the juicy, flavourful steak   wiches. With satisfying food and a comfortable
                 in to enjoy Vintage’s relaxed atmosphere and great     that has made the bar a go-to for locals.              room, it’s another great dining choice for families
                 food. To solve that problem, Pappas decided to            “We’re known for our steaks,” Pappas says.          looking for somewhere to eat after a busy day
                 expand his family-run business to make it more         “We’ve only got one kind of sirloin on the menu, but   exploring the valley.

22   traveldrumheller.com                                                                                                                  Vintage Kitchen and Bar photos by C. Schatz Photography
THESE OLD
                                                                                                                                                        FAVOURITES HAVE
                                                                                                                                                        SOME NEW THINGS
                                                                                                                                                        IN STORE THIS YEAR:

                                                                                                                                                        Atlas Coal Mine
                                                                                                                                                        A classic Drumheller attraction,
                                                                                                                                                        the Atlas Coal Mine just recently
                                                                                                                                                        completed the restoration of its
                                                                                                                                                        82-year-old tipple (the tall struc-
                                                                                                                                                        ture in which the coal was sorted
                                                                                                                                                        and stored), which took five years
                                                                                                                                                        to complete. Visitors can also
                                                                                                                                                        enjoy the museum’s new series
                                                                                                                                                        of interpretive signs!

                                                                                                                                                        Badlands Amphitheatre
                                                                                                                                                        After 25 years the Badlands Passion
                                                                                                                                                        Play, a recreation of the life and
                                                                                                                                                        death of Jesus Christ, is trying
                                                                                                                                                        something new by presenting the
                                                                                                                                                        Biblical story as a musical. Alberta-
                                                                                                                                                        based musician Luke Ertman and
                                                                                                                                                        scriptwriter Barrett Hileman have
                                                                                                                                                        composed 22 original songs for a
Hoodoo Hydration Station                                                                                                                                new spin on “the greatest story
Anyone who has been to the Drumheller                                                                                                                   ever told.”
hoodoos on a sunny summer day knows that
temperatures there can get pretty toasty. Spend                                                                                                         Red Deer River Adventures
an hour or so hiking through these fascinating                                                                                                          This popular outdoor gear rental
rock formations and you’ll be more than ready for                                                                                                       company and tour outfitter is
a nice, cool refreshment.                                                                                                                               known for its enjoyable kayak,
    Historically, visitors have had to bring their own                        “Our menu is essentially ice cream and                                    canoe and hiking adventures,
snacks and drinks to keep hydrated during a visit to                          things you can make with ice cream.”                                      but it has also just expanded this
the hoodoos. But last year, a new business called                             —Doug Macrae                                                              year to offer more in the way of
Hoodoo Hydration Station emerged like an oasis in                                                                                                       winter programming. Now, winter
the parking lot of the provincial hoodoo site.                                                                                                          enthusiasts can enjoy touring the
    The business won a bid to lease out a shipping                            patrons can sit and take a load off as they enjoy    OPPOSITE PAGE        area on a fat tire electronic bike
container placed on the site by Community Futures                             their refreshments. As an avid music fan, Macrae     Diners can enjoy     (also available for summer treks) or
                                                                                                                                   steaks, pizza and
Big Country. Recognizing that hoodoo hikers                                   also makes sure that summer tunes ring out,                               embark on a snowshoe excursion,
                                                                                                                                   a variety of other
would want a chance to chill out — both literally                             giving the area around the stand a laid-back patio   delicious options    which includes a scavenger hunt
and metaphorically — proprietor Doug Macrae                                   feel. And there’s plenty of room for kids to dance   at the newly         that ties a historical story into the
decided to focus his business on ice cream, shaved                            around while their parents recover from the heat.    opened Vintage       snowshoe action.
ice, floats and cold drinks like root beer, lemonade                             Macrae, who spent most of his career as a         Kitchen and Bar.
and iced coffee.                                                              photographer based in Calgary, bought a place in                          Royal Tyrrell Museum
                                                                                                                                   THIS PAGE
    “Our menu is essentially ice cream and things                             East Coulee in 1994 so that his young family could   Frozen treats and    The famed palaeontology museum
you can make with ice cream,” Macrae says. “We’ll                             escape from the city. He and his wife, Vivianne      cold drinks at       recently underwent a $9 million
do things like espresso with ice cream. We’re                                 Kohse, moved to East Coulee full-time last year      Hoodoo Hydration     expansion, with the support of both
planning to expand that further this season.”                                 to run Hoodoo Hydration Station. He has other        Station bring wel-   the federal government and the
                                                                                                                                   come refreshment
    But the refreshments are only part of the                                 plans for new businesses in the future, but, for                          government of Alberta. Opened
                                                                                                                                   on a hot day in
experience: Macrae also wanted to give hoodoo                                 the time being, is happily focusing on ice cream.    the hoodoos.         this spring, the addition offers up
explorers an invigorating place to hang out. The                                 Hoodoo Hydration Station is open seasonally                            new exhibition space, conference

