Dinosaur Provincial Park: UNESCO World Heritage Bus Tour
Skip the two-hour drive and let Parkbus deliver you straight to one of the most extraordinary landscapes on Earth. Dinosaur Provincial Park isn't just a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it's a time machine. The moment you descend into the valley, the rolling prairies give way to an otherworldly expanse of hoodoos, sculpted coulees, and eroded badlands that look more like Mars than Alberta.
This is where over 50 dinosaur species have been unearthed from 75-million-year-old rock, and where more than 150 complete skeletons now sit in museums around the world. Your Parkbus trip includes access to a guided bus tour deep into the protected Palaeontological Preserve, areas most visitors never see. You'll learn the stories of the explorers who first discovered this ancient graveyard, witness fossils still emerging from the earth, and yes, you'll get to touch the real thing. Whether you've got a budding paleontologist in tow or simply want a day surrounded by breathtaking, alien scenery, this is a trip you won't forget.
Pickup Locations
What's included with my Parkbus ticket? Your Parkbus ticket covers round-trip transportation from Calgary to Dinosaur Provincial Park. The guided Explorer's Bus Tour into the Palaeontological Preserve is included, giving you access to restricted areas where the most significant fossils have been discovered.
Do I need any prior experience or special fitness level? Not at all. The Explorer's Bus Tour is designed for all ages and abilities—you'll travel by comfortable bus into the preserve with short stops to view fossils and scenery. If you'd prefer more adventure, the park also offers hiking options you can explore on your own during free time.
Can I bring my kids? Absolutely—this trip is perfect for families. Children of all ages are welcome on the guided tour (infants included), though kids under 14 must be accompanied by a paying adult. Fair warning: your dinosaur-obsessed child may never want to leave.
What should I wear and bring? Closed-toe, sturdy walking shoes are required (no sandals, flip-flops, or Crocs). The badlands can be hot and exposed, so bring a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water. There's no shade out there, so dress for the weather and prepare to be impressed.
Will I actually see real fossils? Yes! The guided tour takes you to areas where fossils are still eroding out of the ground. You'll have the chance to see—and touch—real dinosaur bones discovered in the field. To protect the sites, digging isn't permitted, but the experience of standing where a Centrosaurus or Hadrosaur once roamed is unforgettable.
Is this trip wheelchair or stroller accessible? Unfortunately, the guided bus tour isn't suitable for wheelchairs or strollers due to the terrain. However, the Visitor Centre and some paved areas of the park are accessible.
What if the weather turns bad?T he park may cancel guided tours during extreme weather, including heavy rain or excessive heat. If conditions are questionable, check with Parkbus or the park before departure. We recommend checking the forecast and dressing in layers.
Is there food available at the park? The Cretaceous Café operates seasonally (May to mid-October) and offers snacks and light meals. Outside that window, pack your own lunch and snacks. The Visitor Centre also has a gift shop if you want to bring home a souvenir.
What else can I do at the park besides the guided tour? Plenty! The park has five self-guided hiking trails, outdoor fossil displays along the scenic loop road, and a Visitor Centre with interactive exhibits and a theatre. You can scramble on hoodoos, explore coulees, and photograph some of the most dramatic scenery in Canada.
How long is the bus ride from Calgary? The drive is approximately two hours each way. Sit back, relax, and watch the prairies transform into one of the most spectacular badlands landscapes in North America.
