Right here in Alberta, we have, without question, many of the the most unique attractions in the world. The Royal Tyrrell Museum definately qualifies as one of them. It is no surprise, that Queen Elizabeth II gave the museum the Royal designation during a visit in 1990, which in essence added "Royal" on the beginning of the Tyrrell Museum's name. What I found the most fascinating about many of the exhibits, was learning about "where" the bones were extracted from. It wasn't uncommon to see places such as Drumheller, Cowley, Red Deer, Buffalo Jump Provincial Park, as well as sites in northern Alberta, Montana and Utah. When you look at these enormous dinasaur skulls, it is hard to believe that these animals roamed in many of the places where I have been for work or pleasure. The other tidbit that I found fun while exploring the museum, was that some of the exhibits actually tell the story of how it was discovered! I enjoyed reading a short excerpt of how one big Tyrannosaurus Rex was discovered right here in Alberta by a young boy who was fishing. He told his teacher the next day at school, and the teacher filed a report with the Government of Alberta and now, this impressive display is avaiable for all to enjoy. I try to make it to the Tyrrell Museum once or twice a year. Even though the exhibits do not change much over time, I always discover something new. If you are in the Drumheller area, definately stop in. We are extremely lucky to have this exhibit right here in Alberta, and it is a worthwhile attraction to support. You won't be disappointed. read more

See all

Well. What a waste of time and money. Went and checked the Website before booking camping and dinner reservations. Arrived Friday June 26th to hear that the museum was reservation only. We drove 4hrs for this ?? Won't be returning. Re checked website and in small print there was mention. Perhaps bold letters before hundreds are spent for the trip. Just like wallyworld. Lol. read more

Of all the places to see in Drumheller the Royal Tyrrell Museum is a must see. This place is a monumentally fun learning experience for people of all ages. Walking through the place is yes like a taking a trip through time. My favourite parts was the magnified sea microbes and then the room with the larger historical sea monsters. These two rooms are darkened and are complete with sound effects so you feel completely emerged into the environment. Make sure you don't miss the terrarium located by the bathrooms mid way through the museum. It's a tropical paradise where you can spot modern day reptiles. The Tyrrell museum has tons of hands on learning experiences for kids to get to into. And if you go early enough you don't have to wait in any lines. The museum offers several specialized programs for all ages. These programs range in times and prices but all are affordable. A lot of them off up the opportunity to see what it's like to be a palaeontologist. honestly though unless your kids are dinosaur crazy the museum has enough to offer to keep everyone busy for a few hours. Also at the end there is a great playground where you can stop and have lunch before moving on to your next destination. read more

Awesome experience! Great mix of activities both indoor and outdoor with lots of really cool fossils to enjoy. The interactive videos, games and daily activities are also a great must-do addition to this sweet adventure - just be sure to check online or come in early to participate! There is a little confection shop, as well as a gift shop for those gift inclined as well. Great way to spend the day! read more

Dino-Mite! Our family loves to stop at the Tyrell Museum every time we pass through Drumheller! No matter how many times you stop in, there is always something new to see and something new to learn. Paleontology is so fascinating and it's super cool that you can see the magic in action as you check out the interior displays. Stop at the viewing window and watch history unearthed, walk amongst the skeletons of these giant legends, and browse the extensive gift shop for something dino-mite to take home! There is a great walking area outside the museum where you can climb up to a prime viewing area for a better look at the museum and surrounding areas. If you build up an appetite with all that walking be sure to stop in at the cafeteria located inside the museum for a tasty meal! If you have food allergies, speak to the staff as they are able to accommodate you. Huge shout out to George behind the grill who cooked my husband two celiac safe meals to enjoy over our two-day visit. He gave us exceptional service and went above and beyond for our families enjoyment. Thanks George! :) If you are planning a trip to Drumheller check out the museum's​ website for classes or camps that may be available during your stay! read more

I was blown away by this place. I can seriously spend hours and hours in there if given the chance. But we had our kids with us so couldn't stay as long and read all the materials that my husband and I would have loved to read. My 10 yrs old was fascinated but the 7 not so much. He likes to look at the displays and onto the next immediately. So I suggest anyone who is really into museums not bring really young kids, if you want to fully enjoy and appreciate this place. Of course now I feel guilty saying that. Lol read more

Royal Tyrrell Museum - All the displays were absolutely amazing! - Museums Near Me - Drumheller, Alberta

What an awesome place! Brought 3 kids here for the day and they had a BLAST! There's information areas that have activities to get the little ones even more involved and so many awesome fossils, skeletons and live creatures! The prices are fairly cheap and there's all kinds of different deals you can get! Lots of fun! read more

