Drumheller, Alberta – May 5, 2026 – Visiting the Canadian Badlands just got a whole lot easier. This morning, Travel Drumheller, the Town of Drumheller and Travel Alberta announced two new bus services launching this summer, creating a direct, convenient link between Calgary and one of Canada’s most iconic landscapes.
FlixBus, North America’s fastest-growing intercity bus service, will begin a direct service between Calgary and Drumheller on May 14, 2026, offering an affordable, car-free connection to downtown Drumheller and the Royal Tyrrell Museum.
Launching June 26, 2026, ValleyConnect will operate a free hop-on, hop-off shuttle connecting Drumheller to major attractions across the valley, including the Royal Tyrrell Museum, the Hoodoos, the Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site and the East Coulee School Museum.
The announcement was marked with a ribbon cutting ceremony in downtown Drumheller, where local residents and community members gathered to celebrate the launch and kick off the 2026 tourism season.
The Badlands attract more than half a million visitors annually and are projected to generate $786 million in visitor spending by 2035. Travel Alberta has designated the region a priority Tourism Development Zone, reflecting its significant growth potential and strategic importance to Alberta's visitor economy.
“Drumheller is one of Alberta’s most unforgettable destinations, and our new service makes getting there simple, affordable, and stress-free,” says Karina Frayter, head of communications for FlixBus. “With a direct connection from Calgary, more travelers can discover the Badlands and enjoy one of Canada’s most unique landscapes without needing a car. It’s another step in Flix’s mission to make travel easier and connect people to the places they want to experience most.”
“These new services are about more than getting visitors from one place to another,” says Lana Phillips, Valley Connect Project Manager, Travel Drumheller. “They help people experience more of the region, spend more time in our community and support the local businesses that make Drumheller so special.”
The ValleyConnect project is funded in part by the Government of Alberta’s Small Community Opportunity Program, accessed with support from the Town of Drumheller. Shuttle operations are made possible through contributions from the Drumheller & District Chamber of Commerce and Community Futures Big Country.
These new services are only the beginning for this promising tourism destination. To drive sustained growth in the area, Travel Alberta is investing in several new projects that will encourage overnight visitation in all seasons. New and exciting experiences coming soon to the Badlands include wellness-focused accommodations at Bridgeviews Glamping, year-round cabin stays with world-class views at Horseshoe Canyon Campground, and Bukwildz Distillery’s new immersive whisky aging experience in Trochu.
“The Canadian Badlands represent one of Alberta’s most promising tourism growth opportunities, already drawing more than half a million visitors each year” says David Goldstein, President and Chief Executive Officer of Travel Alberta. “Through our partnerships and investments in the future of this emerging destination, we’re driving real economic impact for communities throughout the valley.”
“Improving how people get to and around Drumheller strengthens both our community and our local economy. These services make it easier for residents to access jobs and services, while helping visitors experience more of what our valley has to offer," says Mayor Tony Miglecz, Town of Drumheller
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