Dinosaur Provincial Park

Dinosaur Provincial Park, located in Calgary, Alberta in Canada was proclaimed as UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979 and situated in a valley called Red Deer River. It is famous due to its richness in dinosaur, fossil remains. There were forty five dinosaur species already discovered in this park and over 500 specimens were already transferred for exhibits in different museums across the world.

The park also has a diverse ecosystem including riverside cottonwoods, largest badlands, and prairie grasslands. You will also find coyotes, rabbits, mule deer, bull snake, prairie rattlesnake, red-sided garter snake and pronghorn. Among its bird species are Canada geese and Curlews, which are seen, only during the summer. During the later part of June, cactus, pincushion and prickly pear are in full bloom. There are also fresh water vertebrates like rays, sharks, gars, bowfins, paddlefish and teleosts. Amphibians like salamanders and frogs can also be found in the park as well as reptiles such as turtles, lizards and crocodiles.

The Dinosaur Provincial Park has a Visitor Center that shows exhibits of fossils and dinosaurs, in addition to the natural history, and geology of the park all year round. In addition, visitors can enjoy a video theater, gift shop, interactive plays and fossil prep laboratory area. As an addition to the park’s amenities, there will also be group camping available starting February 2012 made thru reservations. Campsites amenities include showers, washrooms and Laundromat.

For visitors who want to experience public programs, the best time to visit is during the summer within months of June, July and August.