Haunted Alberta: Ghost Towns and Eerie Day Trips from Edmonton

Alberta’s full of abandoned buildings, dusty roads, and legends just spooky enough to get kids wide-eyed without giving them nightmares. October is the perfect time to take a family road trip to some of the province’s ghost towns and historic sites—places where the air feels just a bit colder, the wind whistles a little louder, and the stories practically write themselves.

Here are a few of the best destinations for a spooky-but-family-friendly outing, all within driving distance from Edmonton.

Rowley: Alberta’s Favourite Ghost Town (That’s Still Weirdly Alive)

Drive time from Edmonton: ~3.5 hours (a full-day or overnight trip)

This near-abandoned prairie town near Drumheller has a collection of restored historic buildings, an old grain elevator, and enough creaky floorboards to give your kids the chills. Once home to nearly 500 people, Rowley dropped to under 10 residents in the 1970s—but locals kept the spirit alive (pun intended).

Family-friendly highlights:

• Visit the ghost train station, old saloon, and jailhouse.
• Great place for kid-friendly ghost stories—like the tale of the Rowley Hotel, rumoured to still be “checked into” by a long-dead miner.
• Many buildings are open for self-guided exploration.

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Heads up:

• Rowley is always open for wandering, but events like Pizza Night (first Saturday of each month) wind down in the fall. Best to go earlier in October.
• Pack snacks or stop in nearby Drumheller—Rowley has no restaurants or shops.

Wayne: A One-Road Hamlet Full of History and Haunts

Drive time from Edmonton: ~3.5 hours

Tiny Wayne, Alberta sits tucked in a narrow valley near Drumheller and is famous for its 11-bridge road, winding through the badlands. At the heart of it all is the Rosedeer Hotel and Last Chance Saloon, both loaded with history and the occasional eerie vibe.

Why it’s fun:

• The Rosedeer Hotel is said to be haunted—guests have reported unexplained footsteps and flickering lights.
• Great photo ops with old mining relics and badlands scenery.
• Last Chance Saloon serves up hearty lunches and ghost stories with your fries.

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Kid-friendly tip: Stick to the restaurant and the bridges for younger kids. It’s more “Wild West” than scary.

Open?

• The Last Chance Saloon is open year-round, though hours get shorter in fall. Always check their Facebook page for up-to-date info before driving out.

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Haunted Hikes & Eerie Strolls Closer to Home

Victoria Settlement (near Smoky Lake)

Drive time: ~2 hours

This 1860s-era fur trading post is now a historic site with original buildings and interpretive signage. While the official season ends in early September, you can still walk the grounds. It’s quiet. Maybe too quiet.

Spooky story: Legend has it that the riverbanks near the site are haunted by a lonely settler who disappeared one winter—never found. On chilly days, people say they still see boot prints in the frost, leading nowhere.

Bonus: Pair this with a trip to Smoky Lake’s Pumpkin Fair if you’re visiting around early October.

Want More Chills? Try These Alberta Ghost Legends

The Ghost Bride of Banff Springs

In the grand Banff Springs Hotel — sometimes called “The Castle in the Rockies” — staff and guests have long whispered about a ghostly bride seen wandering the halls in her wedding dress. The story goes that many years ago, a young bride was descending the grand staircase on her wedding day when she tripped on the hem of her dress, fell, and died tragically before the ceremony.

Since then, there have been reports of an apparition — a veiled woman with a glowing dress — appearing on the stairs or dancing alone in the ballroom. Hotel staff say lights flicker and cold spots appear when she’s near.

Best part? The hotel leans into the legend with a tongue-in-cheek attitude. It’s spooky, but still kid-appropriate if your crew loves a good ghost story in a fancy setting.

Location: Banff Springs Hotel (open year-round)

The Phantom Bellman of Banff

Another Banff legend centers on a former hotel bellman named Sam McAuley. Sam worked at the Banff Springs for decades and was known for his exceptional service. After his passing in the 1970s, guests began reporting strange encounters — elevators that operated on their own, luggage mysteriously moved to the right room, or helpful advice given by a man who matched Sam’s description, then vanished.

Hotel staff affectionately refer to him as “Sam the Bellman,” and stories of his ghostly good deeds still circulate today.

Not scary — just… weirdly helpful.

Location: Banff Springs Hotel

The Lost Lemon Mine Curse

Out near Crowsnest Pass, a legend has haunted Alberta’s gold-hunting history for over 150 years. Two prospectors, Frank Lemon and a man known only as Blackjack, discovered a rich gold vein in the 1870s. After an argument in the wilderness, Lemon allegedly killed Blackjack with an axe and buried the body. When he returned later to claim the gold, he could never find the site again — and those who tried to search for it either died mysteriously or went mad.

Some say the mine is cursed. Others say it’s guarded by spirits of the murdered. A few diehards are still out there, quietly searching for it every year.

Location: Somewhere in the Crowsnest Pass area
Family note: This one’s more legend than haunt, but it’s great fuel for an in-car ghost story during a road trip down south.

Whether you’re chasing ghost stories, old buildings, or just an excuse to hit the road before winter, Alberta’s got plenty of eerie-but-awesome spots to explore. From half-forgotten towns to haunted hotels and whispered legends, there’s just enough chill in the air to make October feel a little magical — or maybe a little haunted. Either way, grab a thermos, pack some snacks, and see what stories you uncover along the way. Just… maybe leave a seat empty in the back, in case someone else decides to tag along.