The Badlands are easily one of the most beautiful places in Wild Rose Country.
A crater hidden among the flat prairie landscape, the drive into Drumheller alone is an experience exclusive to Alberta that should not be missed by those visiting the province.
I can say without hesitation that simply going from the flat farmlands into a valley that looks otherworldly is well worth the money you’ll spend on gas.
This stunning reveal, however, is hardly all the area has to offer.
Wayne: a small ghost town with a big appetite
In addition to the dramatic hills, twists, turns, and hoodoos, there is also a charming townsite and world-famous Royal Tyrrell Museum. Beyond that, you’ll find Wayne — a “ghost town” unlike any other.
While I had heard about this unusual spot before, I had yet to experience it myself.
Described as a “haunted ghost town with a leather-clad fan club” by those in my inner circle, I was immediately interested but hung up on one thing: If it’s basically been abandoned, why do I keep hearing about it?
I took 11 bridges and a winding road to get answers, and as it turns out, it’s simple.
The way to anyone’s heart is through their stomach.
A diamond in the rough
While the town was once home to 2,490 people, a handful of the 35 left have worked tirelessly to keep its heart beating – its ticker being a 112-year-old saloon and hotel with really great food and a shady past.
Originally built in 1913 across the street from the busy mine that enticed workers from far and wide, the Last Chance Saloon and Rosedeer Hotel was where you’d go to decompress after a long day.
If you were to visit tomorrow, you’d probably see motorbikes lined up outside and memorabilia strung up on the walls inside, but back then, things would have been different.
If you look closely, you’ll see bullet holes left in the walls from the many bar fights the miners got into. You might even feel the eerie presence of one miner who never left the hotel, though that’s just a rumour, and we didn’t feel anything out of the ordinary.
While it’s incredibly pleasant now and has an extremely nice patio surrounded by trees and eclectic customers, the restaurant was once nicknamed the “bucket of blood,” and for good reason.
A destination meant to help residents decompress was also the stomping ground of over 250 people a day, and the scene of recurring chaos.
This, in our opinion, adds to the intrigue.
Tell someone an interesting story, then bring out some BBQed meat, and it’ll only be a matter of time until they come back with their friends or family members.
In our case, all it took was black and white photos and a hot dog served with bacon, cheese, and grilled onions.
It also didn’t hurt that there were old rusty vehicles, interesting interpretive signs, and a river nearby where you can walk off your meal.
Truly, Wayne is one of those places you have to experience yourself.
Is it haunted? We wouldn’t call the Scooby gang, but maybe we’re not on the right frequency.
What we can tell you is that the grub is great, the staff and other customers were super friendly, and the views are immaculate — just be aware of the cacti, because we slipped and fell butt first on a prickly patch and it was surprisingly painful.
Although the tiny town feels pretty empty and there are some dangerous plants, the Last Chance Saloon and Rosedeer Hotel are pretty lively, and we’ll definitely be back in the future.
It’s truly an Alberta gem — just watch your step and bring an appetite.
Where: 555 Jewell St., Drumheller, Alta.
Recent Posts:
There’s a beautiful soft-sand beach halfway between Alberta’s biggest cities
A ghost town lies under Banff’s largest lake, and you can take a cruise on it this spring
