Canadian Badlands Scenic Drive Road Trip

This 50-mile drive (PR 838/PR 837/PR 575/PR 56/PR 10/PR 570) straddles the Red Deer River through Alberta’s badlands once roamed by dinosaurs. The variegated sandstone and shale cliffs of the Horseshoe Canyon Formation frame the river valley and occasionally give way to reveal spectacular views of weather-carved rock formations. Stop by the Royal Tyrell Museum along the route to learn about the variety of dinosaurs once found here.

Begin your Canadian Badlands Scenic Drive journey at the Drumheller, AB visitors’ centre, which doubles as an observation deck. Drive north along PR 838 between sandstone and shale cliffs to the overlook at spectacular Horsethief Canyon. After crossing the Red Deer River on the ferry, proceed south on PR 837 and PR 575 connecting with PR 10 south of Drumheller. The Hoodoo Trail leads past strange rock formations formed by erosion.