Got $925,000? You can buy a haunted hotel and saloon in an Alberta ghost town

It was once the set for the Jackie Chan movie Shanghai Noon and now you have a chance to own it.

The Last Chance Saloon and Rosedeer Hotel were built in 1913 in Wayne, Alta., now a ghost town about 150kilometres northeast of Calgary.

The historic hotel is one of the oldest remaining in the province, and the saloon is a frequent stop for thirsty tourists. The property hasendured the passage of time as a popular destination for those travelling through Alberta's badlands.

It's alsosaid to be haunted.

'Our inner soul desires mystery': Why the 'haunted' Last Chance Saloon has thrilled and chilled for years

6 years ago

Duration 1:57

Reports of hauntings at the Last Chance Saloon in Wayne, Alta., have drawn visitors for years

And for an asking price of $925,000, the building is now up for sale, but owner Dave Arsenault told the Calgary Eyeopener on Wednesday that he remains attached to it.

"I know there's a big responsibility here, just keeping up thehistoric value of the place going," Arsenault said.

"We're the last remaining building from the old glory days so it's really an important location in Drumheller."

Property remained as coal mining faded

In the early 1900s, the community of Wayne had 2,500 residents, whose work was primarily related to 12 active coal mines in the area.

The hotel and saloon were built in the "serene and beautiful" Rosebud River Valley about 108 years ago, under a different name, and nourished and housed miners through the boom years, Arsenault said.

Eventually, the coal miningindustry faded. But the property remained.

Arsenault became part of its history when he bought it eight years ago.

He put his own spin on the place fixing up the hotel rooms, decorating with historical memorabilia, and using the saloon as a venue to celebrate a passion for live music.

However, circumstances have changed for Arsenault, whosaid the property is no longer viable for him because of a divorce. And there are other factors, too.

"I am getting old, and we are quite busy," Arsenault said.

Musicians, mediums and paranormal groups

For now, it's still business as usual at the hotel, which is open under Alberta health guidelines during COVID-19.

Arsenault is saddened knowing he will eventually leave it behind but said it's a viable business and a huge draw for musicians and show-goers.

It's also a popular spot for paranormal groups and mediumson the hunt for a brush with the supernatural.

"There's still all kinds of energy here, and we feel it all the time,"Arsenault said.

"I've had my own experiences. Like pipe tobacco I smell that in our former billiard room every now and then, and there's no reason for that.

"And just things out of the corner of your eye, and afemale spirit is what I seem to see every now and again."

However, Arsenault isn't worried ghosts could deter a prospective buyer.

"To be honest, that's added value," he said. "People do come for that."

With files from the Calgary Eyeopener.