                                                                                                                                                                                        -
bright turquoise structure is surrounded by                                   from mid-May to mid-September. Follow it on                               and learning rooms, a rest area and
café-style tables with umbrellas for shade, so that                           Instagram at @hoodoohydrationstation.                                     accessible washroom facilities.

Hydration Station photo courtesy of Hoodoo Hydration Station; ice cream photo iStock/Getty Images Plus                                                            Exploration Guide 2019        23
Starland
  County

                                                                Rowley
Morrin Historical Park-"Sod House".                             Rowley is an amazing ghost town with an undying spirit! It
Stop by the Village of Morrin and visit our unique Sod House.   is also a must to visit when travelling through the Canadian
Originally built in 1980 to honour our forefathers the turn     Badlands. The community's main attractions include the
of the century furnishings will bring back many memories.       newly restored elevators which have been designated as a
Substantial upgrades in 2009 helped to sustain this historic    provincial historic site, the Rowley Church, Prairie School
legacy. Relive the past in this authentic replica of Morrin's   Museum and the Yesteryear Artifacts Museum (housed in
rich history.                                                   the original railway station).
Call 403-772-3870, 403-772-3909                                 The most famous stop in Rowley is Sam's Saloon, a well-
or 403-823-9484 to arrange a tour.                              known local watering hole and meeting place. Be sure to

Morrin
                                                                stop by on the last Saturday of the month for Pizza Night and
                                                                great entertainment! Pizzas can be ordered between 5 pm to
                                                                8 pm. Free camping is available in designated areas and all
                                                                donations are greatly appreciated!
                                                                Check us out on Facebook!
                                                                Rowley is 8 miles (12.8 km) north of the junction of Highway
                                                                56, 9 & 27 (Morrin Corner), then 3 miles (5 km) west on
                                                                Township Road 32-4.
                                                                For tours or event bookings, call 403-368-3757,
                                                                403-368-2355 or 403-368-3816.
Morrin Corner Buffalo Tours
Experience the real Wild West by touring an actual
operating buffalo ranch! This is a great opportunity to get
amazing photos of these majestic prairie animals. Please
phone and make a reservation for your tour. 1/4 mile (0.4 km)
east of the intersection of Hwy 9, 56 and 27 (Morrin Corner).
Tours require a reservation and run at 7pm.
Contact us at 403-772-3843 or 403-820-0691
Email: mcbison@netago.ca
www.STARLANDCOUNTY.com

County Camping
McLaren Dam, Michichi Dam & Starland Recreation Area
These three campgrounds, operated by Starland County,
each offer large, spacious campsites in beautiful serene
settings. A great place to relax and do some fishing or hiking!   Mother Mountain Tea House & Restaurant (Lic)
Campgrounds are open from May long-weekend to                     & Country Craft Store
mid-October.                                                      Beautifully restored and furnished with antiques located in a
                                                                  1912 former lumberyard in the Village of Delia, the Tea House
Note: Camping is on a ‘first come, first serve’ basis.
                                                                  offers an excellent dining experience in a quaint and peace-
The County does not take reservations.
                                                                  ful setting. Friday night we serve our famous baby back ribs.
Additional information can be found in the Campground             Saturday night we feature a Chef's Special. Sunday evening
section of this guide.                                            enjoy our Alberta Triple A Roast Beef. We also feature the
403-772-3793 | www.starlandcounty.com                             largest selection of home-made pies and desserts in the
                                                                  region. Open 11 am to 8pm, Friday to Sunday.
                                                                  Call 403-364-2057 for reservations.
                                                                  www.mothermountainteahouse.ca

