Smart Travel:
Badlands Edition
Whether it is inflation, shrinkflation, or the ever-increasing cost of living, it seems like everything continues to get more and more expensive. The good news is there is plenty to experience in the Drumheller area on a limited budget. You do not have to break the bank to enjoy the beauty of the Badlands.
The valley in which the Red Deer River snakes through is unlike any other in the country. In stark contrast to the surrounding farmlands throughout Alberta, the coulees and hoodoos make for a picturesque drive through the Drumheller Valley, and all it will cost to explore is the price of a tank of gas.
History and Heritage on a Budget
East Coulee School Museum
Learn about the region’s coal mining history at this 11-room school, which educated mining families from 1930 to 1971. General admission is only $9, and children six years old and under are free.
Atlas Coal Mine
Cross the East Coulee Bridge to explore Canada’s last remaining wooden coal tipple, a machine used to load and sort coal. Admission is $15.95 for adults, with discounted rates for seniors, youth, and children. Tour options are available from $8.55 to $18.45 in addition to the price of admission.
Star Mine Suspension Bridge
On your way back to Drumheller, stop at this 117-metre-long bridge, built in the early 1930s for coal miners. Repairs and upgrades make it safe to cross today. Parking fees may apply.
Budget-Friendly Eats
Happy Belly Grill and Bar
Vast and affordable menu options include breakfast, pasta, and dinner.
Yavis Family Restaurant and Prop Room Lounge
Generously sized portions and affordable meals. Check restaurant websites or social media for up-to-date deals and specials.
Heller Good Sandwiches
For $20 you can enjoy a satisfying soup and sandwich combination without slowing down your adventure.
Sam’s Kitchen
Delicious Indian cuisine with dozens of budget-friendly main course options.
Last Chance Saloon (Wayne)
Located in the nearly abandoned town of Wayne, this historic saloon offers smoked meats, hearty meals, vintage décor, and bullet holes in the walls. Enjoy a pint while soaking in the history of the so-called “Bucket of Blood.”
Places to Stay in a Budget
Several hotels in the Drumheller Valley offer competitive rates. Great options include:
- Canalta Jurassic Hotel
- Quality Hotel
- Ramada Inn
- Badlands Motel
- SureStay Plus by Best Western
Booking directly through the hotel often provides the best room rates, even if travel sites appear cheaper. Many hotels offer discounts for loyalty members, military, and government employees, so always ask.
Camping Options
For even more budget-friendly accommodations, campgrounds are scattered throughout the region, including:
- Dinosaur RV Park
- Handhills High-Country Hideaway
- High Eagle RV Park
- Horseshoe Canyon Campground
- Bridgeviews
- 11 Bridges Campground
With luck, you may even catch a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis while camping in the Badlands, a view that is truly priceless.
A Place Worth Protecting
Drumheller does not hide its heart. It invites you into it through art, history, culture, and wide-open landscapes that make you feel small in the best possible way.
When you travel here thoughtfully, you do not just visit. You help protect something extraordinary, and that is the kind of souvenir that actually lasts.