See all

Definitely the best museum that I have been to for dinosaurs. The museum is really well laid out and takes you through the different times in history read more

Royal Tyrrell Museum - Amazing fossils unearthed - Museums Near Me - Drumheller, Alberta

I am beyond thankful that the Royal Tyrrell Museum is a part of my home and heritage. I've been to this museum at several points throughout my life. This time, I went on a Wednesday in the late afternoon. There was still some traffic within the confines of the massive, 3 hour spectacle, but nowhere near enough to make me feel crowded. The sheer amount of content the museum boasts is incredible. There are so many displays put together with expert precision. As the years pass, the displays grow. The most notable attraction is the new nodosaur - a new species of nodosaur that was found at Suncor - complete with armour and guts intact. It's so pristine that they cannot call it a fossil. It's more of a mummy! Admittedly, I shed a few (or many) tears at various points in the museum this time. The way the museum shows how humans are just a tiny blip on the radar is very impactful and awe-inspiring. My boyfriend and I shared a tearful (on my end) embrace alone in the precambrian era (STUNNING display) and it was a very special moment. I'm still at a loss for words regarding this place. It is truly an experience to awaken you and rock you (heh) to your core. Again, I am so thankful for the Royal Tyrrell Museum. read more

See all

Who reads a review for a Museum? A museums for dinosaurs none the less? 1) if you havent been, then go 2) Its not like anyone can say things like "oh my the customer service was terrible and the replicas of dinosaur skeletons barely moved, and the children where loud and everywhere" Its fun, its educational, if you expect ANYTHING else other than dinosaurs and kids everywhere then sorry to say you are afflicted with the dumb All that said, just go if you havent been, its pretty neat read more

A world class paleontology museum in the middle of the Canadian Badlands. This is a must-see when we have out of town visitors, regardless of age. It has many fine dinosaurs of course, but it really takes you through the whole geological time scale, with early terrestrial plant scenes, showing the importance of the Burgess Shale invertebrates, and there is an Ice Age section with a wooly mammoth reconstruction. If you are lucky, you can also see paleontologists doing their thing behind glass in the workshops. Although it does take 90+ minutes to get here from Calgary, there are several great landscapes to view in the area while you're there, including Horse Thief Canyon, the hoodoos, and directed walks just outside the museum. Returning back to Drumheller via the free Bleriot cable ferry across the river is kind of neat too. read more

Have you taken your kids to this place? If not...they will definitely love this museum. It's actually great for the entire family. A bit of a drive to Drumheller, but well worth it. They have lots of things to do at the museum, which also includes movies and interactive displays. The museum also has some extra activities if want to register the kids once you get there. However, if you want to keep the costs to a minimum, they have a hike and playground outside the building. We like to go at least once a year. read more

We have visited this museum with our son a few times and he visits at least once a year via summer camp. This is absolutely worth a stop on your road trip through Drumheller! The displays are fun and interactive and you can also wander around outside or take a dig class. We took a workshop where the kids learned to discover more on their own through putting puzzle parts together, finding clues and answers in the museum to solve a puzzle etc. The staff are very friendly and we had a super time as a family! The target age group would be kids 6-14 but anyone can enjoy the displays. We spent approx 3-4 hours here and did not rush through. There is a gift shop for souvenirs and educational toys and materials. Have fun!!! read more

'Eh. Something to do in the area. Walking trail was ok ( as a way to get those steps in, read a lil info boards, get off the beaten trail to look around, and let your imagination go ). Exhibits in the museum were ok. Somethings could have been improved on. Maybe more like 2 1/2* read more

History and bones - a fun, and most-informative visit. We (two seniors and daughter) went to Drumheller and the Tyrrell Museum from Calgary one morning. It was my first look at each, but a highly-anticipated and emotional re-visit for my lady, who was born and lived in Drumheller through her childhood years, some many years ago. With her daughter, and grand-daughter with us, it was a very special day!! The Museum provided a fun and very informative historical and fossil account of the "period of the dinosaurs". The displays were impressive indeed -- with whole, and partial skeletons of so many different species, and information provided with each to help with names, and species-specific information on the habitats, diets, and the like, of their times. Some of the displays can be 'touched', a feature that "children" (of all ages!!) can particularly enjoy. Much to see and experience!! We certainly did not read the information at every display, but did so at a good many. I liked how everything was laid out - it was there for you to explore as much as you wished, you could easily bypass displays if you wished, and then return later if desired. We found we did this quite often throughout our tour, and never felt we were getting in the way of others, or them getting in our way. A few hours very well-spent!! read more

