Sudbury, Ontario, is known for its mining history and rugged landscapes, but it is also home to several abandoned places that provide a fascinating glimpse into the region’s past. From forgotten mines to decaying industrial sites and derelict buildings, these locations offer an eerie yet captivating exploration for urban adventurers. Here are 10 of the most intriguing abandoned places near Sudbury.
1. High Falls Ghost Town (Near Sudbury, Ontario)
Located just a short drive from Sudbury, High Falls was once a small logging and hydroelectric community in the early 1900s. The town was abandoned after the industry moved on, leaving behind crumbling homes, old foundations, and remnants of the once-active logging operations. The scenic location, combined with the decaying structures, makes it a haunting yet beautiful place to explore.
2. Copper Cliff Mine (Copper Cliff, Ontario)
Copper Cliff, located just outside Sudbury, is famous for its mining history. While many parts of the area remain active, several old mining sites and buildings have been abandoned, including Copper Cliff Mine. The decaying infrastructure and rusting machinery provide a haunting reminder of Sudbury’s industrial past. Exploring the abandoned mine buildings offers a glimpse into the early days of Sudbury’s mining boom.
3. St. Joseph’s Health Centre (Sudbury, Ontario)
Once one of the largest hospitals in Sudbury, the St. Joseph’s Health Centre was abandoned after a new facility was built. The empty halls, broken windows, and decaying rooms have made this site a popular spot for urban explorers. Though parts of the building are still maintained, much of it remains in disrepair, giving it an eerie, haunted hospital vibe.
4. Wanup Train Station (Wanup, Ontario)
About 20 minutes from Sudbury, the Wanup Train Station was once a vital transportation hub for the small community. After the station was closed, it was left to decay. The abandoned building, with its overgrown surroundings and crumbling infrastructure, serves as a reminder of the era when trains were the primary mode of travel through northern Ontario. The quiet, empty station offers a peaceful yet eerie atmosphere.
5. Kukagami Lodge (Near Sudbury, Ontario)
Located about an hour outside of Sudbury, the Kukagami Lodge was once a popular lakeside resort. It has been abandoned for decades, with crumbling cabins, broken docks, and empty lodges overtaken by nature. The lodge’s isolation and dilapidated state make it an ideal location for those looking to explore abandoned buildings in the wilderness.
6. Burwash Prison (Burwash, Ontario)
About 45 minutes south of Sudbury, the Burwash Industrial Farm was a prison and self-sustaining farm that operated from 1914 to 1975. After its closure, the buildings were abandoned, leaving behind decaying prison cells, guard towers, and farm structures. The site has become a popular destination for urban explorers, with its eerie, overgrown grounds and crumbling infrastructure providing a haunting experience.
7. Sudbury Brick and Tile Works (Sudbury, Ontario)
The Sudbury Brick and Tile Works was once a key industrial site in the city, producing building materials for the growing community. Abandoned for many years, the site now features crumbling kilns, rusting equipment, and overgrown buildings. Though access is restricted, the exterior offers a fascinating glimpse into Sudbury’s industrial past, and the surrounding area has become popular for hikers and photographers.
8. Cobalt Mining District (Cobalt, Ontario)
While not directly in Sudbury, the Cobalt Mining District, located about two hours away, is one of Ontario’s most famous abandoned mining regions. The area was once a booming center for silver production, but many of the mines were abandoned in the early 20th century. Today, the crumbling headframes, rusting equipment, and overgrown mine shafts provide an eerie yet fascinating look into the past.
9. Capreol Train Yard (Capreol, Ontario)
Just north of Sudbury, the Capreol Train Yard was once a major railway hub for northern Ontario. Many of the old railcars and buildings have been left abandoned, with rusting tracks and crumbling infrastructure creating a post-industrial landscape. The train yard is a popular destination for railway enthusiasts and urban explorers alike, offering a glimpse into the region’s transportation history.
10. Inco Superstack (Sudbury, Ontario)
Although Inco Superstack, one of the tallest freestanding chimneys in the world, is not fully abandoned, its decommissioning has begun, and parts of the site surrounding it have been left to decay. The Superstack was a symbol of Sudbury’s industrial might, but as the city moves away from its mining-heavy past, the surrounding structures have fallen into disrepair. The towering chimney and decaying industrial buildings provide a haunting backdrop for exploration.
Conclusion
Sudbury and its surrounding areas are filled with abandoned places that offer a fascinating look into the region’s mining and industrial history. From ghost towns and decaying train stations to forgotten prisons and resorts, these sites provide an intriguing experience for urban explorers. As always, it’s important to prioritize safety and respect property laws when exploring abandoned places, as many of these sites may be hazardous or off-limits. For those who explore responsibly, these abandoned locations near Sudbury offer a captivating journey through the past.
