Experience the excitement of fossil prospecting while hiking through the park's spectacular terrain in search of dinosaur bones and other fossil remains. Prospect for fossils just like the professionals, learning where to look and what to look for as you explore the breath-taking Alberta badlands.  Each excursion is guided by an experienced park staff and explores a different area of the park.  Although you will discover fossils, no digging is involved and all material will be left in the park. Please visit our Online Tour Booking Site to see the actual schedule (dates and times) and to book your seats ahead of your visit. 

• Lunch is provided during this 6.5 hour program.
• This program is rated as "difficult" with hiking approx. 5-8 kilometers over rough terrain. 
• The Fossil Prospecting Program is not wheelchair accessible. 
• This program is available for those 14 years and older.  Participants 14-17 years old must be accompanied by a paying adult.
• There is a maximum capacity of 8 participants per day on this program.
• For your comfort and safety, please bring at least 2 litres of water, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and insect repellent. Sturdy hiking boots are required. Breathable long pants and long sleeved shirt are recommended.
• The program starts at the Visitor Centre.  Participants then travel by park vehicle into various backcountry locations to begin the hike.
• Pick up your tickets at the Information Desk in the Visitor Centre about 30 minutes prior to the scheduled start time.
• During the fall the Visitor Centre may not be open before your start time on this program so you can meet the park guide outside the front of the Visitor Centre about 10 minutes before departure.
• All tours leave on time. Late arrivals will not be refunded.
  
• Parking is at the concession parking lot, just down from the Visitor Centre (2 minute walk).
• No smoking is allowed on tours, including on and off the park bus.
• No dogs or other pets allowed on tour programs.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to participate in a fully authentic dinosaur dig. With an experienced palaeontological technician as your guide, you'll learn the techniques of excavating dinosaurs.  You'll work in a team to uncover fossils never before seen by human eyes. The experience includes an orientation to the park and the research project, working in a real quarry, and hiking and prospecting for new fossil finds. Your work will contribute to research going on by the Royal Tyrrell Museum at the park.  Watch a video about the Guided Excavation.

This Guided Excavation includes

• 2 days participation in a real palaeontological excavation
• Lunch and supper on Day 1, and breakfast and lunch on Day 2
• Accommodations for up to 3 nights on-site in private furnished rooms. Bathrooms, kitchen (fridge, stove, microwave, dishes) and laundry facilities are shared among participants. Bed linens and towels are provided.

Notes

• The rating for this program is "difficult." Come prepared for sitting or kneeling on the ground, working with tools under the hot sun, and hiking in slippery conditions.  This program is not wheelchair accessible. 
• This program is available for those 14 years and older.  Participants ages 14-17 must be accompanied by a paying adult.  There is a limit of 2 youth per adult.
• There is a maximum capacity of 6 participants in this program.
• Reservations can be made up until one week before the scheduled program.
• No smoking is allowed on tours, including the park bus and research accommodation.

The Great Badlands Hike is a half-day trek (4 hours) into some of the most beautiful and rugged parts of the park. This program is especially for the adventurous as you hike over steep slopes and through deep coulees. You will discover how fossil hunters tackle "les mauvaises terres à traverser" in their search for dinosaur bones.  Please read information below but book ahead by visiting our Online Tour Booking Site.

• The hike is rated as "difficult" - over 6 kilometers through rugged badlands, often in extreme heat.
• Participants must be at least 10 years old.  Children 10-14 must be accompanied by a paying adult. Prices are $35/Adult and $20/Youth.
• There is a maximum of 17 participants on this hike.
  
• For your safety and comfort, please bring water, a hat, sunscreen and insect repellent.
• We also recommend wearing long light-weight pants and long sleeved shirt.
• Footwear requirement: Participants must wear sturdy closed toe and heel footwear.
  
• No pets are allowed on any tour programs or in the Visitor Centre. Pets are allowed in the park and campground but need to be on a leash and under the control of their owners at all times.
• No smoking is allowed on tours, including on and off the park bus.
• This program is not wheelchair accessible.

Join our park guide on a day long prospecting hike and a day long guided excavation. Two days in the backcountry of Dinosaur Provincial Park UNESCO World Heritage Site looking for and digging out dinosaurs! This program is for adults and youth ages 14 years and up. You will stay in our research trailer accommodations at the park for 2 to 3 nights and most meals are provided. 

• Please check details of what is provided and dates available at our online booking site 
• Youth ages 14 years and up must be accompanied by a paying adult/guardian. For the safety and enjoyment of all participants, we strictly adhere to the age restrictions on all of our tour programs.
• Rating is difficult with rugged terrain and hot sun (no shade in the badlands) for the hike and for the excavation.
• Footwear Restriction: Participants must wear appropriate closed toe and heel footwear such as hiking shoes or boots. 
• Please bring sunscreen, insect repellent, a hat, and extra water and snacks.
• We recommend you bring long sleeved shirt and lightweight long pants to protect against sun and insects. 
• Maximum capacity is 6 participants. 
• Reservations are available up to 1 week before the scheduled start of the program.
• Refunds will be provided in the case of rainy or wet backcountry that is inaccessible. 

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to participate in a fully authentic dinosaur dig. With an experienced palaeontological technician as your guide, you'll learn the techniques of excavating dinosaurs.  You'll work in a team to uncover fossils never before seen by human eyes. The experience includes an orientation to the park and the research project, working in a real quarry, and hiking and prospecting for new fossil finds. Your work will contribute to research going on by the Royal Tyrrell Museum at the park.  Watch a video about the Guided Excavation.

This Guided Excavation includes

• 3 days participation in a real palaeontological excavation
• Lunch and supper on Day 1, all meals on Day 2, and breakfast and lunch on Day 3
• Accommodations for up to 4 nights on-site in private furnished rooms. Bathrooms, kitchen (fridge, stove, microwave, dishes) and laundry facilities are shared among participants. Bed linens and towels are provided.

Notes

• The rating for this program is "difficult." Come prepared for sitting or kneeling on the ground, working with tools under the hot sun, and hiking in slippery conditions.  This program is not wheelchair accessible. 
• This program is available for those 14 years and older.  Participants ages 14-17 must be accompanied by a paying adult.  There is a limit of 2 youth per adult.
• There is a maximum capacity of 6 participants in this program.
• Reservations can be made up until one week before the scheduled program.
• No smoking is allowed on tours, including the park bus and research accommodation.