A Visit to the Land of Hoodoo, Canyons, and Dinosaur History

Looking for a spot for some mother-daughter private time, we chose Drumheller. The town was stunning, and I highly recommend it. It’s best visited in summer, but also at anytime of the year. Drumheller is about a 1.5-hour drive from Calgary and a 3.5-hour drive from Edmonton, depending on your starting point.

Drumheller Town

It is a charming town in Alberta’s Badlands, is a must-visit for history and nature enthusiasts. Known as the Dinosaur Capital of the World, it is home to the renowned Royal Tyrrell Museum, which houses one of the most extensive dinosaur fossil collections. Drumheller town is famous for its unique hoodoos, canyons, and scenic hills and valleys. It also offers a range of budget-friendly hotels.

As described, “the town’s striking landscape is shaped by ancient rivers, creating dramatic hoodoos—towering rock formations. Beyond its prehistoric allure, Drumheller offers scenic hiking trails, breathtaking views, and a warm, welcoming community.” It was a great experience visiting the town.

In life, if we don’t make time to do something outside of our routine, we may find life monotonous. We can’t solve all the problems in the world, so it’s important to take breaks and breathe. Setting aside moments for relaxation and appreciating the beauty of God’s creation is essential. If we continue to give without taking in both spiritually and physically, we will run dry with time. God made countless beautiful things for us to enjoy. In the Book of Genesis, God even planted a garden for Adam, reflecting how great, gracious, and thoughtful our God is.

*The Biggest Dinosaur Monument in the World*

Our two-day trip with our daughter was truly worth it. It was refreshing, enlightening, and challenging. Upon arriving in the town, we drove straight to the world’s largest dinosaur monument. It was magnificent. We paid just $5 each to enter, and being inside felt like Jonah in the belly of a whale. The view from the mouth of the dinosaur offered an amazing perspective of the town and its natural beauty.The biggest Dinosaur Monument in the World

The Hoodoos, Canyons, and Hiking Trails

Hoodoos are unique rock formations shaped by erosion, and the picturesque canyons add to the town’s appeal. These are in different areas within and around Drumheller.  Their concentrated area offers several hiking trails that let visitors explore these natural wonders up close. Climbing the stairs to the base of the hoodoos and back up was challenging but rewarding. The trails vary in difficulty, providing options for both casual walkers and experienced hikers. The stunning views of the Badlands make it worthwhile. As you endure the challenge of climbing up or down, the refreshing, soothing breeze perfectly counteracts your fatigue, bringing a sense of balance and rejuvenation.

Hiking time.

The musics of the birds, the goodly noises of the children,  the cool but energy sapient stairs were great

As God said, the earth is His and the fulness thereof. That earth will pass away, but God’s words will stand forever. Hoodoos, canyons, dried rivers, erosion, natural distaters, etc., are the reflection of this truth. Although some of their remains look gorgeous, the earth seems to be eroding away quietly.  More reason we must rest on God’s wisdom than the earth and its features.

*Rosedale Hill*

While searching for the suspension bridge in Rosedale, we took a wrong turn onto a loose gravel road. The hoodoos and farmland alongside the road were fascinating that we almost forgot ourselves until we realized that we were climbing a gradual steep hill. On getting to the peak, the view  was magnificent, with endless farmland on one side and a panoramic view on the other. The sound of birds, the breeze, and the quietness were astonishing. It made me think of the Mount of Transfiguration.

Knowing there were other places to visit, including the suspension bridge, we knew we had to leave this amazing site. Heading back, we realized the descent was far more difficult than the climb. I was genuinely scared; it was an extremely steep drive, requiring careful control of the break and speeds as low as 5 km/h. Thankfully, we made it to the bottom. I wouldn’t recommend this drive for inexperienced drivers or those afraid of heights.Hill, Hoodoo, Canyon Driving

*Suspension Bridge*

Another great attraction was the suspension bridge in Rosedale. It offers a thrilling experience and stunning views of the surrounding Badlands. Spanning the Red Deer River, this pedestrian bridge provides a unique perspective of the rugged landscape and is ideal for photography, and enjoying Drumheller’s natural beauty.