                                                                   Delia
                                                                  Delia Museum & Grist Mill
                                                                  This original 1913-14 two-room school contains a restored
                                                                  original classroom as well as local artifacts. Adjacent to the
                                                                  Museum is the only "New Ideal of Branford Goold, Shapley
                                                                  & Co." grist mill of this type in Western Canada. This wind
                                                                  powered mill pumped water, ground grain and ran a fanning
                                                                  mill or a lumber saw. It's a must see in Delia!
                                                                  Open 10am to 4pm, Tuesday to Saturday, July 1 to Labour
                                                                  Day. Open holiday Mondays. Other times by appointment.
                                                                  Admission free. Donations always welcome!
                                                                  307 Main Street, Delia. Call 403-364-3848.
CULTURE
     TRIP
     The Drumheller Valley is a vibrant
     scene for art, music and theatre.
     By Jennifer Dorozio

     A
                 mid the rocky dips and rises that make the Drumheller Valley such a distinct geological
                 destination lies a treasure trove of cultural offerings well worth exploring. Get a taste of the
                 valley’s creative and resilient spirit first-hand by experiencing some of the area’s key music,
                 arts and theatre destinations.

26    traveldrumheller.com                                                                                          Ateliero Verdo photo by Jennifer Dorozio
OPPOSITE Ateliero Verda Art Gallery and Studio.
                                                                                BELOW Badlands Gallery’s colourful storefront.
                                                                                INSET Rock rattles from Caracol Clay Studio.

                                                                                FOR AN ART FIX…
                                                                                THE CLASSIC CHOICE                   A QUIRKIER OPTION                    THE LOCAL GEM
                                                                                Ateliero Verda Art                   Badlands Gallery                     Caracol Clay Studio
                                                                                Gallery and Studio                   It’s the non-uniformity of the       Just off the landmark Hoodoos
                                                                                When colour-loving, Quebec-          art at Badlands Gallery that         Trail, about 20 minutes
                                                                                born artist Jacqueline Sveda         makes this spot so charm-            southeast of Drumheller in
                                                                                first saw the Drumheller Valley,     ing. The gallery’s pieces are        East Coulee, sits the Caracol
                                                                                she was underwhelmed by              eclectic, and are produced           Clay Studio. Situated in an old
                                                                                the muted colours typical of         specifically for the gallery         miner’s house, the pottery
                                                                                its landscape. But now, Sveda        by local artists. Run by the         shop is run by clay artist Janet
                                                                                — who has owned Ateliero             Canadian Badlands Artist             Grabner, whose husband, John
                                                                                Verda Art Gallery and Studio         Association, the space is            Dahm, also creates pieces and
                                                                                for more than 10 years — says        operated by volunteers and           helps to promote the business.
                                                                                she is constantly inspired by the    seeks to encourage develop-          Known for its hand-built works,
                                                                                rich history of the area, and she    ment in the visual arts, for         Caracol sells one-of-a-kind
                                                                                uses Drumheller’s unique peo-        both its visitors and its artists.   treasures in the form of mugs,
                                                                                ple and surroundings as muses        At any given time, the gallery       platters, jugs, vases and more.
                                                                                for her vivid acrylic paintings.     showcases a fascinating and          The shop’s best-sellers are its
                                                                                Throughout her gallery are           often surprising collection of       “rock rattles,” which are clay
                                                                                her own large-scale works, as        sculptures, abstract paintings,      rattles inspired by nature that
                                                                                well as a curated collection of      wood carvings and more.              are available in multiple colours
                                                                                sculptures, photographs and                                               and shapes.
                                                                                paintings by other local talent.

Badland Gallery photo by Carrie Mashon; rock rattles photo courtesy of Caracol Clay Studio                                                                                    Exploration Guide 2019   27
LIVE PERFORMANCES                          abound
                                                                                      throughout the Drumheller Valley.

