Explore the World’s Richest Deposits of Dinosaur Bones!

Visiting Dinosaur Provincial Park is like stepping into another world. There’s a chance for a new discovery around every corner! Explore the badlands, camp under the stars or participate in a fully authentic dinosaur dig. �You’ll be amazed by the abundant fossils, unusual wildlife and stunning landscapes of this UNESCO World Heritage Site near Brooks, Alberta.Most of the park is a natural preserve.

LOCATION

Dinosaur Provincial Park is a UNESCOWorld Heritage Site located about two and a half hours drive southeast of Calgary, Alberta, Canada or 48 kilometres (30�mi), about a half hour drive, northeast of Brooks.

HISTORY

Established on June 27, 1955 as part of Alberta’s 50th Jubilee Year with the goal of protecting the fossil beds, the first warden was Roy Fowler (1902-1975), a farmer and amateur fossil hunter.

The park was established as a UNESCO World Heritage Site on October 26, 1979 both for its nationally significant badlands and riverside riparian habitats, and for the international importance of the fossils found here.

Until 1985, discoveries made in the park had to be shipped to museums throughout the world for scientific analysis and display, including the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto, the Canadian Museum of Nature in Ottawa, and the American Museum of Natural History in New York. This changed with the opening of the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology 100 kilometers upstream in Midland Provincial Park adjacent to Drumheller.

Date and History of Establishment

1880s: First dinosaur skeletons recovered;
1944: Park created as Steveville Dinosaur Provincial Park under the Alberta Provincial Parks Act;
1970: The Park designated a Natural Preserve;
1974: The Provincial Parks Act of 1974 limited the application of park status to Crown-owned or leased land; 2,959 ha of private land in the Park was therefore excluded;
1993: The boundary modified to accommodate natural gas deposits under the Park;
2004: World Heritage site expanded by 1.685 ha, both north and south of the Park to include more of the� fossil-bearing strata.

Dinosaurs Found:

Albertosaurus, Struthiomimus, Euoplocephalus, Centrosaurus

Dinosaur Provincial Park Visitor Centre

The Dinosaur Provincial Park Visitor Centre features exhibits about dinosaurs, fossils, and the geology and natural history of the park. There is a video theater, fossil prep lab area, and a gift shop. Public programs are offered in the summer.

John Ware’s Cabin is a restored early 20th century cabin that was used by John Ware, an African-American cowboy and important figure in Alberta’s ranching history. The cabin is located near the visitor center and is open on select days in the summer.

Programs

Guided Excavation

Dinosaur Provincial Park UNESCO World Heritage Site holds Guided Excavation Program! This is an all day program from for ages 14 years and up. To register go to www.dinosaurpark.ca and follow the links to Online Tour Bookings (a couple of clicks in).

There are Interpretive Programs for all ages and all levels of physical ability. Age limits for each program are strictly adhered to plus some programs have footwear restrictions (no sandals or crocs).

For any outdoor programs, please make sure you bring a hat, water bottle, sturdy closed toe and heel footwear (running shoes are fine but no crocs or sandals), sunscreen and insect repellent.

The Guided Excavation Program (1 day, 2 days, 3 days) is a premium program that is centred around participation in an authentic palaeontological excavation. It is designed for active adults looking for an in-depth experience. The age restriction of 14 years and up is strictly applied.

�Join a real excavation in this fully authentic dig and get the chance to uncover fossils never before seen by human eyes. For ages 14 and up.

Price: $165/person-$500 PER PERSON

Length of program: 7 hours-2days

Ages: Ages 14 years and up (participants ages 14-17 must be accompanied by a paying adult).

Difficulty: Difficult. Come prepared for sitting or kneeling on the ground, working with tools under the hot sun, and hiking in slippery conditions.

