Montreal, known for its rich history and vibrant culture, also hides a darker, forgotten side – places that were once full of life but have since been left behind. These abandoned locations offer a glimpse into the city’s past, from decaying factories to deserted hospitals. For those intrigued by urban exploration (Urbex), here are 10 of the most captivating abandoned places near Montreal.
1. Silo No. 5 (Old Port of Montreal)
Located in the Old Port of Montreal, Silo No. 5 is a massive grain elevator complex built in the early 20th century. Abandoned since the 1990s, the concrete silos tower over the waterfront. The site is a haunting reminder of Montreal’s industrial past and is popular with photographers and urban explorers. While access inside is restricted, the silos can still be admired from nearby areas.
2. Royal Victoria Hospital (Montreal, Quebec)
Built in 1893, the Royal Victoria Hospital was once one of Montreal’s largest medical facilities. After being closed in 2015, the sprawling complex of Gothic-style buildings has been left abandoned, with plans for redevelopment still in limbo. Though much of the site is off-limits, the empty halls and grand architecture provide a fascinating look at a once-bustling institution.
3. Mirabel Airport (Mirabel, Quebec)
Once envisioned as Canada’s largest airport, Mirabel Airport opened in 1975 but was never fully operational. The passenger terminal closed in 2004, leaving the massive structure abandoned. The airport’s hauntingly empty terminals and vast runways have become a symbol of failed ambition. While much of the site has been repurposed, parts of the airport remain abandoned and continue to intrigue explorers.
4. Lachine Canal Factories (Montreal, Quebec)
The Lachine Canal was once the heart of Montreal’s industrial sector, with factories lining its banks. Many of these factories have been abandoned, leaving behind towering brick buildings and rusting machinery. While parts of the canal area have been redeveloped, several decaying industrial structures remain, making it a prime location for urban exploration.
5. St. Raphael's Ruins (Île-Bizard, Quebec)
Located on Île-Bizard, the St. Raphael's Ruins are the remains of a church built in the 19th century. A fire destroyed much of the structure, leaving only the stone walls standing. Now overgrown with vines and trees, the ruins offer a peaceful yet haunting atmosphere for those seeking a serene but abandoned location near Montreal.
6. Grey Nuns' Building (Montreal, Quebec)
Once home to the Grey Nuns, a Catholic religious order, this vast complex was built in 1871. The building was abandoned when the order moved in the early 2000s. While part of it has been converted into student residences, certain areas of the building, including underground crypts and old dormitories, remain untouched and add an eerie charm to the historic site.
7. The Old Alcan Headquarters (Montreal, Quebec)
The Old Alcan Headquarters, located in downtown Montreal, was once the heart of one of Canada’s largest aluminum companies. After being abandoned in the late 1990s, the building’s sleek, modernist architecture has been left to decay. Urban explorers have found their way into parts of the complex, which remains a symbol of the corporate boom and bust of Montreal’s business world.
8. Hippodrome de Montréal (Blue Bonnets Racetrack) (Montreal, Quebec)
Once a bustling horse racing track, the Hippodrome de Montréal (also known as Blue Bonnets Racetrack) was closed in 2009 and left abandoned. The grandstands and betting areas now sit empty, overtaken by nature. Plans for redevelopment have been delayed, leaving the racetrack as a hauntingly empty site that attracts curious explorers.
9. Belvedere Hotel (Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts, Quebec)
Located about an hour from Montreal, the Belvedere Hotel in Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts was once a luxurious resort in the Laurentian Mountains. After closing in the 1980s, the hotel has been left to decay. Its empty hallways, grand staircase, and crumbling facade offer a stark contrast to the natural beauty of its surroundings, making it a popular spot for Urbex enthusiasts.
10. Canada Malting Plant (Montreal, Quebec)
Situated along the Lachine Canal, the Canada Malting Plant was once a thriving center of the brewing industry. Closed in the 1980s, the massive silos and factory buildings have been abandoned for decades. The rusting machinery and graffiti-covered walls offer a striking visual experience. While access to the site is dangerous and restricted, it remains one of Montreal’s most iconic abandoned landmarks.
Conclusion
Montreal and its surrounding areas are filled with abandoned places that tell the story of the city’s rich and varied past. From industrial ruins to decaying hospitals, these sites provide a fascinating opportunity to explore forgotten histories. However, it is important to remember that many of these locations are off-limits due to safety concerns, and visiting them without permission may be illegal. Always respect local laws and prioritize safety when exploring abandoned places.
