Ontario is home to a wealth of fascinating abandoned places, from industrial ruins and decaying institutions to eerie ghost towns. These sites, once bustling with life and activity, now stand as haunting reminders of the past, waiting to be explored. For urban explorers, these locations offer a unique opportunity to delve into forgotten histories. Here are 10 of the most captivating abandoned places in Ontario.
1. Loring Air Force Base (North Bay, Ontario)
Located near North Bay, Loring Air Force Base was once a critical Cold War facility. It played an important role in North American air defense but was decommissioned in the 1990s. Today, the massive airbase, with its abandoned hangars, runways, and barracks, remains a stark reminder of its military past. The crumbling buildings and overgrown tarmac make it a favorite for urban explorers.
2. Camp 30 (Bowmanville, Ontario)
Camp 30 served as a prisoner-of-war camp for German soldiers during World War II. Located in Bowmanville, this site has been abandoned for decades, but several buildings remain intact, including dormitories and mess halls. Its fascinating history and decaying structures have made it a popular site for exploration, although some parts of the camp have been subject to preservation efforts.
3. Whitby Psychiatric Hospital (Whitby, Ontario)
The Whitby Psychiatric Hospital, originally opened in 1916, was one of Ontario’s largest mental health institutions. It closed in 1996, and the buildings were left to decay. The sprawling grounds, empty hallways, and crumbling infrastructure create an eerie atmosphere. While the site is officially off-limits, it has attracted explorers and photographers looking to document its haunting beauty.
4. Preston Springs Hotel (Cambridge, Ontario)
The Preston Springs Hotel was once a luxurious spa and hotel in the early 20th century, offering mineral baths to its guests. After closing in the 1990s, the grand structure was left abandoned for years, with its once-elegant interior now in a state of decay. Although recently demolished, the hotel remains a significant symbol of Ontario’s abandoned grandeur.
5. Blue Ghost Tunnel (Thorold, Ontario)
The Blue Ghost Tunnel, part of the old Welland Canal system, was constructed in the late 1800s and later abandoned. The dark, damp tunnel has gained a reputation for being haunted due to several accidents that occurred nearby. Its desolate atmosphere and crumbling stone walls make it a popular yet eerie destination for urban explorers and ghost hunters alike.
6. Altona Ghost Town (Pickering, Ontario)
Just outside Toronto, Altona was once a small rural community that has now been abandoned. The remaining buildings, including a few homes and a church, have been left to decay over the years. With only a handful of structures still standing, this quiet ghost town offers a glimpse into a forgotten Ontario settlement.
7. Crystal Beach Amusement Park (Fort Erie, Ontario)
Once a popular amusement park located on the shores of Lake Erie, Crystal Beach Amusement Park was a beloved summer destination until it closed in 1989. While most of the rides and attractions have been dismantled, traces of the park remain, such as old foundations and pieces of the roller coasters. The site, overgrown with vegetation, is a nostalgic trip down memory lane for those who remember its heyday.
8. Northern Ontario Silver Mines (Cobalt, Ontario)
The Cobalt Mining District in northern Ontario was once a booming center of silver production in the early 1900s. Many of the mines were abandoned as silver prices dropped, leaving behind crumbling headframes, tunnels, and mining equipment. While parts of the district have been turned into historical sites, much of the landscape remains untouched, making it a fascinating place for those interested in Ontario’s mining history.
9. The Don Valley Brick Works (Toronto, Ontario)
The Don Valley Brick Works was once a thriving factory that produced bricks for many of Toronto’s iconic buildings. The site was abandoned in the 1980s and left to decay. While the property has since been transformed into the Evergreen Brick Works environmental center, parts of the old factory remain as a haunting reminder of the industrial past. The decaying buildings and rusted machinery still draw in urban explorers and photographers.
10. Victoria Hall (Cobourg, Ontario)
Once a grand and elegant courthouse and concert hall, Victoria Hall has been closed and abandoned for many years. Built in the 19th century, the building’s Victorian architecture is still stunning, despite its state of decay. Plans for restoration have surfaced, but the site remains a mysterious and historically rich location to explore in the meantime.
Conclusion
Ontario is full of abandoned places that offer unique insight into the province’s history, from its industrial roots to forgotten small towns. These locations, while haunting, tell stories of a bygone era. As always, urban explorers should respect the law, as many of these places are off-limits or dangerous. It’s crucial to prioritize safety and ensure that these places are treated with the respect they deserve. For those who tread carefully, these abandoned sites in Ontario provide a window into the past, waiting to be discovered.
