Badlands

A tour of the Badlands starts from Calgary city center on the TransCanada Highway 1, branching off after 30 km (19 mi.) on to Highway 9 to the north. Passing through rich, partly irrigated arable and pasture land with flat hills it arrives at Drumheller in the valley of the Red Deer River. Some 25 km (16 mi.) west of the town, in the deeply-slashed Horseshoe Canyon, can be seen for the first time the erosion forms so typical of this part of the Red Deer River and known as the "Badlands"; the complete lack of vegetation makes a lasting impression. It is wise to obtain brochures about the various tours on offer from the Tourist Information Office when arriving in the town.