Lovers seem to visit the bridge often. We also noticed a number of padlocks fastened around the wired bridge. Padlock, apart from its generic usage, some people use it for different purposes, but it is only God who can shut, and no one can open or open,  and no one can shut. We just need to know that God.

*The Little Church*

We also visited the charming Little Church of Drumheller. Its historic landmark is known for its unique and picturesque setting. It was built in 1968. This small church features a distinctive design and offers a peaceful spot for reflection. Although it accommodates 10,000 people, it only allows 6 inside at a time. Its serene atmosphere makes it a popular destination for visitors seeking tranquility in Alberta’s Badlands. It might be the smallest church in the world.

*The Royal Tyrrell Museum*

The Royal Tyrrell Museum was breathtaking. It’s a vast museum that might be underestimated from the outside. The entrance fee was $20 each, and you can spend the entire day there and re-enter with the same ticket.

As we stepped into the museum, my mind naturally toggled between faith and science. I read the information accompanying each fossil with curiosity and skepticism. I love science and respect every discipline, especially when they are evidence-based. However, I also compared these findings with the written words of God to determine my own perspective. The museum’s fossils are fascinating, but they also led me to reflect on the intersection of faith and science.

As I read closely the information beside each display, one issue I had was with the accuracy of the data, such as claims that a fossil was a particular million years old. When I shared my doubts with my daughter, she said something that really touched me: “Mommy, you know that time is relative and that God is not limited by time. The Bible says that a thousand years is like a day before God.” Truly, we all know that life and time are mysteries and that there are still more to learn in life and about the Earth.

Coincidentally, after the visit, while I was doing my quiet time, I found some insight from the Book of Genesis. It was one of those days when  after reading a chapter of the Bible, you’re curious to know what happens in the next chapter. So, I found myself in Genesis chapter 5, which lists the ages of Adam’s descendants: Adam lived 930 years, and his son Seth, whom he had when he was 130, lived 912 years. Seth’s son, Enos, lived 905 years, while his son Cainan lived 910 years, and so on. As I wondered how these ages were recorded when writing and mathematics were primitive or nonexistent then, I reviewed the Life Application Bible Commentary and noted the following points:

“1. Hebrew passed on their beliefs through oral tradition

2. Genealogies (or sons) gave a skeletal outline that helped people remember the stories

3a. How did those people live so long? Some believe that the ages listed here were lengths of family dynasties rather than ages of individual men.

3b. Others think they were actually ages based…”

The conclusion is that God is not bound by either ancient or modern calculations. Like David Warren said, “The Almighty God is a priority.  All things were created through Him, by Him, and for Him. He is above time and outside of time. Space and time are His servants. The entire universe is held together by Him. Remove Christ, and the entire universe disintegrates”

The more scientists and geniuses discover new things and pass away, handing the baton to others to continue their work, the more discoveries are made. And, the more the wisdom and power of God in creation continue to outlive us all.

God’s revelational words say: “Canst thou by searching find out God? canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection?” Job 11:7Inside the museum, where the dead are more admired and popular than the living

Although the Alberta schools take their students to Drumheller for excursion, personal or family experiences are different. It is refreshing and enlightening at the same time.

The existence of dinosaurs is well-documented, with species named from around the world. According to the National Park Foundation, dinosaurs have been identified in over 12 countries, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, India, Mongolia, South Africa, Spain, the United Kingdom, including the United States and China, which have the most species.

Revelation 4:11 “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.”

Our Drumheller visit was truly enriching. We spent several hours hiking, driving up hills, down into valleys, and around the breathtaking hoodoos and canyons before retiring to our hotel room and finally headed back home.

Behold, these are but the outskirts of His ways, and how small a whisper do we hear of Him! But the thunder of His power who can understand?”

Job 26:14