Kingston, Ontario, is a city rich in history, strategically located at the junction of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River. Beyond its historic limestone buildings and waterfront charm, the area is home to numerous abandoned places that offer a glimpse into the past. From military forts to forgotten industrial sites, these locations are perfect for urban explorers seeking out the eerie beauty of decay. Here are 10 of the most captivating abandoned places near Kingston.
1. Fort Henry’s Lower Battery (Kingston, Ontario)
While Fort Henry itself is a well-preserved historic site, its Lower Battery, located closer to the waterline, has been left mostly abandoned. Built in the 19th century as part of Kingston’s defense system, this underground battery is rarely visited. The crumbling stone walls, rusted gates, and overgrown surroundings make it a haunting spot for those interested in Kingston’s military history.
2. Rockwood Asylum (Kingston, Ontario)
The Rockwood Asylum, built in the mid-1800s, was a psychiatric hospital that operated until the 1960s. The decaying stone buildings, once home to patients, now stand empty, overtaken by nature. The abandoned site is surrounded by myths and stories of hauntings, making it one of the most infamous and eerie locations in Kingston. While access to the buildings is restricted, their haunting presence can still be felt from the outside.
3. Kingston Penitentiary (Kingston, Ontario)
Although now open for guided tours, much of Kingston Penitentiary remains in a state of abandonment since it closed in 2013. The infamous maximum-security prison, which housed some of Canada’s most dangerous criminals, has an eerie atmosphere with its empty cells, decaying facilities, and chilling history. The parts of the penitentiary that remain untouched offer a haunting experience of what life was like behind bars.
4. Deadman’s Bay (Kingston, Ontario)
Deadman’s Bay, located near Fort Henry, was once the site of a burial ground for prisoners and soldiers in the 19th century. Although the area has been developed into a park, some of the original graves remain, making it a spooky spot for those interested in Kingston’s darker history. The bay’s quiet atmosphere and historical significance give it a ghostly, abandoned feel.
5. Fleming's Folly (Kingston, Ontario)
Fleming's Folly is the nickname given to the remnants of James Fleming’s mansion, a grand home that was left unfinished in the 19th century after Fleming ran out of money. The partially completed stone structure has been abandoned for over a century, with its walls slowly crumbling and overtaken by vegetation. Located near Portsmouth, the ruins offer a quiet, atmospheric place to explore.
6. Tett Centre Boiler Room (Kingston, Ontario)
Part of the Tett Centre for Creativity and Learning, this former boiler room was once part of the old brewery complex that operated on the site. Though the Tett Centre has been beautifully restored, the old boiler room has been left untouched, with rusting pipes, crumbling bricks, and broken windows offering a haunting reminder of the site’s industrial past.
7. Alwington House Ruins (Kingston, Ontario)
The Alwington House ruins are part of an old estate located along the Kingston waterfront. Built in the early 1800s, the house once served as the home of government officials but has since been abandoned and left to decay. Though much of the building has been demolished, some sections of the stone walls remain, making it an intriguing site for those interested in Kingston’s colonial history.
8. Wolfe Island Windmills (Wolfe Island, Ontario)
While Wolfe Island is known for its modern wind turbines, scattered across the island are several abandoned farms and windmills from a previous era. These decaying windmills and farmhouses provide a stark contrast to the towering modern turbines, creating a hauntingly beautiful landscape. The abandoned buildings and rusting windmills offer a peaceful yet eerie exploration opportunity.
9. Train Tunnel (Brockville, Ontario)
About an hour from Kingston, the Brockville Railway Tunnel is Canada’s oldest railway tunnel, dating back to 1860. Though parts of the tunnel have been restored and opened as a tourist attraction, some sections remain abandoned and dark, with water dripping down the stone walls and old tracks leading into the darkness. The tunnel’s long history and decayed sections make it a fascinating site for exploration.
10. The Mill Ruins at Cataraqui Conservation Area (Kingston, Ontario)
Nestled within the Cataraqui Conservation Area, the mill ruins are the remnants of an old industrial site that once harnessed the power of the river. The crumbling stone walls, overgrown foundations, and rusting equipment are slowly being reclaimed by nature, providing a peaceful yet eerie reminder of Kingston’s early industrial history. The scenic location adds to the mysterious charm of this abandoned site.
Conclusion
Kingston and its surrounding areas are rich in abandoned places that offer a unique glimpse into the region’s history, from decaying prisons and asylums to forgotten military sites and ghostly ruins. These locations provide a captivating experience for urban explorers and history enthusiasts. As always, it’s essential to prioritize safety and respect property laws when visiting these sites, as many are hazardous or off-limits. For those who explore responsibly, these abandoned places near Kingston offer a haunting journey through time.
