Alberta - From the Badlands to the Bonebed
An Epic Adventure Across 2,000+ km Of This Wild, Western Canadian Province
June 30 - July 12, 2026 (13 days/12 nights)
Spanning thirteen days and twelve nights, this journey through Alberta takes you from prairie grasslands and UNESCO-protected badlands to fossil-rich rivers and alpine mountain retreats. Along the way, you’ll dig at world-renowned bonebeds with leading paleontologists and go behind the scenes at Canada’s top museums.
Along the way, you’ll dig at world-renowned bonebeds with leading paleontologists and go behind the scenes at Canada’s top museums. You’ll also float rivers where fossils still erode from the cliffs and encounter both ancient and living landscapes—from cottontails and pronghorns on the plains to the soaring peaks of the Rockies. Woven throughout are moments of cultural connection, from Blackfoot Crossing to conversations with Alberta’s fossil hunters, and time to relax in mountain luxury after days of discovery. It’s a rare chance to experience Alberta in full colour—its prehistory, its wide skies, and its unforgettable sense of place.
Day 1 - Welcome To Calgary!
You’ll arrive in Calgary just as the city begins to buzz with the energy of Stampede season, when the streets come alive with music, parades, and western spirit. Settle into the stylish Hotel Arts, a downtown boutique hotel where modern design meets relaxed comfort. Take some time to unwind by the pool or refresh after your travels, then gather with your fellow travellers for welcome cocktails—a first chance to connect, share your excitement for the days ahead, and set the tone for the adventure to come. Airport transfers are included, ensuring a smooth and easy arrival.
Day 2 - An Introduction to the Badlands
It’s July 1st, which means it’s Canada Day! Our Canada Day adventure begins with a Fossil Brunch led by a celebrated local fossil hunter, a storyteller and guide whose passion for Alberta’s prehistoric past is infectious. Over a relaxed morning meal, you’ll hear tales of incredible discoveries and gain insight into how to read the badlands for signs of prehistoric life.
Afterwards, he’ll lead us to one of his favourite fossil hunting spots, a stretch of landscape that holds secrets millions of years old. Here, you’ll get your first hands-on experience of searching for fossils; learning what to look for, how to handle delicate finds, and feeling the thrill of uncovering tiny fragments of a distant world. We’ll end the day with dinner in a unique local setting before settling in for the night in Brooks, perfectly positioned for tomorrow’s exploration of Dinosaur Provincial Park.
Day 3 - A Trek Into Dinosaur Provincial Park - UNESCO World Heritage Site
Today we enter one of paleontology’s most extraordinary landscapes: Dinosaur Provincial Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where the badlands stretch in dramatic ridges and gullies, revealing layers of Earth’s distant past. Guided by the park’s expert team, you’ll venture behind the scenes to historic dig sites and lesser-known areas, seeing first-hand how fossils are discovered and preserved. As you carefully search the ground, the thrill of possibility is constant. Every fragment of bone or tooth is a direct connection to creatures that roamed this land millions of years ago.
Beyond the fossils, the park is alive with modern wildlife: cottontail rabbits dart across the path, mule deer browse the valleys, snakes slither among the rocks, and if you scan the sky, you might glimpse golden eagles, prairie falcons, or the brilliant flash of a mountain bluebird. In the cottonwood groves, warblers, woodpeckers, and waterfowl are easy to observe, and in total, more than 160 bird species call the park home. The combination of prehistoric and living worlds, paleontological insight, and sweeping vistas makes this a full day of discovery you’ll carry with you long after the dust settles.
Day 4 - Welcome to "The Dinosaur Capital of the World"
Drumheller is where paleontology and local character collide in a landscape both whimsical and awe-inspiring. In the heart of town, you’ll encounter Tyra, the giant T. rex towering over downtown streets. She’s a playful reminder of the giants that once roamed this region. Take your time to explore dinosaur-themed cafés and breweries, each infused with local charm and a nod to the area’s prehistoric heritage.
