Atlas Coal Mine

Before the Drumheller region became famous for its dinosaurs, it was known for its coal mines. There have been 139 throughout the valley’s history and Atlas Coal Mine is the last one standing.

The Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site preserves the underground and surface workings from Atlas No. 3 and 4 which was active from 1936-1984. Upon closing, the mine was quickly converted to an historic site and reopened to the public in 1987. The mine’s most prominent feature is the last wooden tipple (see picture above) in Canada. These massive timber structures were commonplace across western Canada during the coal era.

Located just southeast of East Coulee, Atlas Coal Mine is a twenty minute drive from Drumheller and half an hour from Royal Tyrrell Museum. This makes the two of them a natural pairing for a road trip. Check out the dinosaur skeletons and then check out what happened to their meat! I’m kidding.

You are free to tour around the surface structures with admission. There are plenty of industrial relics to see and buildings to explore. Guided tours are available for additional fees, including one that takes you into the underground and upper site workings. It’s a difficult one and has age restrictions. The antique train ride will make up for it with the little ones.

For those that live closer to Atlas Coal Mine, or the adventurous, they offer night time tours in October. These aren’t haunted house type tours, but they do delve into the darker side of Drumheller Valley history in a fittingly eerie atmosphere. At Christmas, things brighten up with coloured lights, music, trains rides, seasonal treats, and the big man in red himself. Check it all out!