The Town of Drumheller is located along the Red Deer River in southern Alberta, a location internationally recognized for its rich abundance of dinosaur fossils and home of the world-renowned Royal Tyrrell Museum of Paleontology. Initially settled by ranchers in 1897, the town site was purchased by Colonel Samuel Drumheller, a wealthy businessman who began coal-mining operations throughout the valley. The railway arrived in 1912 and in quick succession the town boomed until the end of World War II as coal lost its importance as an energy source. Drumheller's rich heritage is evident as one travels the striking landscape of the badlands.We're approaching 'The World's Largest Dinosaur' and the tourist info centre.
Drumheller's LITTLE CHURCH Seating 10,000 people - 6 at a time.
This church was first erected by local contractor Trygve Seland, in cooperation with the Ministerial Association in 1968 and was reconstructed by inmates of the Drumheller Institution in 1991. It was designed as a place of worship and mediation and not just a tourist attraction.
The Canadian Badlands is a unique landscape comprised from sea deposits sculpted by glaciation and centuries of erosion from winds and rain. Because of the centuries of exposure nature has created a landscape of coulees, hoodoos and river valleys.The views begin instantly. From the parking lot it is a short stroll to the edge of the high coulee-like cliff. From the high vantage point the unique landscape stretches out before you for many kilometres.
The history of Horsethief Canyon dates back to the old western days when farms and ranches dominated the landscape. During that period, throughout the valley, there were thousands of horses roaming free belonging to individual ranchers.Legend says the horses that would enter the canyon would return carrying a different ranch brand... hence the name Horse Thief Canyon.
The parking lot at Horse Thief Canyon is RV friendly and there are information billboards located near the parking area. There is no fence, so watch your footing and keep children close. If the views are not enough for you there is a walking trail which leads down into the canyon so one can explore coulees and hoodoos.
"On this site stood the home of Mr. Frederick (Fred) Smith, Midland Coal Mining Co. Ltd.'s first and last employee...."Feeling the need to get out for some good cardio exercise, we headed out on the paved walkway...
There's the Red Deer River again!
On our way home, we stopped at the Liquor Depot for some wine (expensive here...sheesh!). The Hutterites happened to have a veggie stand in the parking lot, so I got a few cobs of fresh corn, a red onion and garlic but many of the other veggies I was after were either sold out or weren't ready yet. We made one final stop...at a small Walmart (i.e. not a Super Walmart) to pick up a few things and were finally home.
We turned on the air conditioning in the trailer and then sat outside in the shade relaxing...and that was our first full day in Drumheller!
Wow Horse Thief Canyon looks like a great place to hike around too, never been there. I imagine Tyrell museum will be really busy Sunday but it is worth going for sure. Have a great time in Drum and "stay thirsty my friends" :)
ReplyDeleteThe Badlands landscape is very fascinating. I could walk around there for hours exploring.
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