Manitoba is known for its vast landscapes and rich history, but it is also home to numerous abandoned places that offer a glimpse into the past. From forgotten industrial sites to eerie ghost towns, these locations tell stories of a bygone era. Here are 10 of the most captivating abandoned places in Manitoba, perfect for urban explorers and history enthusiasts alike.
1. Tramping Lake Ghost Town (Southwest Manitoba)
Located in the rural plains of southwest Manitoba, Tramping Lake is a ghost town that was once a thriving farming community. Abandoned in the mid-20th century, the town now features decaying homes, empty barns, and overgrown fields. The silent streets and crumbling buildings give it an eerie atmosphere, making it a popular destination for those seeking a true ghost town experience.
2. Victory Nickel Mine (Thompson, Manitoba)
The Victory Nickel Mine, located in northern Manitoba, was once a bustling mine during the 1970s. However, it was abandoned after only a few years of operation. Today, the site is a decaying industrial wasteland, with rusting machinery and crumbling buildings left behind. The isolation of the site and the eerie, post-industrial landscape make it a fascinating but haunting place to explore.
3. Churchill Rocket Research Range (Churchill, Manitoba)
Located near Churchill, this abandoned rocket research facility was once used by NASA and other organizations during the Cold War to conduct atmospheric research. The site was abandoned in the 1980s, leaving behind crumbling buildings, rusting equipment, and remnants of the launch pads. The remote location and the stark landscape create an eerie, forgotten atmosphere.
4. The Manitoba Pool Grain Elevator (St. Boniface, Manitoba)
The Manitoba Pool Grain Elevator in St. Boniface is a towering relic of Winnipeg's agricultural past. This once-bustling structure has been abandoned for decades, leaving it to decay. The massive, hollow silos, rusted machinery, and graffiti-covered walls make it a popular spot for urban explorers seeking to experience Manitoba’s grain industry history in its eerie, decaying state.
5. Hecla Island (Hecla-Grindstone Provincial Park, Manitoba)
Hecla Island, located in Hecla-Grindstone Provincial Park, was once home to a small Icelandic fishing community. Though some parts of the island have been restored as a tourist destination, there are several abandoned homes and structures left behind when the community dwindled. These decaying houses, barns, and buildings add a haunting charm to the island’s natural beauty, making it a unique place for exploration.
6. Bannock Point Petroforms (Whiteshell Provincial Park, Manitoba)
Though not abandoned in the traditional sense, the Bannock Point Petroforms are ancient stone formations in Whiteshell Provincial Park that have been left largely untouched for centuries. These mysterious shapes, created by Indigenous peoples, are arranged in the form of animals and humans and offer a spiritual, otherworldly feel. The remote location and the quiet, reverent atmosphere make it a hauntingly beautiful place to visit.
7. Brandon Mental Health Centre (Brandon, Manitoba)
The Brandon Mental Health Centre operated from the late 1800s to the 1990s and was once one of the largest psychiatric hospitals in the region. After its closure, much of the campus was abandoned, with many buildings left to decay. The eerie, empty hallways and peeling paint of the remaining structures create a haunting atmosphere, and the site’s history adds to its unsettling presence.
8. Old Pinawa Dam (Pinawa, Manitoba)
The Old Pinawa Dam, located about 90 minutes from Winnipeg, was Manitoba’s first hydroelectric generating station. It was abandoned in 1951, and today, its ruins are part of the Pinawa Dam Provincial Heritage Park. The crumbling stone walls and overgrown infrastructure offer a haunting glimpse into the early days of Manitoba’s energy industry, making it a popular spot for hikers, photographers, and explorers.
9. Birtle Indian Residential School (Birtle, Manitoba)
Located in the town of Birtle, this former Indian Residential School was one of many across Canada where Indigenous children were forcibly assimilated into European culture. Closed in the 1970s, the abandoned building now stands as a reminder of a dark chapter in Canadian history. The decaying structure and the history of trauma associated with it give the site a solemn and haunting presence.
10. Stony Mountain Quarry (Stony Mountain, Manitoba)
Just north of Winnipeg, the Stony Mountain Quarry was once a booming limestone quarry that provided materials for the construction of many iconic Manitoba buildings. Today, the abandoned quarry is a vast, open pit with crumbling stone structures and overgrown pathways. The site offers both natural beauty and eerie industrial decay, making it a fascinating place to explore for those interested in Manitoba’s geological and industrial history.
Conclusion
Manitoba’s abandoned places offer a unique journey through the province’s history, from forgotten ghost towns and decaying industrial sites to haunted institutions and ancient Indigenous landmarks. These locations provide a haunting yet fascinating look at Manitoba’s past. As always, be mindful of safety and legality when visiting these places, as many may be hazardous or off-limits. For those who explore responsibly, Manitoba’s abandoned places offer an unforgettable glimpse into a forgotten world.