I was a little disappointed in the museum. You wait in line to get in, you pay a decent amount, and I expected more. I thought there would be more interactive features added by now. The areas are set up decently and have all the information that is pertinent to everything. You get to touch and feel some fossils and you learn a lot while you are going through, if you take the time to stop and read everything. It was very busy in the museum on the Sunday that we went which made it hard to read everything and not be really crowded. I am not sure if they have the option to get a recording of the info, but it wasn't offered to us when we went through. I would like to maybe go again during a time that it's not so busy so we could take our time and read all the information that is posted. read more

Wow, it's not often that you come across a place like this that has 5 stars pretty much across the board!! Well, I most certainly have to agree. At the extremely reasonable price of $11/person (adult full price), the Royal Tyrrell Museum offers hours of fun filled, educational entertainment. This museum seems to have been able to find the perfect balance; it takes just enough time to get through all of the displays. I never got that 'OK, I'm kinda bored of this now' feeling; in fact, I left feeling that I could have spent more time looking around once I reached the end. The displays are truly amazing and breathtaking - it makes it a lot easier to visualize how different our world once was! Definitely a good place to take kids if you stick to waiting until they are a little older if at all possible. You do start to notice that the younger (stroller aged) children have a tough time making it through the whole experience; this is especially noticeable towards the end where many of the younger ones are starting to get really restless. A visit to Drumheller would not be complete without a visit to the Royal Tyrrell Museum. And I'm obviously not the only one who thinks that: but don't be intimidated by the long lineup (which was just as long from the time we arrived to the time we left). It moves super quickly and is well worth the short wait! read more

This is a world class museum. Its worth visiting even if its a 3 hour drive. You'll see some world class exhibit. read more

Royal Tyrrell Museum - Looking at an ancient turtle - Museums Near Me - Drumheller, Alberta

It's been at least a decade and a half since I've visited, and now that I have kids of my own I thought my son would really enjoy since he's into dinosaurs! Honestly, there was so much to see for both adults and kids! We spent hours there and learned so much! Everyone had a blast and my son especially - still talking about his visit the next day! The $15 admission for adults is more than reasonable, and love that kids under 7 are free. read more

I'll just come out and say it; the Royal Tyrrell Museum is for children. It sells itself to children and is designed to entertain children. However, when I crossed the threshold and entered museum, I stopped being a 40-year old (plus) man and became a child. It happens to everyone; doesn't matter if you're a parent or a bachelor, elderly or just able to purchase alcohol, you become a child when you enter the Royal Tyrrell Museum. Everything became taller, I started laughing at everyone's misfortune, and dinosaurs became awesome. Dinosaurs are always awesome, and if you cannot admit that giant monsters--literally the stuff of legend--roaming this planet millions of years before man was cool, then you are an uncultured philistine. They populate our childhood obsessions, triggering youthful fascinations with science. We owned them stuffed of cotton, transformable into robots, and built from Lego. As adults, writers are instructed to include them as solutions to narrative lags in pacing (not kidding). We fight them or play as them in video games, and they often dominate our box office despite being portrayed inaccurately. And throughout it all, the Royal Tyrrell Museum refuses to compromise. When scientific consensus changes, so do the exhibits. Just recently (like only a few months prior to us visiting), the Brontosaurus was reintroduced as an actual species of dinosaur. The Royal Tyrrell had already updated their plaques to reflect that. It's difficult for me to review the Royal Tyrrell objectively. I grew up obsessed with it, but my parents refused to heed my pleas, and as friends fulfilled their lifelong goals, I was left wanting and dreaming. I owned books as a child that petrified me, but I still read them. It was my favorite episode of Mister Rogers', when he visited "the dinosaur place." So excuse me as my inner toddler took the steering wheel as I approached the Royal Tyrrell as an adult. I am now a child, this is friggin' awesome, and if you don't agree, then you're a big stupid-head. I think I even started feeling my hair growing back as well. I could have stayed all day there, and I'll return just so that I can remember what it was like to have a newborn enthrallment with science. Thank my parents, raised Roman Catholic, for letting their children discover their own path. I found science in the ground through dinosaurs and in space through my telescope. I never looked back. I had questions and found them in the ever-changing landscape of scientific evidence. And even though Hollywood refuses to adapt, science continues to do so. I applaud the Royal Tyrrell for advancing scientific awareness, and looking astounding while doing it. The exhibits are dramatic and extensive. Despite my actual age, I still found an education there. Also, far be it from me to single another review out, but I want to applaud Royal Tyrrell in regards to a one-star review on Trip Advisor that was written purely based on religious belief. If you can't accept a theory that even the Pope endorses, then I suggest avoiding Royal Tyrrell (and me to be perfectly honest). I won't encourage you to search for the review in question; instead, I'll just quote the Royal Tyrrell's reply in its entirety. "Science and religion provide different ways of examining Earth's history. Science is restricted to natural, testable explanations and hypotheses. The world-renowned scientists at the Royal Tyrrell Museum have devoted their careers to researching and relating the evolution of life on Earth, and so our exhibits, and all public information, reflect these scientifically accepted theories. Most of the fossils on display in the Museum are original specimens. Casts (exact replicas) are only used when the original bones are too heavy or too fragile to mount. Many of the fossils on display indicate when and where they were found, and the majority of dinosaurs on display are from Alberta." I couldn't have said it better myself. I glorify the Royal Tyrrell Museum and the people it keeps as staff. Yes, it is a shrine to the scientifically verified theory of evolution (not the ideology you primordial relic), and I wouldn't have it any other way. If I were to offer any criticism, it would be that the unfortunate side effect of climate change (another scientifically verified theory) has rendered the landscape hotter than the hinges of Helena. Seriously, you can walk around and make your own gravy. What few trees left were fighting over the dogs. Thankfully, science has also given us air conditioning, so remain in the museum for as long as you'd like. The only thing that peeled me away was a forced timetable beckoning a drive to Edmonton. Don't worry, I will be back. Alternatively, you could just visit for the adorable prairie dogs that apparently have no fear of humans. I mean, they are everywhere. read more

