Photographing Dorothy Alberta

No, Dorothy Alberta is not a person. It's a place. A place located along a highway in Special Area No. 2 east of Drumheller.

Its almost a ghost town, but not quite yet. Like the ghost town of Rowley there are still a few people hanging on to this little tumble weed of a hamlet.

However, Dorothy is a popular spot for rural exploration photographers. Its easy to get to and its fairly safe. And its along one of the most beautiful highways in Alberta. Well, if you are a prairie person you will love the drive.  


What's in Dorothy?

Okay, so what's there? Well, not much. But what is there is pretty beautiful. There is an old grain elevator that is slowly crumbling. The roof recently blew off, so perhaps the decay of this elevator will continue. But I hope not.

There are also a couple of churches that have recently been renovated on the inside and out. The first time I visited these churches, I have to tell you that there wasn't much left.

But the renovations have things looking up. I was recently in Dorothy to create a timelapse for a timelapse project I was working on for YouTube. You can watch it here. In fact, things are looking great!

There are also some other abandoned buildings, a general store and some forgotten cars. If you are thinking about getting into rural exploration or abandonment photography, then Dorothy is a great place to start.



How to get to Dorothy

Dorothy is easy to find. First, get yourself to Drumheller. And while you are there, then check out the dinosaur vibe. Then head east out of Drumheller on highway 56. Follow highway 56 east past Rosedale.

Be sure to continue east as the highway transition to highway 10. Highway 56 actually turns south shortly after Rosedale, but you keep following highway 10 and after that highway 570. If memory serves, it takes about a half hour.

Along the way you will pass the hoodoos and the Atlas Coal Mine. Both of these places are pretty cool to sop and check out.



More Information?

Check out more of my photos from my visit to Esther and Loverna here!  

Looking to sell your travel photos? Check out Shutterstock for more information! 

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Location: Dorothy, AB T0J 0X0, Canada

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