The Bleriot Ferry carries vehicles across the Red Deer River on Highway 838, the road known as the North Dinosaur Trail, and it has been doing so for more than a century. Travel Drumheller says it was built by Andre Bleriot and commissioned in 1913, and that it has long served as both a transport link and a gathering place in the valley. It connects Kneehill County on the west bank with Starland County on the east, so crossing it takes you from one side of the river to the other without a detour through town. Cable ferries like this are now rare, and riding one is a small, slow, pleasantly old-fashioned experience that even adults treat as an attraction in its own right. The ferry is part of what makes the Dinosaur Trail a loop rather than an out-and-back drive. From Drumheller you can follow the river northwest towards the Royal Tyrrell Museum, cross at the ferry and return along the opposite bank, passing Horsethief Canyon and the Orkney Viewpoint on the way. The scenery from the deck is beautiful, with the river wide and green in summer and the pale badlands walls rising on either side. The crossing itself is brief, but it adds a feeling of travel to the day that a bridge would not, and photographers enjoy the framing of the cable, the water and the cliffs.
What to do
Drive on when the ferry arrives, stay in or beside your vehicle as the operator directs and enjoy the few minutes on the water. Have your camera ready, because the best views are from the deck and the approach roads. On the far side, continue to Horsethief Canyon or Orkney Viewpoint, both of which are only minutes away. If you are cycling the Dinosaur Trail, the ferry is also an easy way to turn the route into a loop.
Practical planning
The ferry is seasonal and closes in winter. Travel Drumheller does not give daily hours, capacity or fees on its page, and the ferry is run by the provincial government, so check the Alberta ferry schedule page or phone the number on the Travel Drumheller page before you plan the day around it. River levels, weather and maintenance can interrupt service, even in summer, so keep a flexible plan.
The approach roads are gravel in places and can be rough after rain, and there is no shop or cafe at the crossing, so bring water and snacks. In peak summer there may be a short wait, and the ferry only carries a limited number of vehicles at a time, so arriving mid-morning or later in the afternoon helps.
Fitting it in
The ferry is about a twenty-five minute drive northwest of downtown Drumheller. It works best as part of a longer loop that includes the Royal Tyrrell Museum, the Badlands Interpretive Trail and the Homestead Antique Museum on the near side of the river, and Horsethief Canyon and Orkney Viewpoint on the far side.
Allow half a day for the loop at an unhurried pace, and a full day if you want to stop at each viewpoint and linger over a picnic. If the ferry is not running, you can still reach the main sights by road, but the loop will be a longer out-and-back drive.
What to expect
The experience
A short crossing of the Red Deer River on a small cable ferry, as part of a scenic driving loop.
Best time
A dry day in the warmer months, mid-morning or late afternoon to avoid the busiest times.
How long
The crossing takes only minutes; allow half a day for the whole loop.
Tips
Check the Alberta ferry schedule before you go, bring water and snacks and keep a flexible plan in case of closures.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Drivers and photographers who enjoy a bit of old-fashioned travel on the way to the canyons.
- Families
- Children love the novelty of driving onto a ferry.
- Couples
- A romantic, scenic crossing that pairs well with a picnic at the viewpoints.
- Pair with
- Horsethief Canyon and Orkney Viewpoint are only minutes from the crossing.
- Time needed
- Fifteen to thirty minutes, or half a day for the loop.
Good questions
Is the Bleriot Ferry open in winter?+
No. It is seasonal and closes in winter. Check the Alberta ferry schedule for the current season before you plan a drive.
How much does it cost?+
The Travel Drumheller page does not list a fee. Confirm any charge on the Alberta ferry schedule page before you go.
Where is it?+
It crosses the Red Deer River on Highway 838, the North Dinosaur Trail, between Kneehill County and Starland County.
What can I see nearby?+
Horsethief Canyon and Orkney Viewpoint are both close, and the Royal Tyrrell Museum is on the same road.
Do I need to book?+
No. It runs as a road crossing, but check the schedule, because service can be paused for weather or river conditions.
