Canada, with its vast wilderness and rich history, is home to numerous creepy abandoned places that captivate the imaginations of urban explorers and thrill-seekers. From forgotten asylums and ghost towns to derelict industrial sites, these locations are steeped in mystery, leaving visitors with an eerie sense of the past. Here are 10 of the creepiest abandoned places in Canada, perfect for those seeking a spooky adventure.
1. Tranquille Sanatorium (Kamloops, British Columbia)
Originally built in 1907 as a tuberculosis hospital, the Tranquille Sanatorium later became a psychiatric institution before closing in the 1980s. Today, the crumbling buildings and extensive network of underground tunnels make it one of the creepiest abandoned places in Canada. The eerie atmosphere and reports of paranormal activity draw in explorers who seek out its haunting history.
2. Riverview Hospital (Coquitlam, British Columbia)
Riverview Hospital, once one of the largest mental health institutions in British Columbia, was built in 1913. Closed in the early 2000s, the decaying buildings and overgrown grounds are chilling to explore. Known for its unsettling history, including stories of mistreatment, Riverview has become a hot spot for urban explorers and filmmakers, with its creepy vibe intensified by rumors of ghostly sightings.
3. CFS Debert Bunker (Debert, Nova Scotia)
A Cold War-era relic, the CFS Debert Bunker is an underground facility built in the 1960s to house government officials in case of a nuclear attack. Long abandoned, the bunker now sits empty, with its dark, musty hallways and abandoned rooms creating a deeply unsettling atmosphere. The eerie silence and cold, damp surroundings make it one of Canada’s creepiest forgotten sites.
4. L'Île aux Fantômes (Ghost Island) (Quebec)
Located near Montreal, L'Île aux Fantômes, or Ghost Island, is the site of an abandoned summer camp. Once bustling with children’s laughter, the decaying cabins, empty playgrounds, and rotting dining hall now exude an unsettling stillness. Urban legends surrounding the island only add to its creep factor, making it a popular destination for those seeking a spine-chilling experience.
5. Old L'Abattoir (Montreal, Quebec)
This abandoned slaughterhouse in Montreal is a terrifying place to visit. The large, decaying building was once used to process animals, but it has since been left to rot. Its dark, bloodstained floors, rusting equipment, and the macabre history of what went on within its walls make it one of the creepiest places to explore in Canada. Graffiti-covered walls and debris add to the unsettling vibe.
6. Merritton Tunnel (Blue Ghost Tunnel) (St. Catharines, Ontario)
The Merritton Tunnel, also known as the Blue Ghost Tunnel, was constructed in the late 1800s as part of the Welland Canal system. The tunnel has a dark history, with numerous fatal accidents occurring during its construction, and it’s said to be haunted. The waterlogged, crumbling walls and the tunnel’s deep darkness make it a favorite for ghost hunters and thrill-seekers.
7. Cape Breton’s Abandoned Coal Mines (Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia)
The abandoned coal mines of Cape Breton are eerie, decaying reminders of the island’s industrial past. The collapsing mine shafts, rusting equipment, and overgrown buildings give off a sinister vibe, with the underground tunnels said to be haunted by the spirits of miners who lost their lives in tragic accidents. Exploring these mines is both dangerous and spine-chilling.
8. Charles Camsell Hospital (Edmonton, Alberta)
Built in the 1940s, the Charles Camsell Hospital was originally a tuberculosis sanatorium before becoming a general hospital. The building was abandoned in the 1990s and has since gained a reputation as one of the creepiest spots in Edmonton. Stories of mistreatment, strange occurrences, and ghost sightings have made the dilapidated hospital a magnet for paranormal investigators and urban explorers.
9. Val Jalbert Ghost Town (Quebec)
Once a booming industrial village, Val Jalbert was abandoned in the 1920s after the local pulp mill closed. Today, the ghost town’s empty homes, decaying factories, and eerily silent streets make it a perfect spot for a creepy adventure. While some parts have been preserved as a heritage site, other areas remain untouched, providing a spooky glimpse into a forgotten past.
10. Goderich Jail (Goderich, Ontario)
The Goderich Jail, built in 1842, was one of the oldest prisons in Ontario. Abandoned since the 1970s, the dark, narrow cells, crumbling walls, and rusting bars create a haunting atmosphere. The jail’s grim history, including several executions, adds to its reputation as one of Canada’s creepiest abandoned places. Stories of ghostly apparitions and strange sounds have made it a popular destination for ghost hunters.
Conclusion
Canada’s landscape is filled with creepy abandoned places that offer a mix of history, mystery, and fear. From ghost towns to decaying hospitals and underground bunkers, these locations are perfect for those who crave eerie explorations. Remember, many of these sites are dangerous or restricted, so always prioritize safety and follow local regulations when exploring. For those who tread carefully, these places offer a thrilling glimpse into Canada’s haunted past.
