A new free shuttle bus service called ValleyConnect will make it easier for visitors to explore Drumheller-area attractions this summer. The hop-on, hop-off service will operate Fridays and Saturdays from June 26 to Aug. 29, linking the town's downtown to popular tourist destinations.
Shuttle Routes and Schedule
The pilot project offers two loops: a western route to the Royal Tyrrell Museum and an eastern route to the Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site and the East Coulee School Museum. The shuttle will depart from the downtown plaza, which serves as the central hub.
Lana Phillips, Travel Drumheller's destination development manager, noted that transportation within the region has been a challenge. "We know there's a lot to offer," she said. "The easier we can make it for people to come, explore our attractions and stay at our businesses, the better it is for all of us."
Connecting with FlixBus
ValleyConnect is designed to integrate with FlixBus, which begins service between Calgary and Drumheller on May 15. FlixBus will drop passengers at the same downtown plaza, making transfers seamless. "They are structured to connect to each other to make it as easy as possible for people to explore," Phillips added.
Community Benefits
Drumheller Mayor Tony Miglecz highlighted the benefits for both visitors and locals. "It's a great two-way street here," he said. The shuttle not only aids tourism but also provides employment opportunities for youth at remote sites like the Atlas Coal Mine, which struggles to attract workers due to its location 20 minutes outside town.
The Royal Tyrrell Museum alone attracts about 500,000 visitors annually, but Phillips emphasized the importance of showcasing the entire valley. "We very intentionally do both the east and the west side of our valley to show people a broader perspective of what we have to offer," she said.
The downtown plaza was chosen as the base after community input, offering easy access to shops and restaurants. "It does get people right downtown, where they can enjoy our shops and restaurants," Phillips noted.
