Nestled in the Canadian Badlands, the town of Wayne is an Alberta gem. Located just 20 minutes from Drumheller, this exciting destination has a ton of character, but only 28 residents, despite its bustling history.

The Alberta Town of Wayne

With so few people to call it home, Wayne is now widely considered a “ghost town,” but don’t let that deter you from visiting in the warmer months. What remains is a restaurant and a hotel that is over 100 years old.

Originally built across the street from its mine, the Last Chance Saloon is currently closed for the winter but has an interesting past.

Opened in 1913, this business is known for its mouthwatering meats and out-of-town clientele, but it used to be flooded with local workers. In fact, Wayne used to have 3,000 people living in it, many of which visited these establishments and even caused trouble.

“As the population grew, the Rosedeer Coal Mining Company opened the Last Chance Saloon, to occupy patrons and served over 250 workers per day,” their website explains. 

Some of these workers would get into fights, inspiring the saloon’s old nickname — “Bucket of Blood.”

“There is no shortage of stories and artifacts to keep you coming back for more. Ask your server to see the bullet holes on the saloon wall!”

From black and white photos to old mining gear scattered throughout, this place is practically a museum – with plenty to see.

Want to check it out? You’ll have to wait until the spring, but it’s well worth the visit. Heck, why not stay the night?

Once you’ve enjoyed a few items on their menu, you can also check in to the Rosedeer Hotel which is attached to the saloon and has six themed rooms including the Titanic or golf.

It’s unlike anything else in the area.

You never know what you’ll see or who you’ll meet.

It’s truly something else.

The Last Chance Saloon – Wayne, Alberta 

Where: 555 Jewell St Drumheller, Alberta

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Cassandra Stefanic

Regional Editor, Prairies –Cassandra is a Calgary-based journalist with a deep appreciation for music, film, food, travelling, and storytelling. When she’s not chasing a story, writing, or editing, you’ll likely find her in the mountains, binge-watching a new series, at a speakeasy, cooking, or getting lost in a Taylor Swift re-record.

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