Vancouver is known for its stunning natural beauty, but just beyond the city limits lie several fascinating abandoned places that tell stories of a bygone era. From ghost towns in the wilderness to decaying industrial sites, these locations offer a glimpse into British Columbia's past. Here are 10 of the most captivating abandoned places near Vancouver for those intrigued by urban exploration (Urbex).
1. Riverview Hospital (Coquitlam, British Columbia)
Riverview Hospital was one of the largest psychiatric hospitals in British Columbia. Opened in 1913 and closed in the early 2000s, this massive complex of decaying buildings is a magnet for urban explorers and filmmakers. The eerie, abandoned wards and overgrown grounds provide a haunting atmosphere. While parts of the hospital remain off-limits due to safety concerns, its spooky reputation continues to draw attention.
2. Britannia Mine (Britannia Beach, British Columbia)
Located just an hour from Vancouver, Britannia Mine was once the largest copper mine in the British Empire. After its closure in 1974, many of the industrial buildings were abandoned. Today, the mine is partially preserved as a museum, but some parts remain untouched, offering a mix of industrial decay and breathtaking coastal views. The towering, rusting structures provide a glimpse into British Columbia’s mining past.
3. Whistler Train Wreck (Whistler, British Columbia)
The Whistler Train Wreck is a series of abandoned boxcars located deep in the forest near Whistler, BC. These cars derailed in the 1950s and have been left in the wilderness ever since, now covered in colorful graffiti. Accessible via a scenic hike, the site is popular among urban explorers and artists alike. The juxtaposition of nature and urban decay makes it a unique destination.
4. Cypress Provincial Park Mystery Lake Lodge (West Vancouver, British Columbia)
At Cypress Provincial Park, a forgotten lodge once known as Mystery Lake Lodge was left abandoned in the 1980s. Hidden in the forest, the decaying wooden structures were once a bustling hub for skiers and hikers. Now reclaimed by nature, the lodge’s remnants attract those seeking a blend of wilderness and history.
5. Jericho Beach Bunkers (Vancouver, British Columbia)
Tucked away near Jericho Beach in Vancouver are several abandoned military bunkers from World War II. These concrete structures, now covered in graffiti, were once part of Vancouver’s coastal defense system. Though small in scale, the bunkers provide an eerie sense of history and are a hidden gem for local explorers.
6. Stanley Park’s Abandoned Polar Bear Exhibit (Vancouver, British Columbia)
Within Vancouver’s famous Stanley Park, you’ll find the remains of the Polar Bear Exhibit at the now-closed Stanley Park Zoo. While the zoo itself was shut down in the 1990s, the exhibit has been left to decay, with the empty pools and rusted fencing offering a glimpse into a bygone era of animal exhibits. The site remains a curious attraction for those exploring the park’s lesser-known areas.
7. Port Moody Shipwrecks (Port Moody, British Columbia)
Along the shores of Port Moody, you can find several abandoned shipwrecks that have been left to rust in the shallow waters. These ships, mostly barges and industrial vessels, were left behind as the area’s industrial activities slowed down. Now, they serve as haunting relics of the past and are visible to those walking the shoreline, offering an interesting spot for photographers and history buffs.
8. Woodlands School (New Westminster, British Columbia)
Woodlands School was once a large institution for people with mental and physical disabilities. Opened in 1878 and abandoned in 1996, the school has a dark history of mistreatment and abuse. Many of the original buildings have since been demolished, but some structures, including the administration building, remain. Its eerie history and decaying architecture have made it a popular spot for urban explorers.
9. Ioco Townsite (Port Moody, British Columbia)
Ioco Townsite, located near Port Moody, was built in the early 1900s to house workers from the nearby Imperial Oil refinery. After the refinery shut down, the town was largely abandoned. Many of the houses and structures are still standing, though left to decay. The empty streets and dilapidated homes make this a fascinating ghost town close to Vancouver.
10. Old Albion Ferry Docks (Fort Langley, British Columbia)
Before the Golden Ears Bridge was built, the Albion Ferry transported vehicles across the Fraser River. After the ferry service was discontinued in 2009, the old ferry docks were left abandoned. Today, the decaying docks and infrastructure remain on the riverbank, slowly being overtaken by nature. This quiet, forgotten location offers a peaceful yet intriguing spot for exploration.
Conclusion
Vancouver and its surrounding areas are filled with abandoned places that offer a unique opportunity to explore the city’s history and the natural reclamation of man-made structures. From decaying industrial sites to forgotten military bunkers, these locations are a mix of eerie beauty and rich historical significance. As always, be mindful of safety and legality when exploring these abandoned places, as many of them are off-limits or hazardous. For those who take precautions, these sites provide an unforgettable journey into British Columbia’s forgotten past.
