The Canadian Badlands Passion Play is a large-scale outdoor production of the life of Christ, presented as a story of faith, hope and love, and it has been a fixture of the Drumheller summer for decades. It takes place at the Badlands Amphitheatre, a natural bowl in the hills outside town, and the organisers describe the stage as the largest outdoor stage in Canada, with more than six acres of playing space that includes the tops of the surrounding hills. The cast is large, the scenery is the landscape itself, and scenes unfold across the slopes, which gives the story a scale that a theatre could not match. The play runs on weekends in July. A typical weekend has Friday and Saturday evening shows and a Sunday afternoon matinee, and some seasons add a Friday preview. Running time is about two and a quarter hours plus a twenty-minute intermission, and doors open an hour before the show, so plan on most of an evening. Seating is in two levels, the Lower Bowl and the Upper Bowl, and the production goes ahead in all weather unless safety requires a pause or cancellation. Whether or not you are religious, it is an impressive piece of community theatre, and the setting, with the sun sinking behind the badlands, is unforgettable.
What to expect
A traditional telling of the Gospel story, performed by a large cast and crew. The production values are high, with music, costumes and sets built into the hillside. It is a serious, reverent piece, and the organisers note that some scenes may be disturbing for young children and that children under six are not permitted. Photography and phone use during the show are prohibited, so put the phone away and enjoy the performance.
Practical planning
Tickets are sold online, by phone on 403-823-2001 or at the box office, and payment is due at booking. Tickets are non-refundable, and a ticket fee applies, so confirm the total when you book. Groups of ten or more may be eligible for discounts if they book by phone or in person. Parking is charged, with a lower rate in advance than at the gate.
Accessible seating must be arranged by calling the box office, as it cannot be bought online. July evenings can turn cool once the sun sets, and the amphitheatre is outdoors, so bring layers, a rain jacket and a cushion for the bench seating, and wear comfortable shoes for the walk from the car park.
Fitting it in
Because the play runs only in July, it needs to be planned around, and accommodation in Drumheller tends to fill early on show weekends, so book your hotel at the same time as your tickets. Spend the day at the Royal Tyrrell Museum, the Hoodoos or Horseshoe Canyon, have an early dinner and arrive when doors open. If your trip is outside July, the Badlands Amphitheatre is not the place to visit on its own, but the other evening and heritage sights in this guide, from the Last Chance Saloon to the Rosedale bridge, make good alternatives.
Travellers who come for the play often turn it into a long weekend, with a day on the Dinosaur Trail, a day in the museums and an evening at the amphitheatre, and that rhythm suits the valley well.
What to expect
The experience
A large-cast outdoor production of the life of Christ at the Badlands Amphitheatre, with seating in a Lower Bowl and an Upper Bowl.
Best time
A July weekend evening, with doors opening an hour before the show.
How long
About two and a quarter hours plus a twenty-minute intermission.
Tips
Book tickets and a hotel early, bring layers and a rain jacket, and arrange accessible seating by phone.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Visitors in July who enjoy large-scale theatre in a spectacular landscape.
- Families
- Children under six are not permitted, and some scenes may be disturbing for younger children.
- Couples
- A memorable evening as the sun sets over the badlands.
- Pair with
- A day at the Royal Tyrrell Museum or the Hoodoos before an early dinner.
- Time needed
- Allow a full evening, about three to four hours with arrival.
Good questions
When does the Passion Play run?+
It runs on weekends in July, usually with Friday and Saturday evening shows and a Sunday afternoon show.
How long is the show?+
About two and a quarter hours plus a twenty-minute intermission. Doors open an hour before the performance.
How do I buy tickets?+
Online, by phone on 403-823-2001 or at the box office. Payment is due at booking and tickets are non-refundable.
Is it suitable for children?+
Children under six are not permitted, and some scenes may be disturbing to younger children.
What happens if it rains?+
The show is held in all weather, though it may be paused or cancelled for safety reasons. Bring a rain jacket and layers.