Wheelchair accessible: No

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to participate in a fully authentic dinosaur dig. With an experienced palaeontological technician as your guide, you will learn the techniques of excavating dinosaurs and work in a team to uncover fossils never before seen by human eyes. The day includes an orientation to the Park and the research project, working in a real quarry, and hiking and prospecting for new fossil finds. Your work will contribute to research going on at the Royal Tyrrell Museum. Lunch is provided.

Reservation information: Reservations can be made up until 2:00 p.m. the day before the scheduled program day.

Alternate Program: In the event of rain, wet conditions, unsafe road conditions, or other conditions that threaten the safety and comfort of participants, programs may be cancelled or replaced with alternate programs at the regular ticket price. Content of program is the same or similar. Refunds are available if visitors choose not to participate in the alternate program.

Cancellation Policy: Participants may cancel up to 48 hours before the event and receive a refund of their program fee, however the $5 booking fee is non-refundable. Events cancelled by the participant with less than 48 hours notice will not be refunded. Program cancellations may only be done by calling (403) 378-4344.

Dinosaur Provincial Park reserves the right to cancel the program for reasons such as poor weather, insufficient number of registrations, or any other pertinent reason. Full refunds would be provided in such cases.

The Guided Excavation Program is proudly supported by Gretchen Marks and Ken Kucher.

Sunset Tour

For any outdoor programs, please make sure you bring a hat, water bottle, sturdy closed toe and heel footwear (running shoes are fine but no crocs or sandals), sunscreen and insect repellent.

This is a special opportunity for photographers and nature-lovers to be guided into the Natural Preserve in the evening hours. It is designed for adults (age restriction: must be 14 years and up). Group sizes are kept small and all skill-levels of photographers are welcome. Some tips will be provided for beginning photographers.

Journey into secret areas of the Park to get the perfect photograph, or to simply soak up the natural beauty of the badlands in the evening light. Ages 14 and up.

Price: Adult $24, Youth $16

Length of program: 2 hours

Ages: Ages 14 years and up.

Difficulty: Easy

Capacity: 12 people/program

Wheelchair accessible: No

This unique evening tour is designed especially for photographers and people looking for a quieter nature experience. Taking advantage of the cooler temperatures and wonderful evening light you will be guided into some of the secret areas of the Natural Preserve and be given ample time to get the perfect shot, or to simply soak up the natural beauty of the badlands. Locations may include Valley of the Gold, Valley of the Castles, and Valley of the Moon. Tips and tricks for photographing the badlands will be provided.

Be prepared for your tour: for your comfort and safety please bring water, sunscreen, hat and insect repellent. Please wear closed toe and heel footwear such as hiking boots or running shoes with tred on the bottom. Arrive � hour before tour time to pick up your tickets at the Park Visitor Centre. Please note that due to the variability of sunset times, we cannot guarantee participants will be able to photograph the actual sunset.

Recreational Activities

Biking

Bicycles are restricted to the park’s paved and gravel roads.� Bikes are not allowed on the interpretive trails or in the badlands.
Please secure your bike in the racks located near all trailheads.

Fishing

Fishing is permitted in the Red Deer River.
Check�Alberta Guide to Sportfishing Regulations or more info.

Hiking

There are 5�self-guided interpretive trails�in the park.
The trails are for pedestrian use only. There are bike racks located near all trailheads.
Wear sturdy footwear and stay on the designated trails. �Follow our other�safety tips, too.

Outdoor Displays

Two outdoor fossil displays along the public loop road are accessible year-round, road conditions permitting.

Display house #1 contains the nearly complete skeleton of a “duck-billed”dinosaur. These bones are “in-situ”, still partially encased in the sediment that buried them 75 million years ago.
Display house #2 contains a re-creation of a palaeontological quarry or dig-site. This site is modeled on the “Centrosaurus Bone-Bed”, an important quarry found in the park.

Drop by the�John Ware Cabin�and discover the legacy of Alberta’s most famous black cowboy.

Open weekend afternoons during July and August.
Artifacts and displays tell the story of John Ware and other local ranching families at the turn of the century.