                                                                                A QUIRKIER OPTION
                                                                                Kaleidoscope Theatre
                                                                                Kaleidoscope Theatre began more than three decades ago, thanks
                                                                                to a group of local thespians who really wanted to build an amateur                       TOP LEFT A perfor-
                                                                                theatre company in Drumheller. Much like its name suggests, Kalei-                        mance at Rosebud
                                                                                                                                                                          Centre of the Arts.
     FOR A NIGHT AT                                                             doscope is constantly taking new forms — it has inhabited several
                                                                                different venues in town over the years and presents a variety of
     THE THEATRE…                                                               play genres. Currently, it’s running out of the Drumheller Valley
                                                                                                                                                                          LEFT INSET Badlands
                                                                                                                                                                          Passion Play.
     THE CLASSIC CHOICE                                                         Secondary School.
     Badlands Passion Play                                                                                                                                                TOP RIGHT The annual
                                                                                                                                                                          WayneStock Music
     For 25 years, the Badlands Passion Play has transported audience           THE LOCAL GEM
                                                                                                                                                                          Festival at the Last
     members back thousands of years through its powerful retelling of          Rosebud Centre of the Arts                                                                Chance Saloon.
     the story of Jesus Christ’s time on earth — from birth to crucifixion      It may seem like an unlikely spot for a renowned theatre, but the
     to resurrection. The award-winning production incorporates                 tiny hamlet of Rosebud — 35 kilometres from Drumheller and
     live animals, special effects and authentic costumes to create an          home to fewer than 100 residents — draws large crowds of eager
     unforgettable experience for audience members. New elements                playgoers every year. Part theatre school, part playhouse, the
     are added to the play each year by its largely volunteer-led produc-       Rosebud Centre of the Arts offers up lively performances by pro-
     tion team, all of whom are determined to outdo themselves each             fessional actors, along with great food (buffet style). It features two
     season. The Badlands Passion Play runs the first three weekends            venues — the Rosebud Opera House and the Studio Stage — and
     in July, and this year, it will be a full-fledged musical, with music by   includes a rich variety of plays each season. And the surrounding
     Luke Ertman and lyrics by Barrett Hileman.                                 charm of Rosebud cannot be missed!

28    traveldrumheller.com                                                                                            Rosebud photo courtesy of Rosebud Centre of the Arts; Passion Play photo by Ron Nickel Photography
FOR A MUSICAL INTERLUDE…
THE CLASSIC CHOICE                                    A QUIRKIER OPTION                                   THE LOCAL GEM
Badlands Amphitheatre                                 The Last Chance Saloon                              Neighbours’ Corner Pub
It’s the largest outdoor theatre stage in Canada,     Adjacent to the old-fashioned Rosedeer              Nicknamed “The Basement” by locals, Neighbours’
the risers are built into the natural slope of the    Hotel, the Last Chance Saloon is a must-visit       Corner Pub in Drumheller — which, at absolute
hills, and a wide-open sky stretches endlessly        music venue in Wayne — just 15 minutes south        capacity can host 60 patrons — gives off that
above. The Badlands Amphitheatre, known best          of Drumheller. With its friendly, Wild West         downhome, nostalgic vibe of hanging out in a
as the host site of the highly acclaimed Canadian     ambiance and walls covered with bits of local       friend’s basement while taking in some music. On
Badlands Passion Play, also hosts legendary           history in the form of black-and-white photos,      some week nights, Neighbours’ hosts jam sessions,
Canadian musicians with its “Canadian Icons” music    taxidermy and other treasures, this spot is a       during which anyone above the age of 18 can bring
series every August, as well as various seasonal      memorable place to take in some live music.         an instrument and join in. The party continues into
concerts. In the past, revered talent such as Paul    From smooth jazz to rock and roll, visitors         the weekend, with rocking karaoke every Friday and
Brandt, Tom Cochrane and Blue Rodeo have filled       to the Last Chance Saloon enjoy talent from         live music on most Saturdays. On any given night,
the amphitheatre with music, using the superb         across Canada. In the fall, the Saloon also hosts   the pub’s crowd is full of Drumheller locals and

                                                                                                                                                 -
natural acoustics of the arena (and a state-of-       the WayneStock Music Festival, which draws          curious visitors, but all are encouraged to let loose
the-art sound system) to amplify their sound.         thousands of enthusiastic listeners.                and perhaps belt out a tune or three.

WayneStock photo by Cameras and Canines Photography                                                                                              Exploration Guide 2019   29
explore                                         camp                                     visit
     Horseshoe Canyon                      Keiver's Lake Campground                     Orkney Viewpoint
   A must see attraction along the         West of Three Hills on Highway 583.          Located off Highway 837
  Highway 9 corridor, over 400,000              54 stalls, large group site,                west of Drumheller,
visitors come every year to enjoy the            wash house, play park,                this Viewpoint is a popular
   Canyon's hiking trails, amazing           basketball court, ball diamond,         tourist attraction and rest area,
           views, day-use                  camp kitchen, no motorized boats,          offering stunning views of the
           and rest areas.                   swimming not recommended.                    Red Deer River Valley.

