Barrie, Ontario, located along the shores of Lake Simcoe, is known for its outdoor beauty and history. But hidden within the surrounding areas are numerous abandoned places that provide a glimpse into the past. From forgotten homesteads to derelict industrial sites, these locations offer a haunting and intriguing exploration for urban adventurers. Here are 10 of the most captivating abandoned places near Barrie, perfect for those curious about hidden history.
1. Tiffin Grain Elevators (Barrie, Ontario)
Located right in Barrie along the lake, the Tiffin Grain Elevators were once a major hub for storing and transporting grain in the region. Abandoned for years, these massive structures are slowly decaying, with rusted metal and broken windows adding to their eerie vibe. The elevators have become a local landmark, offering a mix of industrial history and urban decay.
2. Orillia’s Mnjikaning Fish Weirs (Orillia, Ontario)
Though not traditionally abandoned, the Mnjikaning Fish Weirs in Orillia, just 30 minutes from Barrie, are ancient structures that were used by the Indigenous people for fishing. While they are now part of a heritage site, they remain largely untouched and stand as a haunting reminder of the region’s pre-colonial history. The eerie quiet and historical significance give this place a mystical atmosphere.
3. Base Borden Abandoned Barracks (Borden, Ontario)
Just 20 minutes from Barrie, Base Borden is home to a series of abandoned military barracks from World War I and World War II. While much of the base is still operational, certain sections have been left to decay, including old training grounds and barracks. The overgrown buildings and rusting equipment create an eerie sense of history frozen in time.
4. Jarratt Sawmill (Jarratt, Ontario)
The Jarratt Sawmill, located about 20 minutes from Barrie, was once a bustling site for lumber production. Abandoned for decades, the sawmill’s rusting machinery and dilapidated buildings have been overtaken by nature. The site now exudes a haunting atmosphere, with the decaying wooden structures slowly collapsing under the weight of time.
5. Stephen Leacock Home Ruins (Orillia, Ontario)
Just north of Barrie, the Stephen Leacock Home was the summer estate of the famous Canadian author Stephen Leacock. While the main estate has been preserved as a museum, parts of the property have been abandoned, with crumbling walls and overgrown paths leading to lesser-known areas. The quiet and decay of these forgotten sections provide a haunting contrast to the well-maintained main house.
6. Abandoned Churches of Simcoe County (Various Locations)
Simcoe County, which includes Barrie, is home to several abandoned churches scattered throughout the countryside. These small, forgotten places of worship, often found in rural areas, have been left to decay as their congregations dwindled. The overgrown cemeteries and crumbling stone walls add a peaceful yet eerie atmosphere, perfect for those interested in both history and architecture.
7. Abandoned Houses in Oro-Medonte (Oro-Medonte, Ontario)
Just outside Barrie, Oro-Medonte is a rural township known for its beautiful landscapes and abandoned farmhouses. Many of these old homesteads have been left to decay, with broken windows, collapsing barns, and rusting farm equipment scattered across the property. These forgotten structures offer a haunting look at the area’s agricultural past and provide a peaceful, eerie setting for exploration.
8. Midland Shipwrecks (Midland, Ontario)
An hour from Barrie, Midland Harbour is home to several abandoned shipwrecks, remnants of the region’s maritime history. These rusting vessels, now half-submerged in the water, serve as haunting reminders of Midland’s once-thriving shipping industry. Exploring these old wrecks, either by kayak or boat, provides a unique and eerie adventure, with the decaying ships slowly being reclaimed by the lake.
9. Duntroon Quarry (Duntroon, Ontario)
About 45 minutes west of Barrie, the Duntroon Quarry is an abandoned limestone quarry that offers a mix of industrial decay and natural beauty. The massive, gaping holes in the ground, rusting machinery, and crumbling stone walls create an eerie atmosphere. The site is also popular among locals for its scenic views of the surrounding countryside.
10. The Abandoned Settlements of Craighurst (Craighurst, Ontario)
Located just 20 minutes from Barrie, Craighurst was once a small, thriving settlement along the road between Barrie and Orillia. Over time, many of its buildings were abandoned, and today, only a few dilapidated houses and barns remain. The abandoned structures, surrounded by fields and forests, create a quiet, ghost-town-like atmosphere that feels like stepping back in time.
Conclusion
Barrie and its surrounding areas are rich in abandoned places that offer a fascinating look into the region’s past, from decaying industrial sites to forgotten rural homesteads. These locations provide a unique opportunity for urban explorers to discover history in a hauntingly beautiful setting. However, it’s important to always respect local laws and prioritize safety when exploring these sites, as many may be dangerous or off-limits. For those who explore responsibly, these abandoned places offer a captivating journey through time.
