ABOUT US

The Atlas Coal Mine Historical Society gratefully acknowledges our location within Treaty 7 territory: the traditional and present lands of the Siksikaitsitapi - Blackfoot Confederacy (Kainai, Piikani, and Siksika Nations), as well as Tsuut'ina Nation and Stoney Nakoda Nation. Our site is also located within the Métis Nation of Alberta Region 3. We respectfully acknowledge our recent settler presence on land with histories, actions, and people stretching back to time immemorial.

ATLAS COAL MINE HISTORICAL SOCIETY

The Atlas Coal Mine Historical Society (no. 50412366) operates the Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site (BN 13832 3043 RR0001), the last of the Drumheller Valley’s 139 mines.  The Atlas site encompasses underground and surface workings from the Atlas No. 3 and 4 coal mines, including residential buildings.  The site was active from 1936 -1984 and re-opened as a historic site in 1987.  We are provincially and nationally designated as a near-complete example of the type of mines common in Western Canada in the 20th century, with an emphasis on our exceptional surface works preservation.  We preserve the last wooden tipple (coal sorting structure) in Canada, the last of thousands in the country.

The Atlas is a locally operated, visitor-supported site, with no ongoing operational support from any level of government. Visitation has increased year-on-year and we now welcome more than 20,000 guests each year. These visitors include over 100 group tours, mostly from schools.  We offer a dynamic interpretive program, and special events.

Our Mission

We foster a sense of belonging by sharing the stories and experiences of the unique place that is Atlas Coal Mine – our story is part of Canada’s story.

Our Values

Sustainability • Authenticity • Stewardship • Curiosity • Growth

Our Board of Directors

Jessica Burylo • Simen Christoffersen • Bill Herman • Lisa Making • Cheryl McNeil • Warren Nicholls • Jim Ramsbottom • Joe Vickers

OUR STAFF

Dr. Sarah Newstead – Executive Director – snewstead@atlascoalmine.ab.ca

Jay Russell – Director of Curation and Operations – jrussell@atlascoalmine.ab.ca

William (Bill) Given – Director of Conservation and Maintenance – wgiven@atlascoalmine.ab.ca

Lisa Vakkers – Director of Visitor Services (Mat Leave Cover) – lvakkers@atlascoalmine.ab.ca

CONTACT US

Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site

Box 521, 110 Century Dr.
East Coulee, Alberta, Canada
T0J 1B0

Email: info@atlascoalmine.ab.ca
Phone: (403) 822-2220
Fax: (403) 822-2225

We’re located 20 minutes southeast of Drumheller, along Highway 10

Get Directions

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Unfortunately as a historic industrial site we have very limited wheelchair access. All the buildings have steps as access and the site itself is very uneven with steps in areas. The Machines: Miracle or Menace? tour has no barriers, but is conducted on slightly uneven ground (grass and compacted shale).
The Atlas Coal Mine is an authentic industrial site so sturdy walking shoes are HIGHLY recommended for your visit and required for the Underground Experience and Processing Plant tours. The site is very hot in the summer and so bringing water and sun screen is highly recommended. The water in our taps is not potable (not drinkable). We advise bringing your own. There can be bugs so bug spray is important too.
Yes! All visits need to be pre-booked via our website. Site admission and tours are available to book up to 14 days in advance.
Check our booking system for site admission and tour availability. The Atlas is generally less busy during the week. Tours can fill up fast on the weekends, so ensure you pre-book to avoid any disappointment.
Specific tour times are visible once you have selected your site admission in our booking system.
The Atlas Coal Mine is an industrial heritage site. We are the most complete coal mine left in Canada. Explore our amazing machine yard, peer into an array of interesting historical buildings, learn about coal mining history and experience the Badlands landscape at its best. Make sure you bring your camera; our site is one of the most photogenic historical sites in Canada! In addition to site admission, we also offer 4 different tours, taking visitors to parts of the site where a guide is required.
We have free parking. Our washrooms, available for paying guests, are fully cleaned and sanitized regularly for our visitors' safety and comfort.
No. Dogs and other pets are not permitted at the Atlas. Please leave your dogs at home! It is NOT SAFE to leave dogs/pets/children in your vehicle during the summer as temperatures can soar above 40 degrees (C) on our site. We call the RCMP for immediate assistance if we discover unattended dogs/pets/children in vehicles on our property.
Feel free to take photos for non-commercial use. Make sure you mind your step and be respectful of other visitors. Inquiries for commercial photography + media can be directed to info@atlascoalmine.ab.ca
No. Drones are strictly prohibited on site.
We can cater to a wide range of site use requests at the Atlas...all of which will come with a charge, depending on the project/event. We are happy to work with film crews, wedding planners and commercial photographers! All site use requests MUST be pre-arranged with management (in writing), up to several months in advance, depending on the scale of project and permissions needed. Site use inquiries can be directed to info@atlascoalmine.ab.ca

EXPLORE THE VALLEY

Travel Drumheller

Travel Drumheller logo

East Coulee School Museum

East Coulee School Museum logo

Homestead Museum

The Homestead Museum logo
Hoodoos in Drumheller
Rosedeer Hotel and Last Chance Saloon
East Coulee School Museum
The Homestead Antique Museum sign

THE ATLAS is a locally operated, visitor-supported site, with no operational support from any level of government.

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