Nova Scotia, with its rugged landscapes and rich maritime history, is home to many abandoned places that tell the story of the province’s past. From long-forgotten industrial sites to eerie ghost towns, these locations offer a unique glimpse into the history and culture of the region. Here are 10 of the most captivating abandoned places in Nova Scotia, perfect for those interested in urban exploration (Urbex) and history.
1. Battery Point Lighthouse (Cape Sable Island, Nova Scotia)
Located at the southernmost point of Nova Scotia on Cape Sable Island, the Battery Point Lighthouse was built in the early 20th century to guide ships safely along the coast. After being decommissioned, the lighthouse was abandoned and left to the elements. The weathered structure and remote location make it a haunting spot for those looking to explore a forgotten piece of maritime history.
2. McNabs Island (Halifax Harbour, Nova Scotia)
Just off the coast of Halifax, McNabs Island is an abandoned island that once served as a military defense point, complete with forts and gun batteries. The island is now a provincial park, but many of the old military structures, including Fort Ives and Fort McNab, remain in ruins. The island is accessible by ferry, and visitors can explore the decaying buildings while enjoying stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
3. Seal Island Church (Seal Island, Nova Scotia)
Seal Island is home to the remnants of a small wooden church built in the 19th century to serve the island’s once-thriving fishing community. The church has long been abandoned, and its weathered wooden structure is slowly decaying. The remote location, combined with the church's historic charm, creates a peaceful but eerie atmosphere for explorers.
4. The Ghost Town of Goldenville (Goldenville, Nova Scotia)
Located near Sherbrooke, Goldenville was once a bustling gold mining town during the 19th-century gold rush. After the gold veins were depleted, the town was abandoned. Today, only a few decaying buildings and overgrown foundations remain as a reminder of the once-thriving settlement. The area offers a fascinating look at Nova Scotia’s gold mining history.
5. The Sugar Refinery (New Waterford, Cape Breton Island)
Once an essential part of Cape Breton’s industrial past, The Sugar Refinery in New Waterford has been abandoned for decades. The large, rusting structures and decaying buildings are all that’s left of this once-bustling industrial complex. Overgrown with vegetation and surrounded by graffiti, the refinery is an ideal spot for those interested in exploring industrial ruins.
6. Lingan Colliery (Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia)
Lingan Colliery was once a prominent coal mine on Cape Breton Island, part of the region’s booming coal industry. After closing in the mid-20th century, the mine was abandoned, leaving behind derelict buildings and rusting equipment. The site is now a ghostly relic of Nova Scotia’s coal mining heritage, offering a unique opportunity to explore the province’s industrial past.
7. St. Paul's Island Lighthouse (Cape Breton, Nova Scotia)
Located on the isolated St. Paul’s Island, this abandoned lighthouse was once crucial for guiding ships through the treacherous waters of the Cabot Strait. The lighthouse has since been replaced, and the original structure now sits abandoned, exposed to the elements. The remote location and rugged surroundings make this a hauntingly beautiful site for those seeking adventure off the beaten path.
8. The Abandoned Radar Station (Canso, Nova Scotia)
During the Cold War, several radar stations were constructed across Canada as part of the Pine Tree Line. One such station, near Canso, has been abandoned for decades. The crumbling concrete buildings, once used for military surveillance, now stand empty, surrounded by overgrown vegetation. The site offers a fascinating glimpse into Canada’s Cold War history and the role of Nova Scotia in continental defense.
9. Devil's Island (Halifax Harbour, Nova Scotia)
Devil's Island, located at the entrance to Halifax Harbour, is a small, isolated island that once housed a fishing community and a lighthouse. Today, the island is abandoned, with only a few ruins and the decaying lighthouse remaining. Its eerie isolation and the crumbling remnants of the past make it an intriguing destination for urban explorers willing to make the trip.
10. Victoria Mines (Cape Breton, Nova Scotia)
Once a bustling coal mining community, Victoria Mines is now a ghost town on Cape Breton Island. The remnants of old mining buildings, homes, and the overgrown colliery still stand, slowly decaying. The town was abandoned after the mine closed in the early 20th century, and now the silent ruins offer a glimpse into the lives of the miners and their families who once lived there.
Conclusion
Nova Scotia is rich in history, and its abandoned places provide a window into the province’s industrial and maritime past. From ghost towns and lighthouses to decaying military installations and mines, these sites offer a unique opportunity to explore forgotten places. As always, when visiting abandoned sites, it’s important to prioritize safety and respect local property laws, as many of these locations may be dangerous or off-limits. For those who explore responsibly, these places offer a hauntingly beautiful glimpse into the province’s history.
