Mississauga, a thriving city near Toronto, is known for its modern skyline and sprawling suburbs. However, hidden in and around the city are remnants of the past – forgotten buildings, abandoned sites, and derelict structures that offer a fascinating glimpse into history. For urban explorers, these locations provide a blend of eerie beauty and untold stories. Here are 10 of the most captivating abandoned places near Mississauga.
1. The Small Arms Inspection Building (Mississauga, Ontario)
Located in the heart of Mississauga, the Small Arms Inspection Building was built in the 1940s as part of the war effort, where workers manufactured and inspected firearms. Abandoned for many years, the large industrial space now serves as a cultural and community hub, but some parts remain untouched, offering a sense of its eerie, industrial past.
2. Old Barber House (Mississauga, Ontario)
The Old Barber House, built in the mid-19th century, is a beautiful but abandoned mansion in Mississauga. Once a fine dining restaurant, it has been left to decay for years, though there have been occasional attempts to restore it. Its old stone façade and overgrown grounds give it an eerie, haunted charm.
3. Guild Park and Gardens (Scarborough, Ontario)
About a 40-minute drive from Mississauga, Guild Park and Gardens in Scarborough is a hidden gem filled with relics of Toronto’s architectural past. The park features ruins and remnants from demolished buildings, including facades, sculptures, and columns, scattered throughout the grounds. Although not abandoned in the traditional sense, the historic artifacts give the park an otherworldly, forgotten feel.
4. Century Manor (Hamilton, Ontario)
About an hour from Mississauga, Century Manor in Hamilton is a well-known abandoned psychiatric hospital. Built in the 1800s, it was part of the Hamilton Asylum for the Insane. The abandoned building, with its gothic architecture and decaying interiors, attracts urban explorers, though access is restricted for safety reasons. Its haunting atmosphere has made it a local legend.
5. R. L. Hearn Generating Station (Toronto, Ontario)
Though located in Toronto, about 40 minutes from Mississauga, the R. L. Hearn Generating Station is one of the most iconic abandoned industrial sites in the area. This massive power plant, decommissioned in the 1980s, features towering turbines and vast open spaces, making it a favorite among explorers. Although access is restricted, its imposing structure remains a symbol of post-industrial decay.
6. Lakeshore Psychiatric Hospital (Etobicoke, Ontario)
Also known as Mimico Asylum, the Lakeshore Psychiatric Hospital is located just 20 minutes from Mississauga in Etobicoke. Opened in 1889, it served patients for almost 100 years before closing in the 1970s. While some parts have been redeveloped by Humber College, other sections of the hospital remain abandoned, their eerie, decaying interiors still attracting explorers.
7. Ontario Reformatory (Guelph, Ontario)
An hour west of Mississauga, the Ontario Reformatory in Guelph was once a large, self-sustaining correctional facility. The prison, which closed in the 1970s, is now abandoned, with crumbling cell blocks, overgrown gardens, and eerie, empty hallways. Though parts of the site are restricted, the ruins still captivate those who seek to explore forgotten places.
8. Whitby Psychiatric Hospital (Whitby, Ontario)
Located about an hour from Mississauga, the Whitby Psychiatric Hospital was one of the largest mental health facilities in Ontario. Closed in the 1990s, the hospital is now in ruins, with decaying buildings and overgrown grounds. Though off-limits to the public, the abandoned hospital has gained a reputation for being haunted, making it a popular subject for photographers and urban explorers alike.
9. The Guild Inn (Scarborough, Ontario)
The Guild Inn, located about 45 minutes from Mississauga, was once a luxurious hotel and artist colony but has since fallen into disrepair. The grounds are filled with relics and sculptures from demolished buildings in Toronto, giving the site a surreal, abandoned feel. While parts of the inn have been restored, the historical artifacts and overgrown gardens make this a unique spot for exploration.
10. Don Valley Brick Works (Toronto, Ontario)
The Don Valley Brick Works, about 30 minutes from Mississauga, was once an industrial site that supplied the bricks for many of Toronto’s historic buildings. Abandoned in the 1980s, the factory has since been transformed into the Evergreen Brick Works, an environmental center. However, parts of the old industrial ruins remain intact, offering an interesting blend of nature and decay for those interested in exploring urban ruins.
Conclusion
Mississauga and its surrounding areas are filled with abandoned places that offer a unique glimpse into history and industrial decay. From psychiatric hospitals to industrial complexes, these locations provide an intriguing mix of eerie beauty and forgotten stories. As always, urban explorers should respect property laws and ensure their safety, as many of these sites are off-limits or hazardous. For those who explore responsibly, these places offer a haunting and captivating journey into the past.