The day’s highlight is a visit to the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Paleontology, the very reason Drumheller is celebrated as “The Dinosaur Capital of the World” and widely regarded as one of the preeminent paleontology museums on Earth. With the crowds quieted in the evening, you’ll have space and time to explore the extraordinary fossil collections, marvel at mounted skeletons, and witness the meticulous care that brings these ancient creatures back to life. Between the kitsch and the science, Drumheller offers a unique window into Alberta’s prehistoric past, connecting the land, its discoveries, and the people who keep its stories alive.
Day 5 - Experience Blackfoot Crossing and Your Journey North Begins
As we prepare to head north, our journey begins with a visit to Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park, a place where history, culture, and landscape come together. Here, you’ll explore exhibits and hear stories that illuminate the deep connection between the Blackfoot people and the land they have called home for generations. You may even have the chance to sample traditional foods, gaining a tangible sense of local heritage.
Later, the journey continues to Alberta’s capital, Edmonton, passing rolling prairies and quiet rivers along the way. In the evening, you’ll gather for dinner with a leading paleontologist from the University of Alberta, who will share insights and context for the northern fossil-rich regions we’ll explore in the coming days. This day blends cultural connection with scientific discovery, offering a deeper understanding of the land, its people, and the prehistoric worlds hidden beneath it.
Day 6 - The Road to Northern Alberta
The morning begins with a visit to the University of Alberta’s Paleontology Museum, a hidden gem filled with remarkable specimens and fascinating stories. Here, you’ll get a closer look at Alberta’s prehistoric past and gain insight into the science that drives fossil discovery.
Afterward, we set out northward, leaving the open prairies behind as the landscape gradually transforms into the boreal forest, with its dense evergreens, sparkling rivers, and abundant wildlife. Keep your eyes open along the route for bear, moose, deer, and foxes as the scenery shifts from wide skies to forested horizons.
By late afternoon, we arrive in Grande Prairie and check into the Pomeroy, your home for the next four nights. With a pool to unwind in and comfortable accommodations, it’s the perfect place to rest and recharge, reflecting on the discoveries and experiences of the journey so far.
Day 7 - A Float Down Wapiti River
Today we trade solid ground for the gentle current of the Wapiti River, drifting past dramatic rock formations and towering riverbanks that hint at the region’s ancient geology.
Guided by experts from the Philip J. Currie Museum, you’ll learn about the fossils and formations that make this area a hotspot for paleontological discovery, while keeping an eye out for wildlife along the river’s edge; herons wading in shallows, deer pausing to drink, and birds flitting through riverside trees.
Every turn of the river offers a new perspective on the landscape, and you may even spot fragments of fossils slowly eroding from the cliffs, a tangible connection to creatures that roamed here millions of years ago. As you float, the interplay of water, rock, and sky creates a serene backdrop for reflection, photography, and the thrill of being immersed in Alberta’s prehistoric story.
Day 8 & 9 - Fossil Dig at the Pipestone Creek Bonebed
These two days are the heart of the expedition: an unparalleled opportunity to dig at the legendary Pipestone Creek Bonebed, one of the densest and most celebrated fossil sites in the world. This is the very place featured in the BBC’s rebooted Walking with Dinosaurs, where the layers of rock hold the remains of creatures that walked the Earth over 70 million years ago. Guided by Dr. Emily Bamforth and her expert team, you’ll step into the boots of a paleontologist, carefully uncovering Pachyrhinosaurus lakustai bones, raptor teeth, and even prehistoric plant fossils. Each discovery is meticulously documented and your finds are tagged for the museum, meaning your name becomes part of the ongoing story of science.
Here, every moment is a chance to step fully into the life of a paleontologist: brushing away sediment, uncovering hidden fragments, and learning the techniques that reveal creatures lost to time. It’s a place where the thrill of genuine discovery meets the awe of standing in a landscape sculpted over millions of years. It’s a rare opportunity to live out your paleontologist dreams and experience the excitement of unearthing the ancient past firsthand.
