Timber Valley Hot Tub and BBQ

Timber Valley is a private vacation home in Drumheller, close to downtown and next to the river. It has three bedrooms, two with king beds and one with a queen bed, two bathrooms with bathtubs and two living rooms, each with a queen sleeper sofa, so it can sleep a large family or a group of friends comfortably. Outside there is a fenced backyard with a large green space, a hot tub, a barbecue, a patio, outdoor dining furniture and a firepit. After a day of walking the hoodoos and museum floors, a hot tub under the prairie sky is a real treat. The kitchen is full size with a coffee station, a kettle and a toaster, and there is a dining table, an in-unit washer and dryer, an iron, hangers and laundry detergent. Entertainment includes large televisions with streaming services and a ping pong table, which keeps children busy on a wet afternoon. Air conditioning helps in the hot summers of the Alberta badlands, in-room Wi-Fi is included, and parking is on site. A small dog is allowed, with a limit of one and a weight cap.

Location and getting around. The home is only a couple of minutes on foot from Riverside Park, and the Badlands River Parks System is about a ten-minute walk. The Badlands Historical Centre is about fourteen minutes away on foot, and the World's Largest Dinosaur and the Drumheller Aquaplex are about nineteen. The Royal Tyrrell Museum, the Kaleidoscope Theatre and a local craft brewery are nearby, with the museum a short drive. A bistro is a few minutes by car, and fast food and a sandwich shop are within a short walk.

What to expect. This is a self-catering stay, with no front desk or daily housekeeping. Check-in begins in the afternoon and check-out is at ten in the morning. A damage waiver or a refundable deposit may be requested after booking, and a support line is available late into the evening. Read the house rules and the pet rules before you reserve.

Planning your stay. The valley is hot in summer and cold in winter, so pack accordingly. The Royal Tyrrell Museum, the Hoodoos and Horseshoe Canyon are the highlights, and the Dinosaur Trail loop makes an easy half day. Weekends and school holidays fill early, so reserve ahead, and note that Calgary is roughly an hour and a half away by road if you are arriving by air.

Who it suits. Families, multi-generational groups and friends traveling together will get the most from the space, the hot tub and the kitchen. Couples on a short stop, and travelers who want a pool, breakfast or a front desk, may prefer one of the hotels in this guide. Rates vary by season, so check when you book.