Paddling the Red Deer River

Get a new perspective on Dinosaur Provincial Park while floating or paddling down the Red Deer River. With a little planning, you can experience this little-seen part of the badlands from your canoe or kayak.

The closest upstream access to the Red Deer River is at the Steveville campground. �It is located just off Highway 876, on the west edge of Dinosaur Provincial Park.
Following the river, it is 13 kilometres from Steveville to the Dinosaur Provincial Park�campground. This can take 2 � to 4 hours to paddle, depending on the water level and time of year.
While in Dinosaur Provincial Park, camping is ONLY allowed at the designated campground. If you are paddling and planning to camp on private land, ensure you have the landowner’s permission.
There are no canoe rentals at Dinosaur Provincial Park.
Heading downstream starting from the park campground, the first river access point is 35 km away. �This is�well past the park’s east boundary, where Highway 884 crosses the Red Deer River. It can take over 6 to 7 hours to paddle this stretch.
Download our map�of canoe access in the Red Deer River corridor north of Dinosaur Provincial Park.
Alberta Environment & Water has information on river flows and levels on Alberta’s River Basins.
Paddle Alberta provides information for paddlers.

Tips

Always tell someone where you’re going.
Wear a lifejacket and take all required safety equipment.
The boat launch in the day use area is recommended for hand-launch only. Boat trailers and vehicles may get stuck in the river sediment and silt.

Rules & Safety Tips

Camping

A camping permit is required for overnight camping in Dinosaur Provincial Park.
The permit holder is responsible for all actions of visitors and camping party members on the campsite.

Campfires

Campfires are permitted only in firepits provided.
Always make sure your fire is out before you leave.

Fishing

Fishing is permitted in the Red Deer River.
If you are an Alberta resident between the ages of 16 and 65, you must have an Alberta angling licence.� Non-residents must obtain an Alberta angling licence.
Check�Alberta Guide to Sportfishing Regulations for more info.

Fossils, Rocks, Plants & Deadfall

Do not cut, deface or remove any plant, fossil or rock.
Removal or disturbance any fossil material is prohibited under the Historic Resources Act.
Collecting or burning deadfall or cutting trees for firewood is NOT allowed in the park.

Hunting

Hunting is not allowed in Dinosaur Provincial Park.

Liquor

Liquor is allowed within your registered campsite only.
If you are found in possession of liquor in washrooms, roads, picnic or other public areas, you will be subject to prosecution under the Gaming and Liquor Act.

Motor Vehicles

Only vehicles licensed for highways may be operated on roadways within provincial parks.
Obey all speed limits and traffic signs.
Licensed off-highway vehicles (OHVs) such as all-terrain vehicles, trail bikes and snowmobiles are NOT allowed in Dinosaur Provincial Park.

Pets

Pets must be kept on a leash at all times.
Pets are not allowed�in public buildings.
Pets are not allowed at public programs or on public tours.

Wildlife

Do not feed or harass wildlife.
Do not approach wildlife. Always give animals the chance to move away from you.

Safety�Tips

Keep Your Cool

Daytime temperatures in July and August can reach 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees�Fahrenheit).
To protect against sunburn and heat exhaustion when hiking, bring:
- sunscreen (at least SPF 30)
- a wide-brimmed hat
- at least one litre of water per person
If you feel ill, seek immediate attention.

Best Foot Forward

During rainstorms, the park’s clay layers absorb a large amount of water and become extremely slippery.
If you notice signs of an approaching storm, you may want to cut your hike short to avoid slippery trails.
After a rainstorm,�wait a half to full day to allow rock surfaces to dry out.
Always wear sturdy closed-toe walking shoes (not sandals) while hiking.
Please stay on the trails. Dinosaur Provincial Park’s unique landscape is extremely susceptible to erosion.
Watch your step. �If you see a rattlesnake, black widow spider or scorpion, do not�touch or approach it. Give it room to move away from you.