Off the Beaten Path
Ghost Town Road Trip: Alberta’s Forgotten Settlements
A drive through southern Alberta reveals a string of ghost towns that echo the province’s early frontier days — and they’re more accessible than you think.
By Emma Martens | 2025-10-09 20:52
Tucked between the wheat fields and rail lines of southern Alberta lie remnants of a past that refuses to be forgotten. Ghost towns—once thriving settlements now abandoned or nearly so—dot the landscape like artifacts from another era. For adventurous travelers, these forgotten places offer eerie beauty and unexpected insights into Alberta’s pioneer roots.
One of the most accessible ghost towns is Rowley, located about two hours northeast of Calgary. Once a bustling hub for grain and rail transport, Rowley now features a dozen weathered buildings, including a schoolhouse, saloon, and grain elevator. Volunteers maintain the site, even hosting community pizza nights in the restored community hall.
Another haunting stop is Dorothy, nestled near the Red Deer River badlands. Though only a few structures remain—including a wooden church and a general store—the town’s desolate setting evokes a striking sense of solitude. Photographers and drone pilots often cite Dorothy as a favorite for moody, cinematic shots.
These sites are popular among history buffs and nostalgia seekers who crave a connection to a time before paved roads and strip malls. “It’s like walking through a living postcard,” says local explorer Chris Radford. “There’s beauty in decay and silence—it makes you think about how fast things change.”
Unlike traditional tourist spots, Alberta’s ghost towns are largely unregulated. Visitors are advised to tread carefully, respecting private property and taking nothing but photos. Many of the structures are fragile, with collapsing roofs and unstable floors that can pose real hazards.
Social media has played a role in reviving interest in these towns. Hashtags like #GhostTownAlberta and #PrairieRuins attract thousands of views, drawing attention from a new generation of urban explorers and road-trippers. However, this exposure also raises concerns about preservation and vandalism.
In response, some communities have begun organizing heritage initiatives. Former residents of Bankhead, a ghost town in Banff National Park, contributed to an interpretive trail with signs that tell the story of the coal-mining town’s rise and fall. The effort has turned a forgotten relic into an educational resource.
Traveling to these sites isn’t just about photography or thrill-seeking—it’s a window into Alberta’s cycles of boom and bust. From coal towns to agricultural depots, each ghost town holds clues to economic shifts, migration patterns, and the resilience of early settlers.
Whether you’re a weekend wanderer or a serious historian, Alberta’s ghost towns invite reflection. They may be quiet, but their silence speaks volumes. Just be sure to pack your camera—and your respect.