East Coulee Attractions
When coal-mining flourished and there were 34 mines in the valley, East Coulee was a lively little town with a population of 4000. Today only some 200 still living here. The schoolhouse built in 1930 today houses a School Museum.
The return trip to Drumheller can be either along Highway 10 or roads 569 and 56.
Continue along Highway 56 to the north initially, and then on Highway 9 eastwards towards Hanna. After some 50 km (30 mi.) the Handhills rise out of the prairie to heights approaching 185 m (607 ft); these are some of the highest points between the Rockies and the east coast.
The return trip to Drumheller can be either along Highway 10 or roads 569 and 56.
Continue along Highway 56 to the north initially, and then on Highway 9 eastwards towards Hanna. After some 50 km (30 mi.) the Handhills rise out of the prairie to heights approaching 185 m (607 ft); these are some of the highest points between the Rockies and the east coast.
Hoodoos
The actual Hoodoo region, west of East Coulee, is 18 km (11 mi.) further on from the town. Most of these bizarre rock-columns, so typical of the Red Deer River Badlands, are topped with a "bonnet" of hard rock which protects them from erosion.
Some of the hoodoos seem to defy gravity or appear top heavy, making for an unusual sight.
Some of the hoodoos seem to defy gravity or appear top heavy, making for an unusual sight.
