No matter the time of year, exploring the many ghost towns around Alberta makes for a noteworthy adventure. From mining towns and mountain settlements to a spooky destination sitting at the bottom of a lake, this province is filled with historical hamlets from a time gone by. Here are 7 ghost towns and historical sites that you can visit in Alberta!
Bankhead
Located in Banff National Park, Bankhead, Alberta was established in 1905 and grew quickly. From trade shops, stores, a school, common facilities, and about a hundred private homes, Bankhead was thriving – until they closed the mines that employed much of the town. All that’s left now? Run down buildings and an interpretive trail, where you can walk through what once was.
Where: Bankhead Banff National Park Bankhead, Alberta
Frank
Unlike the others on this list, Frank, Alberta does not have old buildings or abandoned grocery stores that you can explore. Here, it’s actually what you can’t see that’s worth opening your eyes to. In 1903 Frank, which was located at the base of Turtle Mountain, was on its way to becoming a prosperous mining town – despite the Blackfoot and Ktunaxa people warning them to move the town out from underneath a landslide-prone zone. They didn’t listen and sadly, a rockslide sent thousands of boulders tumbling over most of the town.
Where: Frank, Alberta Directions here
Rowley
Rowley used to be a pretty lively place, unfortunately, as the times changed and the train into town became less travelled, Rowley met its end. By the 1970s it had been practically unpopulated, but since then, a handful of locals and the province of Alberta have restored many of the old abandoned buildings and even held pizza nights to raise money.
Where: Directions here
Minnewanka Landing
To get to this one, you’ll have to do a little more than start your engines. We hope you’ve got some scuba gear because right underneath the beautiful Lake Minnewanka, divers will find the untouched remains of the flooded, lake-side summer village, Minnewanka Landing. The town was taken under in 1941 after a newly built reservoir raised the surrounding water by 98 feet.
Where: Improvement District No. 9, AB
Mountain Park
Want to stretch your legs? You’ll have to walk a short way to this one. Located west of Edmonton, Mountain Park is yet another mining town that met its end. Now all that’s left is a cemetery and the overgrown remains of the mining town.
Where: Directions here
Wayne
Located less than 20 minutes from Drumheller, Wayne, Alberta used to be a bustling settlement with over 2,490 people, most of whom were miners and their families. Once the mine was closed, however, many residents had gone leaving just a few to tend its iconic bar the Rosedeer Saloon. This place is incredibly well-preserved and serves as a snapshot of the old west and a tell-all about what life was like in the prairies years ago.
Where: 555 Jewel Street. Rosedale Station, AB
Brazeau Collieries & Nordegg
Located on a heavily forested hillside just west of Rocky Mountain House, you’ll find the Brazeau Collieries Historic Mine Site. While you’ll have to take a guided tour to view this destination (as it’s deemed historically significant), this well-preserved location is truly something else.
Where: Directions here
So, there you have it guys. The 7 ghost towns in Alberta that we’d recommend you check out. Don’t forget to bring a camera and comfortable footwear
