Saskatoon, located in the heart of Saskatchewan, may be known for its vibrant cultural scene and beautiful landscapes, but the region is also home to several abandoned places that offer a haunting glimpse into the past. From crumbling homesteads to derelict industrial sites, these locations are filled with history and mystery. Here are 10 of the most captivating abandoned places near Saskatoon, perfect for urban explorers and history enthusiasts.
1. Petrofka Bridge (Blaine Lake, Saskatchewan)
The Petrofka Bridge is a partially abandoned steel bridge near Blaine Lake, about an hour northwest of Saskatoon. It was once a key crossing over the North Saskatchewan River but was decommissioned years ago. The weathered bridge now stands as a lonely reminder of a bygone era, offering stunning views of the river below. Its rusted beams and overgrown surroundings make it a popular spot for exploration and photography.
2. The Old Power House (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan)
Saskatoon’s Old Power House is a piece of the city’s industrial history. Located along the South Saskatchewan River, this massive brick building was once the heart of Saskatoon’s power generation. Abandoned for decades, its towering chimneys, decaying walls, and large, empty interiors create an eerie, post-industrial atmosphere. While partially restored, some areas remain untouched and offer a haunting glimpse into Saskatoon's industrial past.
3. Bents Ghost Town (Bents, Saskatchewan)
About an hour and a half southwest of Saskatoon lies Bents, a small ghost town that was once a thriving agricultural community. The town was abandoned in the mid-20th century, and today, only a few crumbling structures remain, including a grain elevator, an old general store, and farmhouses. The wind-swept prairie and decaying buildings give Bents a haunting, isolated feel, making it a must-visit for ghost town enthusiasts.
4. The Old Railway Bridge (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan)
The Old Railway Bridge across the South Saskatchewan River in Saskatoon is no longer in use, though it still stands as a relic of the city’s railway history. The rusting steel structure, with tracks long removed, offers an eerie walk across the river, where explorers can imagine the trains that once crossed it. The bridge is a well-known local landmark, combining history with a touch of urban decay.
5. Uranium City (Northern Saskatchewan)
Although it’s quite a distance from Saskatoon, Uranium City is one of Saskatchewan’s most famous abandoned places. Once a booming mining town, it was abandoned after the collapse of the uranium industry in the 1980s. Today, the ghost town is filled with crumbling houses, derelict buildings, and rusting equipment, slowly being reclaimed by nature. Its desolate streets and decaying structures make it one of the creepiest and most fascinating abandoned sites in the province.
6. Wheat Pool Grain Elevator (Delisle, Saskatchewan)
About 40 minutes southwest of Saskatoon, the Wheat Pool Grain Elevator in Delisle is one of the few remaining wooden grain elevators in the region. These towering structures were once vital to Saskatchewan’s agricultural industry but have since been abandoned due to modernization. The old grain elevator, now weathered and slowly collapsing, stands as a lonely monument to the province’s farming past.
7. St. Victor Petroglyphs (St. Victor, Saskatchewan)
The St. Victor Petroglyphs are ancient carvings etched into the sandstone cliffs of southern Saskatchewan, about 3 hours from Saskatoon. While not an abandoned "place" in the traditional sense, these ancient carvings have been left largely untouched and are remnants of a forgotten Indigenous culture. The site’s remote and isolated location gives it a mysterious and eerie atmosphere, especially as the petroglyphs slowly fade due to weathering.
8. Radisson Lake Resort (Radisson, Saskatchewan)
Once a popular lakeside retreat, the Radisson Lake Resort was abandoned after years of declining visitors. Located about an hour from Saskatoon, the resort now stands in ruins, with dilapidated cabins and a crumbling main lodge. The overgrown trails and empty, decaying buildings give the site a post-apocalyptic feel, making it a favorite spot for explorers seeking an eerie lakeside adventure.
9. St. Nicholas Church (Fusilier, Saskatchewan)
Located near Fusilier, about two hours from Saskatoon, the St. Nicholas Church is an abandoned Orthodox church that has been left to decay for decades. The wooden structure, though weathered, still stands, its onion dome steeple creating a striking silhouette against the prairie sky. Inside, the church has fallen into disrepair, but traces of its former grandeur remain. The isolation and silence surrounding the church make it a hauntingly beautiful site.
10. The Abandoned Elevator at Horizon (Horizon, Saskatchewan)
Horizon is a true ghost town located about 2 hours from Saskatoon. The most prominent structure still standing is its abandoned grain elevator, which towers over the flat prairie landscape. The town was mostly abandoned in the mid-20th century, and today, Horizon’s grain elevator is a stark reminder of its agricultural history. The rusting structure, surrounded by endless fields, provides a uniquely eerie experience for those who venture out to explore.
Conclusion
Saskatoon and its surrounding areas are filled with abandoned places that offer a fascinating look into the region’s industrial, agricultural, and cultural history. From ghost towns and crumbling churches to decaying factories and forgotten bridges, these locations provide a hauntingly beautiful reminder of the past. As always, when exploring these places, it’s important to prioritize safety and respect local laws, as many sites may be dangerous or off-limits. For those who explore responsibly, these abandoned places offer a captivating journey into Saskatchewan’s forgotten history.
