Looking for hoodoos, fossils, and incredible badlands views? Dinosaur Provincial Park is one of Alberta’s most unique landscapes — with scenic campsites, short hikes, real dinosaur fossils, and star-filled skies. Here’s how to make the most of a visit, including a suggested two-day itinerary.
Dinosaur Provincial Park is one of those places which I had never heard of until my obsession with parks began. It is a bit out of the way (2 hours east of Calgary) but once you are there you will feel as though you stepped into another planet. The landscape is so unique and you can see dinosaur fossils!
Camping in Dinosaur Provincial Park
The campground at Dinosaur is scenic and unique — tucked right into the badlands, with some sites offering views that glow at sunset. It’s open year-round, though water is shut off during the winter, so keep that in mind if you’re visiting off-season.
Reservations open 90 days in advance and are definitely a good idea if you’re planning to visit during the summer. This is a popular spot, especially with RV users, since there are quite a few electrical sites available.
If you get the option, try to book a site on the outer edge of a loop — you’ll get a little more privacy, and in some cases, a better view. Some sites have more tree cover than others (like Site N-105), which is a bonus if you’re visiting in peak heat. Sites N-75 to N-78 are particularly lovely, backing right onto the badlands with a clear view of the evening light.
Hot tip: summer temperatures here can be intense. Bring more water than you think you’ll need, wear sun protection, and plan your hikes for early morning or later in the evening to avoid the worst of the heat.
You can find a map of the campground here.
Hiking in Dinosaur Provincial Park
Dinosaur Provincial Park is known for two things: incredible badlands landscapes and dinosaur fossils — and you can get a taste of both even on short hikes.
If you only do one trail, make it the Badlands Trail. It’s a 1.3 km loop with classic hoodoo views and scenery that feels straight out of another planet. Despite this trail being short bring water and wear sun protection if you are completing it mid-day.
For something a little greener, the Cottonwood Flats Trail (1.4 km) follows the Red Deer River and is a great spot for birdwatching. I saw several different species of birds while I meandered along the trail.
The Fossil Display Trail is more of a casual stroll than a hike, but it’s definitely worth a stop. Several real dinosaur fossils are on display behind glass enclosures to protect them, and you can access them from a few nearby parking areas. It’s a quick but fascinating look into the area’s prehistoric past.
If you’re keen to see even more, you can also book a guided tour through the park. These tours give you access to restricted areas not open to the public, including more fossil beds and behind-the-scenes paleontology insights. It’s something to consider if you’re into dinosaurs or want to go beyond the main trails.
Don’t Miss this spot!
As you drive into the park you will see a large park sign and pull off area. This spot has one of the best views. It overlooks the badlands and hoodoo ecosystem and offers panoramic views of the valleys below.
Other things to do in Dinosaur Provincial Park
- Check out the Visitor Centre and Museum — it’s small but packed with cool displays about the park’s geology, dinosaur discoveries, and ongoing paleontology work. You’ll find real fossils on display, a short film, and some hands-on activities that are great if you’re visiting with kids or love dinosaurs (which who doesn’t!?)
- The park also offers free interpretive talks and programs during the summer months. These usually take place near the visitor centre or the campground amphitheatre and cover everything from fossil history to the unique desert-like ecosystem. Definitely worth checking the schedule when you arrive!
- And once the sun sets? Stick around. Dinosaur Provincial Park’s remote nature and lack of light pollution means that it is one of the best places in Alberta to see the night sky. On clear nights, you’ll get incredible views of the Milky Way, and if you’re lucky, maybe even a meteor or two. Bring a blanket, lie back, and enjoy the show.
Two Day Itinerary for Dinosaur Provincial Park
🦴 Day 1: Explore, Learn, and Settle In
- Arrive mid-morning on your way in stop at the entrance sign. Take in the view overlooking the park before descending down into the valley.
- Check in at the visitor centre and then go find your campsite! Set up camp and have a snack then drive along the road that loops through the park. Pull off and explore some of the hoodoos!
- Hike/walk along the Fossil Display Trail — a short, easy walk with real fossils on display. It’s a great intro to the park’s paleontology.
- In the afternoon, hike the Cottonwood Flats Trail (1.4 km) along the river.
- Settle into your campsite, make dinner, and watch the sunset. Then if you can keep your eyes open stay up for some stargazing — the skies here are beautifully dark on clear nights.
🥾 Day 2: Trails, Views, and River Time
- Start early to beat the heat. Hike the Badlands Trail (1.3 km loop) for classic hoodoo views.
- Make breakfast, then check out one of the summer interpretive programs (if available) near the visitor centre.
- Visit the Visitor Centre Museum to see more fossils and learn about the history of the park.
Safety in the park
- There are rattlesnakes, black widow spiders and scorpions in the park! While it can be exciting to see this wildlife you should always give them space and time to move out of the area. Always hike with proper footwear (closed toe shoes) and do not stick anything into holes. Critters love to hide in them!
- It can get hot! Always carry water while hiking. Wear sunscreen and a hat to protect from the sun. There is limited shade in the park, especially outside of the campground so be prepared! Don’t forget to hydrate!
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