See all

One of THE best museums I have ever seen. In my books, it's right up there with the Smithsonian museums in D.C.. The Royal Tyrrel Museum is everything Dinosaurs. The entire museum focuses solely on dinosaurs and fossils. They've got the most amazing dinosaur exhibits and they even have this cool computer game where you can 'design your own dinosaur' and then when you're done, the game will tell you whether or not the dinosaur you created could have actually existed with the features you gave it! It's fascinating!!! The Museum has an interactive area for children, it has a place to eat, it has a gift shop and it's also got tours. It's notorious all throughout Canada and it's especially noted for its collection of more than 120,000 fossils. The Royal Tyrrel Museum will whisk you away to a place where dinosaurs roamed the earth. It educates you, fascinates you and keeps you occupied for hours on end. It truly is amazing and most definitely worth seeing. read more

Awesome place to visit. At least 2 days are required to see the Hoodoos and hike around. A small cafe is there to sip coffee with muffins and sandwiches. However, at a 12 min drive Tim Hortons, McDonald's, A&W, subway etc are there. The museum has splendid collection if the remains and is well organized with comfy seats all over and plenty of washrooms. Enjoyed a lot with my family... read more

A visit to this museum is a time traveling adventure. The first exhibition space creates an atmosphere that helps you begin the journey by allowing you to experience the time travel with most of your senses. Visitors are made to feel as though they are surrounded by a lively forest full of creatures as a soundtrack of forest sounds plays in the background. While beautifully painted murals create depth for the life-sized displays featuring dinosaurs and other animals and a few of the displays feature the ever enticing "touch me" sign to give visitors a feel for some of the specimens. As you progress through the museum, the atmosphere rooms are broken up with displays of pivotal discoveries in and around the badlands and an in-depth description of the fossil preservation process with a viewing window to see the work in progress. The museum also features a beautiful garden. In fact, it's "Canada's largest collection of prehistoric plant relatives " (according to Royal Tyrell Museum's website). It is truly awe inspiring to think that variations of these plant relatives existed at the time the dinosaurs lived. Outside the museum there are hiking trails and views of the breathtaking badlands scenery. So there certainly is something for everyone at this museum. read more

Enthusiastically took a road trip from Edmonton to see it a while back. And then I balked, wondering if I just had rose coloured glasses on, and if it would actually be as wonderful as my childhood memories made it out to be. Guess what- it was even BETTER as an adult! Have since made an annual tradition of going. read more

Great museum, lots of parking, easy to get to, cafe, gift store, lots of exhibits, new things every time we go there! read more

Royal Tyrrell Museum - Museums Near Me - Drumheller, Alberta

See all

This is a fantastic museum for someone to learn about jurassic age and the large varieties of dinosaurs and prehistoric animals. We arrived in the morning and could easily spend 2 hours viewing all the exhibits. We had lunch at the cafeteria which offered pizza, hot dogs and fried chicken nuggets and did shopping of T Shirts and puzzle for my grand children. Only complaint is the relatively high entry price of $19 per adult for our group of 5 adults. read more

I always love this place I would Highly recommend coming to this museum because it is a great Museum to go too.