                                                    Swalwell Dam
                                           Southwest of Swalwell. Self-register.
                                              Picnic areas, fire pits, fishing.

                                                   Braconnier Dam
                                           South of Three Hills on Highway 21.
                                           10 stalls, self-register, camp kitchen,
                                                          no fishing.

                                                                       home of
                                                  HORSESHOE CANYON
                                              www.kneehillcounty.com
                                        #sharekneehill                                @kneehillcounty
Active
                        ADVENTURES
                                    See the badlands from a different perspective when
                                    you hike, ride, e-bike or paddle through the region.
                                    By Lisa Kadane

Horsethief Canyon

                                T
                                              o really understand why the landscape around Drumheller   explored the interpretive loop path just outside the Royal Tyrrell
                                              is called the badlands — and have an adventure at the     Museum. Almost every time, we’ve stumbled across dinosaur
                                              same time — you need to strike out into its maze of       fossils, which are revealed every year after wind and rain erode the
                                              sandstone mesas and whimsical, capped-rock forma-         soft rock.
                                tions called hoodoos, all cut through with dry, twisty coulees.            With those kinds of rewards for getting off the beaten path,
                                   I’ve hiked the Horseshoe Canyon Trail into a picturesque natural     why wouldn’t you park your car and then hoof it, saddle up, cycle
                                amphitheatre; marvelled at looming, mushroom-shaped hoodoos             around or hit the river? Here are a few ideas for veering off the
                                with my husband along the Hoodoos Trail; and, with my children,         tourist track to experience Drumheller in unique ways.

Photo by iShutter Photography                                                                                                                     Exploration Guide 2019       31
“It’s not just a classic
     trail ride — you learn a lot
     about the area.”
     —Conway Vidal

                             Saddle up                        of town, and amble in to a land-    Adventures owner Conway            pass near the site where
                             Drumheller’s original settlers   scape that alternates between       Vidal. “One area we ride in is     Joseph B. Tyrrell discovered
                             used horses to navigate the      lush vegetation, spruce groves      very fossil rich, so we stop and   the partial Albertosaurus skull
                             badlands, and you can, too, on   and the iconic Martian scenery      pick up bones and show people.”    fossil that put Drumheller on
                             a horseback ride with Willow     that everyone loves.                    In fact, there’s a mudstone    the map. You might even see
                             Creek Adventures. Trail rides       “It’s not just a classic trail   formation where hip bones          “modern” animals such as deer,
                             leave from Kirkpatrick, on       ride — you learn a lot about        from a duckbill dinosaur are       rabbits and coyotes.
                             South Dinosaur Trail northwest   the area,” says Willow Creek        visible, and some of the rides     willowcreekadventures.ca

32    traveldrumheller.com                                                                                                                        Photo by Whitney Loewen
THE RED DEER RIVER                   meanders through some of the
                                                                                                           most significant palaeontological areas in the world.

                                                                                                         LEFT Exploring         Kayak or canoe                       “Paddling down the river,
                                                                                                         the region on two      the Red Deer River               you get a more intimate feel of
                                                                                                         wheels is especially
                                                                                                                                Your perspective changes on      the badlands,” Neuman says.
                                                                                                         fun with an elec-
                                                                                                         tric-assist bike.      the water, says Red Deer River       Rent a craft to take out
                                                                                                                                Adventures owner Eric Neuman.    on your own, or join one of
                                                                                                         OPPOSITE On the        You might notice beavers         the company’s tours that last
                                                                                                         trail with Willow      swimming, swallows flying        from two to seven hours,
                                                                                                         Creek Adventures.
                                                                                                                                near the riverbank, or bald      depending on distance covered
                                                                                                                                eagles perching in cottonwood    and paddling experience. The
                                                                                                                                trees. Even the badlands seem    popular Islands Tour paddles
Try an e-bike                                        and then cycle to see Drum-           kilometres of trails that lead up    wilder without the marked        close to a spot where dinosaur
Wheel around Drumheller                              heller’s dino-sights, including       to the Royal Tyrrell Museum,         trails that have helped tame     fossils have been discovered.
on an electric assist bike, or                       the World’s Largest Dinosaur,         and pedal even farther along         the tortuous canyons.            Naturally, the guide talks
e-bike. It’s a fun way to cover a                    a T.rex replica that menaces          North Dinosaur Trail to The                                           about Drumheller’s history
lot of ground under your own                         high above the Visitor Infor-         Little Church, a local landmark.     “Paddling down                   as a palaeontology hot bed,
power (well, kind of — the                           mation Centre, as well as the             E-bikes are meant for riders     the river, you                   as well as its coal mining past.
bikes go 30 kilometres on a                          30-plus, harder-to-spot dino-         12 and older, so if your plans                                        In fact, from the river you
                                                                                                                                get a more
single battery, and pedal assist                     saur statues situated on park         include younger children call                                         can spot the remains of old
definitely helps on hills).                          benches and street corners            ahead to reserve one of the          intimate feel of                 mining communities.
                                                                                                                                the badlands.”

