While the earth is home to a wealth of fascinating flora and fauna, few animals have captivated the minds of humanity as deeply as the non-avian dinosaurs. Extinct long before Homo sapiens first set foot on the planet, these fearsome beasts dominated the globe until the late Cretaceous era, with species ranging from the Triceratops horridus to the world-famous Tyrannosaurus rex. And while these iconic animals no longer walk this earth, their legacies live on, particularly in the province of Alberta, Canada.
Unearthing Prehistoric Marvels
One of the world’s most dazzling dinosaur tourism destinations can be found in the small Canadian community of Drumheller, located roughly 90 minutes northeast of Calgary. With a population of just under 8,000 residents, Drumheller attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists each year who are captivated by the area’s deep affinity for the prehistoric world. The town is adorned with colorful dinosaur statues, but the true highlight is the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology, established in 1985. This magnificent institution houses over 160,000 fossils and features remarkable displays, including towering T-Rex skeletons and the exceptionally well-preserved Borealopelta markmitchelli, a dinosaur specimen that offers a glimpse into the creature’s reddish skin tone.
Exploring the Ancient Life of Canada
The Royal Tyrrell Museum not only showcases dinosaurs, but also other magnificent creatures from various prehistoric eras. From Permian-era synapsids to massive mastodons, the museum takes visitors on a journey through millions of years of ancient life. One particular exhibit highlights the biodiversity of ancient Canada, featuring sculptures of Cambrian Explosion-era organisms found in British Columbia’s Yoho National Park. This display demonstrates the incredible wealth of fossilized ancient life in Canada’s Burgess Shale, which dates back more than 500 million years. The Burgess Shale is famous for its well-preserved soft invertebrates, providing a glimpse into the marine ecosystems that once thrived in this area.
Modern Delights in Drumheller
While visiting Drumheller, it’s also worth exploring the stunning contemporary landscapes of Alberta. Bikes and Bites, a local tour company, offers various e-bike tours that take visitors on a journey through the province’s iconic dinosaur statues and breathtaking badlands. After a day of exploration, Valley Brewing awaits to quench your thirst with a diverse array of beers. Additionally, Bernie & The Boys offers a cozy vintage diner experience, while Last Chance Saloon provides a glimpse into Alberta’s early-1900s coal mining industry, complete with live music and delicious comfort food.
More Dinosaur Wonders
Drumheller is not the only dinosaur tourism destination in Alberta. A short 90-minute drive from Drumheller brings visitors to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Dinosaur Provincial Park. This vast preserve is a treasure trove of fossilized remains, enticing visitors to witness the remnants of hadrosaurs and ankylosaurs. While exploring the park’s dazzling badlands, guests may also encounter modern wildlife species, such as prairie rattlesnakes and woodpeckers.
Alberta offers much more than just its famous mountain views. With its rich dinosaur heritage and ancient wonders, the province provides a unique and awe-inspiring experience for visitors, both young and old.
Často kladené otázky
1. Kde se nachází Drumheller?
Drumheller se nachází v provincii Alberta v Kanadě, asi 90 minut severovýchodně od Calgary.
2. Jakou atrakci najdu v Drumhelleru?
V Drumhelleru se nachází Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology, které má ve své sbírce více než 160 000 fosilií, včetně vysokých kosterních replik Tyranosaura Rexe.
3. Jaké důležité erby zvířat lze vidět v muzeu?
Kromě dinosaurů lze v muzeu vidět i jiná prehistorická zvířata, jako jsou mastodoni a organismy z doby kambrium.
4. Co je Burgess Shale?
Burgess Shale je oblast v Kanadě, známá pro své dobře zachované zkameněliny měkkých bezobratlých z doby před více než 500 miliony let.
5. Co mohu dělat v Drumhelleru?
V Drumhelleru můžete objevovat krásné krajinu provincie Alberta, projet se na kolech s elektrickým pohonem, ochutnat různé druhy piva a navštívit historickou restauraci Last Chance Saloon.
Definice klíčových pojmů
– Dinosaury: Vymřelé skupiny obratlovců, kteří žili na Zemi po dobu více než 160 milionů let. Byli přítomni v obdobímezi před 230 až 65 miliony let.
– Fosilie: Zkamenělé pozůstatky živých organismů nebo stopy po živých organismech, které slouží jako důkazy o minulých životech na Zemi.
– Paläontologie: Věda zabývající se studiem zkamenělých pozůstatků rostlin a živočichů z minulých geologických období.
– Křída: Geologické období, které trvalo přibližně od před 145,5 do 65,5 milionu let před naším letopočtem.
Doporučené odkazy
– Dinosaur Provincial Park
– Dinosaur Provincial Park na Travel Alberta
– Travel Drumheller