The Orkney Viewpoint is a lookout over the Red Deer River valley in Kneehill County, reached from Highway 837 just west of Drumheller. Travel Alberta calls it a must-stop for anyone seeking an Instagram-worthy location, and it is easy to see why. The land falls away in front of you in folds of pale rock and grass, the river curves through the bottom of the valley, and a bench placed at the edge makes the perfect frame for a photograph or a quiet pause. It is one of the most accessible viewpoints in the badlands, with parking right beside it and nothing to climb, so it suits visitors who want a big view for very little effort. The viewpoint is a good place to understand the scale of the valley. From here you can see how the river has carved a deep trough through the prairie, how the layers of rock step down towards the water and how the flat farmland above gives no hint of the drop. Travel Alberta says free parking is provided and that washroom facilities were recently added, which makes it a practical stopping place on a long drive as well as a scenic one. It lists the site as suited to families with children and to adventure enthusiasts, and it is listed for spring, summer and fall, so expect it to be a warm-season stop. Unlike some of the other badlands sights, nothing here requires a ticket, a schedule or a booking, which makes it a good fallback when plans change.
What to do
Park, walk the short distance to the bench and take your time. This is a place to sit rather than to hike, and the best moments are often the quiet ones, with wind in the grass and a hawk circling over the river. Sunrise and sunset are the most dramatic, but the viewpoint is rewarding in any light. Bring a jacket, since it is exposed, and keep children and pets back from the edge.
Practical planning
Travel Alberta shows the viewpoint as a spring, summer and fall stop, so winter access may be limited or the road may be poor. Parking is free and washrooms have been added, but there are no shops, so carry water and snacks. Kneehill County looks after the site, and its website is the place to check for any closures.
The viewpoint is only minutes from the Bleriot Ferry, so if the ferry is running, the two combine neatly. If it is not, you can still reach the viewpoint by road from the Highway 837 side.
Fitting it in
Orkney is one of the quickest stops on the Dinosaur Trail loop. Allow twenty to thirty minutes, and more if you are photographing. Pair it with Horsethief Canyon and the Bleriot Ferry for a half day of river valley scenery, and add the Royal Tyrrell Museum if you want to turn it into a full day. It is also a good first stop for visitors arriving from the west, because it gives an introduction to the landscape before you reach the town.
If you are staying on Highway 9 or at one of the hotels near the Calgary side of town, it is only a short detour on your way in. A flask of coffee and a picnic make the stop feel like a destination in its own right, and the bench is generally free for anyone who wants to sit and watch the light move across the valley.
What to expect
The experience
A roadside lookout with a bench, free parking and washrooms, overlooking the river valley.
Best time
Sunrise or sunset in the warmer months, when the light is low and the colours are strongest.
How long
Twenty to forty minutes.
Tips
Bring a jacket, keep children back from the edge and combine it with the ferry and Horsethief Canyon.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Anyone who wants a big badlands view with almost no effort.
- Families
- Easy parking and washrooms make it an ideal quick stop, though children must stay back from the edge.
- Couples
- A quiet bench with a long view, ideal at golden hour.
- Pair with
- The Bleriot Ferry and Horsethief Canyon are only minutes away.
- Time needed
- Twenty to forty minutes.
Good questions
Where is Orkney Viewpoint?+
It is in Kneehill County, reached from Highway 837, just west of Drumheller, and only minutes from the Bleriot Ferry.
Does it cost anything?+
Travel Alberta lists free parking and does not mention an admission fee.
Are there washrooms?+
Travel Alberta says washroom facilities were recently added, but bring water and snacks, as there are no shops.
Is it open in winter?+
It is listed for spring, summer and fall, so winter access may be limited. Check with Kneehill County before you drive out.
How long do I need?+
Twenty to forty minutes is plenty, more if you are photographing at sunrise or sunset.
