This Alberta ghost town was once named among the ‘world’s most fascinating’

Spooky season is just around the corner and with clear sky above and leaves beneath our feet, It’s the perfect time to explore the many historical sites and ghost towns of Alberta and if Bankhead isn’t already on your list, it should be!

From foundations and saloons to Wild Rose Country’s very own Atlantis, there are some incredible places from Waterton to High Prairie, but this mysterious spot stands out as one of the most interesting.

In fact, CNN named it among their list of “The World’s Most Fascinating Abandoned Towns and Cities.”

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Located in Banff National Park, Bankhead was once a thriving town that grew quickly after its first mining shaft opened in the early 1900s.

With over 1,000 residents the bustline community opened shops, a hotel, and a school—but nothing lasts forever.

Sadly, after labour strikes shut the mine down in 1922, the town suffered greatly and many left it behind.

“In 1922, the Canadian Pacific Railway faced a heart-wrenching decision—the mines were to be closed, and the town dismantled,” explains nearby ski resort, Banff Sunshine Village. 

“Families bid farewell to their cherished homes, leaving Bankhead to transform into a virtual ghost town.”

Years later, all that’s left are the crumbling remains and an interpretive trail where you can walk through what once was.

From rusted vehicles to empty houses and sheds Bankhead is well worth the drive, so check it out—but please, be respectful!

It’s full of history and should remain that way.

Enjoy and happy learning!

Bankhead – Alberta ghost towns

Where: Bankhead Banff National Park Bankhead, Alberta