Canada
Delve into the prehistoric past at the Royal Tyrrell Museum
This is a day for history fanatics. Drive to Drumheller for a visit to the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Paleontology. If this is not your cup of tea, leave it out of the route and head straight to Kootenay, do some city discovery in Calgary, or opt for an extra day in Banff and hike the 10 km Boom Lake Trail before taking a refreshing dip in Two Jack Lake.
Scenic route to Drumheller
It's quite a long drive from Banff to Drumheller, about 250 kilometres, but the ever-changing scenery makes it anything but dull. The landscape keeps changing all the time. As you cruise east, the mountains slowly give way to rolling wheat fields that stretch as far as the eye can see—classic Alberta prairie vibes. As you approach Drumheller, the landscape transforms into the rugged, otherworldly badlands, with dramatic canyons, hoodoos, and layers of ancient history.
Visit the Royal Tyrrell Museum
The Royal Tyrrell Museum of Paleontology features one of the world's largest displays of dinosaurs, making it a must-visit for history fanatics. Besides towering dinosaur skeletons, it's packed with fossils spanning millions of years and has interactive installations on display. Step outside to explore the nearby trails. The landscape here is as stunning as the exhibits, with dramatic badlands and unique hoodoos (a tall, thin spire of rock formed by erosion).
Marble Canyon Trail
Marble Canyon offers a close-up view of how water has shaped the landscape over thousands of years. The main trail is only 1.6 kilometers round trip, an easy hike with well-maintained trails and bridges that allow you to cross the canyon and enjoy views of the limestone walls from above.
Numa Falls
Numa Falls are conveniently located just off the Kootenay Parkway (Highway 93), making them one of the most accessible attractions in the park. A short walk from the parking lot to the viewing area makes it ideal to visit the falls at the end of the day. While Kootenay National Park has many popular spots, Numa Falls is often less crowded.