                                                                                                                                                                      -
   Rent the bikes in town from                       around town.                          bikes with a trailer.                                                 reddeerriveradventures.
Red Deer River Adventures,                              Next, hit some of the 18           drumhellerebikes.ca                  —Eric Neuman                     com

Canoe photo by Travel Alberta /Katie Goldie; e-bike photo courtesy of Drumheller E-Bikes                                                                          Exploration Guide 2019            33
Great Premium Roast

       Uncover                                                       Brewed Coffee, 365
                                                                    mornings of the year.

                  Solitude

                                                                A great cup every time.
                                                            Come taste the difference yourself.

                                                            Drumheller, AB
                                                            Open 24 hours
                                                            At participating McDonald’s®
                                                            restaurants in Canada.

        traveldrumheller.com                                Product availability varies by restaurant.
                                                            ©2015 McDonald’s

                                 WHIFS FLAPJACK
                                     HOUSE
                                 Join us for a delicious
                               Breakfast - Lunch – Brunch
                               OPEN DAILY 6 A.M. - 2 P.M.

                                     403-823-7597
                                801 North Dinosaur Trail

34   traveldrumheller.com
Exploration Guide 2019   35
Welcome to the
                 LAST CHANCE SALOON
                                                    Past meets present at this century-old
                                                     watering hole in the Rosebud Valley.
                                                                            By Julia Williams

     O
                       nce nicknamed the “Bucket of        with stories. Coal miners used to drink and               past, but the spot still remains a remarkable place.
                       Blood” because of its reputation    fight here before the mines shut down in the              Here, history is so close you can touch it, and she’s
                       for mayhem, the Rosedeer            1950s. Rumour has it, members of the Ku Klux              constantly reminded of all the human activity
                       Hotel and Last Chance Saloon        Klan also used to hang out in the saloon and              that has taken place among these walls.
     is now one of the most beloved eateries in the        rough up communist agitators who might try                    “You think about the people who came here
     Canadian Badlands. The hotel and restaurant was       to unionize the miners. In addition, the third            from different countries, working down in the
     opened by the Rosedeer Coal Company in 1913 to        floor of the hotel is permanently closed, a               pits all day, dealing with frigid temperatures
     accommodate and feed the workers who toiled           source of ongoing intrigue for ghost hunters.             and trying to develop a community. It’s pretty
     at the region’s coal mines. The Dayman family ran     And sharp-eyed diners will spot a small picture           amazing,” Sutherland says. “And that was only
     the place for two generations before handing          frame around three bullet holes in the saloon’s           100 years ago.”
     the reins to its current owners, Dave and Videll                                                                    The saloon is a must-stop for many, from
     Arsenault, in 2013.                                                                                             touring motorists and cyclists to families, locals
         You’ll find the Rosedeer Hotel and Last                                                                     and overseas visitors. The Rosedeer Hotel has
     Chance Saloon about 15 kilometres southeast                                                                     only a handful of rooms, but in the summer, the
     of Drumheller on the 10X, a roadway famous for                                                                  surrounding landscape turns into a campsite and
     its 11 picturesque bridges and striated badlands                                                                exponentially increases Wayne’s 32-person pop-
     scenery. Keep your eyes peeled between bridges                                                                  ulation. Similarly, the Last Chance Saloon seats
     nine and 10 for the tiny settlement of Wayne, a                                                                 75, but that number increases by more than 250
     once-booming mining town. The hotel and saloon                                                                  when the patio is open. Despite its capacity, the
     are unassuming — just simple brown buildings                                                                    place still sees long lineups on summer Sundays.
     nestled into the hills — but, standing in this pre-                                                                 Sutherland believes the popularity of the
     historic landscape and looking at the false-front                                                               Rosedeer Hotel and Last Chance Saloon isn’t
     saloon that hasn’t changed in a century, you’ll       wall. Back in the 1970s, three patrons refused            hard to explain. “I like to think it’s because we’re
     feel like you’ve walked straight into a Western       to pay for their drinks and a bartender named             great hosts,” she says with a laugh. She says
     film, and no wonder. The Rosedeer Hotel and           Laurence (known ever after as the Shootin’                people just seem to feel comfortable here, where
     Last Chance Saloon have been featured in a few        Bartender) took a revolver from behind the bar            beautiful surroundings and a genuine sense of
     westerns, including Jackie Chan’s Shanghai Noon.      and fired a shot over each of their heads. They           place provide the perfect antidote to the chain
         The Last Chance Saloon serves drinks and          settled their bill.                                       restaurant experience. Sutherland claims she is
                                                                                                                                                                                                           Paula Sutherland
     classic Alberta pub grub, including a hearty             Paula Sutherland, manager of the Rosedeer              never surprised by who drops by. “I’ve seen a                                         and Dave Arsenault
     perogy plate and a big burger called the              Hotel and Last Chance Saloon since 2013, says             Tibetan monk walk through the door, and that’s                                        enjoy a beer at the
     Shovelhead. The historic dining room is teeming       the property’s rough and tumble rep is all in the         God’s honest truth,” she says.                                                        Last Chance Saloon.