Day 10 - Behind the Scenes at the Philip J. Currie Museum
After two days of hands-on digging, today offers a rare glimpse into what happens after a fossil leaves the field. At the Philip J. Currie Museum, you’ll go behind the scenes into labs and collections normally closed to the public, seeing the meticulous work required to prepare, preserve, and study fossils. You might even handle the bones you helped uncover at Pipestone Creek, learning how scientists clean, stabilize, and reconstruct these ancient remains. From cataloging specimens to delicate preparation techniques, this day brings the scientific process to life, deepening your understanding of paleontology and letting you witness how raw discoveries are transformed into museum treasures. It’s a unique opportunity to connect fieldwork with research, bridging the excitement of discovery with the rigour of science.
Day 11 - Into the Canadian Rockies
After days spent exploring fossil-rich landscapes and uncovering ancient treasures, today brings a change of pace and a touch of well-earned luxury. We journey south into the Rocky Mountains, where towering peaks, alpine forests, and crisp mountain air create a stunning backdrop for relaxation. Upon arrival at the Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge, you can soak in the spa, take a leisurely hike through the surrounding trails, or simply unwind and let the mountains work their quiet magic. This is a day to reflect on your discoveries, savour the scenery, and recharge your energy for the adventures ahead, balancing the thrill of paleontology with the serene beauty of Alberta’s legendary mountain country.
Day 12 - Choose Your Own Mountain Adventure
Today is yours to craft your own mountain adventure. Choose to ride horseback through the foothills, explore deep caves tucked deep in the Rockies, or set out on a hike through trails that reveal sweeping vistas and alpine flora. For a more restful day, the lodge’s spa and serene surroundings offer the perfect opportunity to recharge.
In the evening, the group comes together for a farewell dinner, raising a toast to the fossils uncovered, the landscapes traversed, and the shared experiences that have made this journey unforgettable. It’s a final moment to celebrate the adventure, the discoveries, and the vibrant spirit of Alberta before the journey concludes.
Day 13 - Homeward Bound
After breakfast, we return to Calgary, marking the conclusion of nearly two weeks immersed in Alberta’s landscapes, wildlife, and prehistoric past. This final morning offers a chance to reflect on the journey from the prairies and badlands to boreal forests and soaring Rockies, from the thrill of unearthing fossils to the quiet beauty of mountain vistas. Airport transfers are provided, ensuring a smooth departure as you carry home memories of hands-on discovery, breathtaking scenery, and the rare experience of walking in the footsteps of both ancient creatures and the scientists who bring them back to life.
Why You'll Love This Expedition
- Hands-on fossil dig at world-renowned Pipestone Creek Bonebed
- Behind-the-scenes access to the Philip J. Currie Museum, seeing fossils and lab work rarely open to the public
- Birdwatching, wildlife spotting, and immersive exploration of Alberta’s diverse landscapes
- Cultural connections at Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park, learning about Indigenous history, stories, and traditions
- A mix of adventure and comfort, including river floats, horseback rides, hikes, and mountain lodge stays with spa access
- Small-group format for personalized attention, meaningful experiences, and camaraderie along the way
13-Day / 12-Night Expedition
USD $5,990
per person based on double-occupancy + 5% GST
Share options available for solo travellers upon request. Single-supplement +USD$1,990 +5% GST
What's Included
- All accommodations
- Meals as will be outlined in daily itinerary (daily breakfast, 4 lunches, 3 dinners)
- All excursions, transportation, and local guides
- All entry fees, taxes, and permits
- Transfer to/from airport
What's Not Included
- Airfare
- Beverages
- Optional activities at Kananaskis/Canmore
- Personal items such as laundry and souvenirs
- Personal Travel and Medical Evacuation Insurance
- Gratuities
Want to know more about this journey through Albert’a prehistory? Simply fill in the form below, and we’ll be in touch as soon as possible to answer any questions.