After our quiet stop in Meeting Creek—a rail town steeped in prairie history—we continued our Alberta road trip in search of interesting stories and memorable meals. Our next stop brought us to Wayne, Alberta, and the legendary Last Chance Saloon.

Getting to Wayne Is Half the Fun

On our way to Ballet in the Badlands, we decided to visit Wayne, Alberta—a near-ghost town known for its colorful past and the iconic Last Chance Saloon, built in 1913 alongside the historic Rosedeer Hotel. This family-owned establishment preserves the rich coal mining history of the hamlet. Originally constructed by the Rosedeer Coal Mining Company, the saloon’s ownership famously changed hands when it was won by a family in a card game!

The name Last Chance Saloon comes from the fact that it was literally the final opportunity to grab a meal and a drink before venturing into more remote and rugged territory. I found these frontier-era stories fascinating!

To reach Wayne, we crossed a series of single-lane wooden bridges, each adding charm (and a slight thrill) to the journey. Signs before each bridge remind drivers to use courtesy when navigating the narrow crossings.

Smoked Brisket on the Patio

We arrived just after the lunch rush, hoping to sneak in a late lunch / early dinner before the ballet. The saloon is famous not just for its history as a rough and roustabout hangout for working miners, but also for its smokehouse menu, and it didn’t disappoint. I ordered the brisket salad, which was smoked to perfection, and paired it with a Singapore Sling from the saloon as a refreshing afternoon delight. The prices were fair, the food was satisfying, and live folk music inside the restaurant rounded out the whole experience.

A Few Practical Tips

If it’s a busy day during tourist season, prepare for a bit of a walk from available parking to the saloon. When we arrived, vehicles were parked along either side of the roadway.

We didn’t have to wait too long for a table on the patio even though the restaurant was busy the day we arrived. While we waited for a seat, we browsed the gift shop where many items are handcrafted, sampled some house-made hot sauces—a fun bonus, and enjoyed the antiques and flowers on the premises. Of course, the forager in me couldn’t help but notice the wormwood growing in the parking lot was as tall as I am!

There was a long line-up for the single stall indoor washroom, but with a bit of resourceful, creative thinking (and a short walk), a row of clean and well maintained outhouses saved the day. I am not one to wait around if another option is available.

The Rosedeer Hotel

After our meal, we signed the guest book located beside the till, and then wandered over to the Rosedeer Hotel lobby next door. The hotel is known for its ghost stories and vintage charm. Only registered guests can head upstairs to see the rooms, but we were able to look around the lobby, which housed some antique and historic artifacts. Though we didn’t see any ghosts, the creaky floorboards and storied walls made it easy to imagine the stories of the past lingering in the shadows.

Next Up

We traded brisket, and stories of bar brawls and ghosts for ballet slippers in the badlands. Stay tuned for our unforgettable evening at the Alberta Ballet’s outdoor performance of Don Quixote Act III in Drumheller.

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Be well!