Alberta’s Badlands are a world of deep canyons, wind-sculpted hoodoos, and ancient secrets buried beneath the earth. One of the most remarkable places to explore this prehistoric past is Midland Provincial Park, located just minutes from the town of Drumheller. This unique park offers not only stunning landscapes and accessible trails, but also direct access to Canada’s most famous dinosaur museum.
For travelers curious about geology, fossils, and ancient history, Midland Provincial Park is a hidden gem that brings Alberta’s prehistoric past to life. In this guide, we’ll dive into what makes this park so special, what to do during your visit, and tips to make the most of your experience.
What is Midland Provincial Park?
Midland Provincial Park is a protected natural area in southern Alberta, Canada. It was established in 1979 to preserve the fossil-bearing landscape surrounding the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology. The park sits in the heart of the Red Deer River valley and features the unique terrain of the Alberta Badlands—a desert-like environment shaped by erosion over millions of years.
Unlike typical provincial parks known for forests or lakes, Midland is all about rock formations, ancient seabeds, and dinosaur fossils. It’s a place where science, nature, and outdoor exploration come together.
Top Reasons to Visit Midland Provincial Park
Step into Prehistoric History
This area was once a lush subtropical landscape during the Late Cretaceous period, about 70–75 million years ago. Many species of dinosaurs lived and died here, leaving behind fossilized remains. Erosion over time has exposed these layers, turning Midland into a living laboratory where visitors can literally walk on ancient ground.
The park offers an immersive experience for anyone fascinated by paleontology, dinosaurs, or the natural history of Earth.
Visit the Royal Tyrrell Museum
Midland is home to the Royal Tyrrell Museum, a world-class destination that draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. It’s Canada’s only museum dedicated solely to the science of paleontology, and it boasts one of the largest displays of dinosaur skeletons on the planet.
Inside, you’ll find:
- Gigantic dinosaur fossils, including a full T. rex skeleton
- Interactive exhibits about Earth’s evolution
- A working fossil preparation lab
- Fossils from all over Alberta, including rare marine species
Whether you’re a child or an adult, the museum offers something for every level of curiosity.
Things to Do in Midland Provincial Park
Walk the Badlands Interpretive Trail
Located behind the Royal Tyrrell Museum, the Badlands Interpretive Trail is a short, well-marked loop that showcases the rugged landscape. The 1.4 km trail winds through ancient rock formations, offering views of the coulees, hoodoos, and fossil-rich layers that define the region.
Interpretive signs along the way explain how the Badlands were formed, what fossils can be found here, and how scientists study the past. It’s an easy, family-friendly walk that still feels adventurous.
Photography and Landscape Viewing
Midland Provincial Park’s scenery is striking, with earthy red cliffs, bizarre rock shapes, and dramatic shadows at sunrise or sunset. Photographers will love capturing:
- Wide-angle views of the Badlands
- Fossil textures and rock layers
- Wildlife such as mule deer or prairie birds
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best lighting for photos and the most comfortable temperatures for exploring.
Picnic with a Prehistoric View
There are several picnic areas throughout the park, especially near the museum. You can enjoy lunch while overlooking rock valleys that were once home to dinosaurs. Many of the picnic spots have shaded tables and nearby washroom facilities.
Pro tip: Pack plenty of water and snacks, as there aren’t many food vendors in the park itself.
Visitor Information and Park Details
Location
Midland Provincial Park is located just 6 km northwest of Drumheller, Alberta, in the Canadian Badlands region. From Calgary, it’s about a 90-minute drive via Highway 9, making it perfect for a day trip or weekend getaway.
Getting There
Use the Royal Tyrrell Museum as your GPS destination:
1500 N Dinosaur Trail, Drumheller, AB T0J 0Y0
There’s free parking available at the museum and trailheads.
Opening Hours
- Park Access: Open year-round, 24/7
- Royal Tyrrell Museum: Open daily (hours vary by season; typically 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
- Admission to Park: Free
- Museum Entry: Paid (Adults ~$21, Youth/Seniors ~$13, Children under 6 Free)
Check the museum website for updated ticket pricing and hours before you go.
Best Time to Visit Midland Provincial Park
The best time to visit Midland Provincial Park is between May and September, when trails are dry and weather is warm. Summer offers the full experience, but it can get very hot—temperatures often reach above 30°C.
To avoid crowds, plan your visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon. Spring and fall offer cooler temperatures and quieter trails, though some facilities may have reduced hours.
Winter visits are possible, but snow and ice can limit trail access.
Tips for Visiting
- Wear proper footwear: Trails are rocky and uneven.
- Stay on marked paths: Fossils and rock formations are fragile and protected by law.
- Bring water: There are few water stations on trails.
- Use sun protection: There’s minimal shade in the Badlands.
- Don’t collect fossils: It’s illegal to remove natural materials from the park.
Nearby Attractions to Add to Your Itinerary
If you have extra time, Drumheller and the surrounding region offer even more to explore:
- The Hoodoos Trail – See towering sandstone formations 15 minutes southeast of Drumheller.
- Horseshoe Canyon – A panoramic canyon lookout just west of town.
- Atlas Coal Mine – A preserved coal mine that offers guided tours and insight into Alberta’s mining history.
- Dinosaur Trail Scenic Drive – A loop road with lookouts, a free river ferry, and dinosaur-themed stops.
Conservation and Educational Importance
Midland Provincial Park plays a crucial role in conserving Canada’s fossil heritage. It’s not just a tourist destination—it’s an active research zone where scientists continue to make discoveries that inform global paleontological research.
By visiting, you’re helping to support education and the protection of ancient environments. The park promotes responsible tourism, with interpretive signage and programs designed to teach the public about Earth’s natural history.
Conclusion: A Fascinating Journey into Alberta’s Ancient Past
Midland Provincial Park is a place where ancient stories rise from the ground and come to life. It combines the thrill of discovery with the beauty of Alberta’s Badlands, all within reach of Drumheller and Calgary. With its easy trails, family-friendly atmosphere, and the spectacular Royal Tyrrell Museum, this park deserves a spot on your Alberta travel bucket list.
Whether you’re walking in the footsteps of dinosaurs, learning about Earth’s evolution, or just soaking in surreal scenery, Midland Provincial Park offers a rare and unforgettable experience.