This museum exceeded my expectations, which were already high. I was expecting fossils located in a bland, warehouse type museum. Instead, I was treated to an interactive, high tech museum. The exhibits are incredibly well done. Often, the skeletons are displayed to re-enact certain situations. The scene of the two saber tooth tiger skeletons attacking a mammoth skeleton was just great! And the 360 underwater exhibit was super eerie. Well done. I also had no idea how many fossils are still being discovered. The number of skeletons that have been unearthed since 2000 really made me appreciate how much more may still be out there that we don't know about. Finally, if relevant for you, the museum is great for kids. Forget about the fact that they'll be in awe anyway by the huge skeletons. There are all sorts of interactive exhibits and games to keep them entertained. read more

Extremely well done museum. I would highly recommend making the hour and half drive out from Calgary and make a day of the museum/town. They have one of the largest fossil collections I have ever seen. I would recommend going in the morning, because the afternoon was a bit crazy. read more

Royal Tyrrell Museum - T-Rex! - Museums Near Me - Drumheller, Alberta

Great way to spend a few hours learning about Natural History. I recommend you get the Audio guides read more

Royal Tyrrell Museum - We enjoyed our visit to the Royal Tyrell Museum - Museums Near Me - Drumheller, Alberta

This museum was amazing Lots of dinosaur bones and great displays Clean washrooms and decent price to get into I enjoyed that there are so many trails to walk around just outside the museum so wear your walking shoes There's cactus which is unreal in Alberta! I had a fun time and I'm sure everyone can enjoy this place read more

A must-do for anyone in Alberta, resident or visitor. Fantastic museum for both adults and kids. Our 8-year old joined a dinosaur dig activity, our 6-year old made a fossil cast. Both activities are warmly recommended. The museum itself has wonderful displays of dinosaurs and life on earth before and after the dino eras. Best thing for us were the audio guides (4 dollars) in Dutch. This made the visit for our kids even better. Both learned so much and they absolutely loved this museum. Thank you, Royal Tyrrell! read more

Royal Tyrrell Museum - Fossil casting activity - Museums Near Me - Drumheller, Alberta

I am not a museum person...but this is one of the best I have ever been in. The displays are amazing and most are local with great stories and slide shows about the discoveries. This place is super cool, informative and just neat. You can also take all the photos you want - which we did in all kinds of fabulous poses including the dino skeletons in the background. The outside paths/viewing platforms are also great. Well worth the drive from Calgary! read more

You really can't go wrong at the Royal Tyrell Museum, it is fantastic. At $11/adult, the value is great, and you will never see such amazing fossils in one place. It is by far a premiere dinosaur museum with the kind of variety we've come to expect from Drumheller's premiere tourist site. Many of the fossils are found in Dinosaur Park and Alberta, helping us to better understand what can be found in "our own backyards". Definitely a must-see. read more

Excellent museum about dinosaurs with more dinosaur fossil remains than anywhere else I've been. The museum also documents the relationship between the dinosaur and birds and reptiles in the evolutionary scheme. It's about a 90-100 minute drive from downtown Calgary on boring backcountry plains-roads, but the museum is world-class and worth the trek. Recommended. Undoubtedly one of the best of its kind. read more

The museum was great with a ton of interactive displays, fascinating stories, astonishing exhibits, easy to follow information, and a reasonable price. It is a great place to bring your entire family to spend at least 2 hours. The fossils were breathtaking and preserved very well. You learn about the types of dinosaurs that lived in Alberta and the process in which the paleontologists uncover the fossils. The reason I am giving this 4 stars is because Drumheller is in the middle of nowhere and what should take you about 4 hours becomes a day trip. read more

This may be the finest dinosaur museum in the world! Our six year old daughter wanted to stay and watch the nice lady who was patiently working on freeing a fossil from it's rock. I had to point out that she had been working on it for six months already and probably wouldn't be done that day. My only quibble is with the fact that they mount (duplicate) dinosaur fossils in concrete in lifelike poises giving the impression that that is how they are found instead of looking like a pile of pickup sticks. As everyone has noted, Drumheller is basically a full day drive back and forth from Calgary. It's fun to take the circle drive around including the badlands, the little church, and the ferry - but the museum is the main attraction. A service offering plane rides back and forth from Calgary could probably make some money. read more

Incredible collection and my 4 year old twin boys absolutely loved seeing it all! The kids playground outside was a nice bonus. We went through twice and the landscape outside is phenomenal as well. read more

Awesome place I recommend showing up early as it tends to get crowded by the afternoon

I never get tired of this place. Every time I visit, there is always something cool to learn about our past. You can easily spend a couple hours touring the museum and taking in the countless free and pay tours available. read more