Drumheller and Wayne Loop
Route Details: There is something about the badlands that attracts bikers. They just seem to fit together and whether you are out for the day or the entire weekend the Drumheller Valley has a T-Rex sized list of things to see and experience.
The highways between the Airdrie/Calgary area and the Drumheller Valley are less than exciting but in this case the destination is worth the journey. About an hour ride NE of Airdrie you will find the Bleriot Ferry and as you descend towards the crossing your first look at the huge valley the Red Deer River has cut through the flatlands of Central Alberta. A couple kilometers before the ferry there is a roadside turn off that leads to the Orkney Viewpoint which gives you a nice look at the expanse of the valley and a glimpse of Horsethief Canyon which is another great stop you will ride by on the opposite side of the river. After leaving the ferry turn right onto the Dinosaur Trail that will take you passed the Royal Tyrell Museum and eventually right into the heart of Drumheller. There is a lot to see in Drumheller and loads of places to stop for lunch or you may choose to head to the Last Chance Saloon in Wayne instead. No matter where you choose to stop for refreshments or food the side trip across all the bridges leading to Wayne is a must. Be sure to check if the Last Chance Saloon is open if that is your intended lunch destination since it is only open in the summer months and I have rode out there in the fall only to find it closed for the season. After getting your fill of the badlands (and dinosaurs) your return trip might include a different highway but unfortunately the same scenery and straight forward roads. If you are extending your stay overnight there are plenty of good camping options and a couple great bed and breakfasts in town.
If you haven’t put enough miles on and don’t mind some back tracking take Hwy 10/570 down to Dorothy. Along this stretch of road you can find many historic sites, beautiful landscape and spots to just pull off and take in the unique surroundings.
Highlights: Bleriot Ferry, Drumheller River Valley, Royal Tyrrell Museum, 11 Bridges
Local Businesses: Last Chance Saloon, The Tyrannosaurus Rest Bed and Breakfast
KM/Hours of Riding: 275 km, 3.5 hours riding
