Dinosaur Provincial Park Visitor Centre — Attraction in Alberta

If you love dinosaurs even a little bit, Dinosaur Provincial Park is nothing short of a dream come true! As someone who has been fascinated by dinosaurs my whole life, stepping into this park felt like stepping back in time. The landscape itself is breathtaking; badlands stretching in every direction with hoodoos, cliffs, and valleys that look like they’ve been carved straight out of a paleontology textbook. You don’t just see the scenery; you feel the history under your feet.

What makes this park truly special is its connection to dinosaurs. This isn’t just a place named after them—it’s one of the richest fossil sites in the world. Over 50 species of dinosaurs have been discovered here, and you get the sense that every ridge and ravine could be hiding another secret from the Cretaceous period. The interpretive center is a must-visit, packed with fossils, casts, and exhibits that bring the prehistoric world to life. Guided tours even take you to real dig sites where paleontologists continue to uncover bones—an absolute thrill for any dinosaur enthusiast.

Beyond the science, the park offers an incredible outdoor experience. Whether you’re hiking the trails, camping under the stars, or joining a guided fossil safari, there’s a sense of wonder everywhere. It’s not just about dinosaurs—it’s about immersing yourself in a landscape that tells the story of deep time. For me, Dinosaur Provincial Park is the closest I’ll ever get to walking alongside dinosaurs, and I would recommend it to anyone who has ever felt even a spark of curiosity about these...

We came via Drumheller and the Royal Tyrell Museum which says how important Dinosaur Provincial Park is. Staff at the VIC are very friendly and the exhibition ($2) compliments the park beautifully. If you can make it during their evening talks (free) and walks ($various) it really helps to explain why it is such a special place. 5% of all known dinosaur species were found here. There is a fabulous series of trails encapsulated by the 3km scenic road so you can feel lost, but you really aren't. The views are amazing over the badlands as well as over the flood plain where you can look for moose in the evening, while deer look at you from the peaks. The Campground is great and at $31 dry, not the cheapest, or most expensive. Showers are $1 for 2 mins and are open to anyone. If you want to really see lots of dinosaur bones in situ, you need to book on a tour, but it is so worth it. To be able to touch something that was part of a massive living creature some 75 million years ago is something else. The hike is led by an expert, backed up by a really knowledgeable Parks staff member. We've been on a year long RV trip around North America and this place is a genuine highlight of highlights. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and I just don't know why it's not a National Park (multiple reasons by multiple staff and vols). It is the best and most important park I've visited in Canada. My 10 year old self would be in just as much awe as I was. I genuinely...

Dinosaur Provincial Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated 220 kilometres (137 mi) east of Calgary, Alberta, Canada; or 48 kilometres (30 mi) northeast of Brooks. The park is situated in the Red Deer River valley, which is noted for its striking badland topography, and abundance of dinosaur fossils. The park is well-known for being one of the richest dinosaur fossil locales in the world. Fifty-eight dinosaur species have been discovered at the park and more than 500 specimens have been removed and exhibited in museums around the globe. The renowned fossil assemblage of nearly 500 species of life, from microscopic fern spores to large carnivorous dinosaurs, justified its becoming a World Heritage Site in 1979. The Dinosaur Provincial Park Visitor Centre features exhibits about dinosaurs, fossils, and the geology and natural history of the park. There is a video theatre, fossil prep lab area, and a gift shop. Public programs are offered in the summer. John Ware's Cabin is a restored early 20th century cabin that was used by John Ware, an African-American cowboy and important figure in Alberta's ranching history. The cabin is located near the visitor centre and is open on select days...