If you’re googling “Drumheller dinosaur museum hours,” you’re almost certainly looking for the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology. It’s the main (and best) dinosaur museum in town — Canada’s only museum devoted entirely to palaeontology, set right in the badlands about a 10-minute drive from downtown Drumheller.
Here’s the current schedule so you don’t show up to a locked door.
Current Opening Hours
| Season | Dates | Days | Hours | Last Ticket Time | No Entry After |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | May 15 – August 31 | Daily | 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. | 7:30 p.m. | 8:00 p.m. |
| Rest of the year | September 1 – May 14 | Tuesday–Sunday | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | 3:30 p.m. | 4:00 p.m. |
From September through mid-May the museum is closed on regular Mondays. It opens on holiday Mondays (for example, it will be open on Wednesday, November 11, 2026).
Holiday closures: December 21, 24, 25 and 28, 2026, plus January 1, 2027.
These hours come straight from the museum’s site. They occasionally tweak them for special events, so it’s still worth a quick check on tyrrellmuseum.com the day before you go.
Tickets, Last Entry and How Busy It Gets
You need a timed ticket. In summer the popular slots disappear fast, especially on weekends. In the shoulder seasons you can sometimes walk up, but timed tickets are still the safer move.
A few practical notes people run into:
- Children 6 and under are free but still need a ticket.
- Members and most discount-pass holders (CFOne, Canoo, Experience Alberta’s History Pass, etc.) must book online at full price first, then get the refund or free entry sorted at the door with their card and ID.
- If you miss your time slot, staff will try to fit you into the next available window, but it’s not guaranteed when it’s busy.
In summer the galleries are busiest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Arriving after 5 p.m. is the easiest way to have more space around the skeletons. Outside of peak season the place is noticeably quieter, which a lot of locals prefer.
Admission Prices (Tax Included)
- Adult: $25
- Senior (65+): $16
- Youth (7–17): $12
- Child (6 and under): Free
- Family (2 adults + their kids 7–17, max 8 people): $55
- Members: Free
How Long You’ll Actually Need
Most people spend 2–3 hours. If you like to read the panels, watch the preparation lab, and walk the short Badlands Interpretive Trail that starts right outside the building, give yourself closer to four hours. It’s not the kind of place you want to rush through in 45 minutes.
Location and Parking
The museum sits at 1500 North Dinosaur Trail (Highway 838) inside Midland Provincial Park, roughly 6 km northwest of town. Parking is free, with separate areas for cars, RVs and buses. The site is day-use only, so no overnight parking.
If you’re building a full day around Drumheller, pair the museum with the World’s Largest Dinosaur downtown and the Hoodoos. Our full guide to things to do in Drumheller covers the best order and how much time each stop actually takes.
Best Time to Visit
- July and August: Longest hours and every program running, but also the biggest crowds. Book tickets early.
- September and early October: Excellent compromise — milder weather, thinner crowds, and the badlands look especially good.
- Winter: Quiet and easy to park. The museum is still fully open (Tue–Sun); just dress for the short outdoor trail if you do it.
If you’re looking for other standout Alberta experiences that don’t feel overrun, the list of unique wildlife watching experiences and the hidden gems most tourists miss are worth a look while you’re planning.
Quick Tips Before You Go
- The cafeteria closes earlier than the museum in summer (around 7 p.m.), so don’t count on eating there if you’re on a late ticket.
- The outdoor trail is short and easy, but it can be windy and exposed.
- If you’re also visiting other Alberta museums, the hours and ticket rules at places like the Nanton Bomber Command Museum are quite different — worth checking each one separately.
FAQs
Is the Royal Tyrrell Museum open on Mondays?
Only on holiday Mondays between September 1 and May 14. The rest of the year (outside summer) it is closed on regular Mondays.
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
It’s strongly recommended, especially in summer. Walk-up tickets are available only if space remains, and lines can form outdoors on busy days. Timed tickets are the safest option year-round.
How long does a visit take?
Plan for at least 2–3 hours. Serious visitors or families who want to read everything and do the outdoor trail should budget closer to 4 hours.
Is parking free at the Drumheller dinosaur museum?
Yes. Parking is free for cars, RVs and buses. The site is day-use only, so overnight parking is not allowed.
What time is last entry?
In summer (May 15–August 31) the last ticket time is 7:30 p.m. and no entry is allowed after 8 p.m. The rest of the year last ticket time is 3:30 p.m. with no entry after 4 p.m.
Are kids under 6 free?
Yes, children 6 and under are free, but they still need a ticket for entry.
Is the museum open on Christmas or New Year’s?
No. It is closed December 21, 24, 25 and 28, 2026, and January 1, 2027.
That’s the practical version of the Drumheller dinosaur museum hours. The Royal Tyrrell is still one of the best palaeontology museums anywhere, and once you’re through the doors the skeletons do most of the talking.