     Highway 10x: Road of 11 bridges

                          1                                2                             3                                      4                                               5                                               6

36    traveldrumheller.com                                                                               Historic photo courtesy of Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site (3740.6); 11 bridges photos by Rebecca Middlebrook
WHAT’S
                                                                                                                                       HAPPENING
                                                                                                                                       IN WAYNE
                                                                                                                                       THIS SUMMER

                                                                                                                                       Sandy Page Annual
                                                                                                                                       LGBTQ+ Campout
                                                                                                                                       May 18 to 20
                                                                                                                                       For the 39th year, the Alberta
                                                                                                                                       LGBTQ+ community will spend
                                                                                                                                       the May long weekend camping
                                                                                                                                       in Wayne, with live entertain-
                                                                                                                                       ment, games, a bonfire and
                                                                                                                                       other events.

                                                                                                                                       Royal Rally: Badlands II
                                                                                                                                       June 8 & 9
                                                                                                                                       The Last Chance Saloon is a
                                                                                                                                       checkpoint on this scenic driv-
                                                                                                                                       ing event that winds through
                                                                                                                                       the Badlands from Calgary to
                                                                                                                                       Medicine Hat.

                                                                                                                                       Gran Fondo Badlands
                                                                                                                                       June 22
                                                                                                                                       The Last Chance Saloon is the
                                                                                                                                       “Baconsaurus” aid station for
                                                                                                                                       this annual cycling race, serving
                                                                                                                                       bacon sandwiches to riders as
                                                                                                                                       they roll by.

                                                                                                                                       Lost Egg Disc Golf
                                                                                                                                       Tournament
                                                                                                                                       Aug. 3 & 4
                                                                                                                                       This annual tournament in the
                                                                                                     THE LAST CHANCE SALOON IS         rugged Badlands terrain near
                                                                                                    ONE OF the most beloved eateries   Wayne attracts more than 100
                                                                                                    in the Canadian Badlands.          players.

                                                                                                                                       WayneStock Music Festival
                                                                                                                                       Aug. 31 to Sept. 2
                                                                                                                                       The Saloon serves food and
                                                                                                                                       pancake breakfasts to campers
                                                                                                                                       and festival-goers, who come
                                                                                                                                       to see more than 40 Canadian

                                                                                                                                                       -
             7                                           8                                      9               10               11    roots, rock, country and blues
                                                                                                                                       bands perform.

Paula and Dave photo by Christy Turner Photography; Royal Rally photo courtesy of Royal Rally                                            Exploration Guide 2019            37
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