Winnipeg, the capital of Manitoba, is a city with a rich cultural history and a fascinating array of abandoned places. From forgotten industrial sites to eerie historic buildings, these locations offer a glimpse into the city’s past. Whether you’re an urban explorer or a history enthusiast, these 10 abandoned places near Winnipeg provide a haunting yet intriguing experience.
1. Fort Osborne Barracks (Winnipeg, Manitoba)
Once a vital military installation, the Fort Osborne Barracks has been largely abandoned since it was decommissioned. Located in central Winnipeg, the barracks include a collection of decaying buildings and overgrown grounds. The crumbling remains of the once-bustling military base offer a haunting atmosphere for those interested in exploring Winnipeg’s military history.
2. The Manitoba Pool Grain Elevator (St. Boniface, Winnipeg)
The Manitoba Pool Grain Elevator in the St. Boniface district is a relic of Winnipeg’s agricultural past. Abandoned for decades, the towering structure is covered in rust and graffiti, making it a striking sight on the horizon. The decaying elevator is a reminder of the importance of the grain industry in Manitoba’s history, and its eerie, deserted state makes it a popular spot for urban explorers.
3. Upper Fort Garry Gate (Winnipeg, Manitoba)
Though not fully abandoned, the Upper Fort Garry Gate is the last remaining piece of what was once a major Hudson's Bay Company trading post in the 1800s. The rest of the fort has long since been demolished, leaving only the stone gate standing as a haunting reminder of Winnipeg’s early days. The gate is now part of a historical park, but its lonely presence feels like an echo of the past.
4. Selkirk Mental Health Centre (Selkirk, Manitoba)
Located about 30 minutes from Winnipeg, the Selkirk Mental Health Centre was once a major psychiatric hospital. Some buildings on the site have been left abandoned, with their crumbling walls, broken windows, and eerie corridors providing a chilling glimpse into the province’s mental health history. Though part of the site is still in use, the abandoned sections are particularly creepy, especially for those intrigued by forgotten institutions.
5. Union Bank Tower (Winnipeg, Manitoba)
The Union Bank Tower is one of Winnipeg’s oldest skyscrapers, built in 1904. While not completely abandoned, certain floors of the building have been left empty and untouched for years. The peeling paint, vintage furnishings, and darkened halls make it a time capsule from Winnipeg’s early 20th-century financial boom. Its eerie, forgotten upper floors are popular with those interested in urban exploration.
6. Victory Nickel Mine (Thompson, Manitoba)
Though quite a distance from Winnipeg, the Victory Nickel Mine in northern Manitoba is one of the province’s most famous abandoned sites. The mine was abandoned in the 1970s, and its rusting structures, derelict equipment, and overgrown surroundings now create an eerie, post-apocalyptic atmosphere. For those willing to travel, it offers a unique exploration experience of industrial decay.
7. Transcona Grain Elevator (Transcona, Manitoba)
Located in the Transcona neighborhood of Winnipeg, this abandoned grain elevator was once a critical part of the city’s grain industry. The elevator has been left to rust and decay, with its tall, hollow structure and empty silos providing an eerie experience. The surrounding overgrown tracks and weathered industrial remnants give it an isolated, ghostly feel.
8. Old Stony Mountain Quarry (Stony Mountain, Manitoba)
About 20 minutes from Winnipeg, the Old Stony Mountain Quarry was once a booming limestone quarry. Now abandoned, the quarry’s deep pits and stone walls have been reclaimed by nature, creating a serene but eerie setting. The old buildings and machinery are in various states of decay, making it an ideal spot for those who love to explore forgotten industrial sites.
9. Norwood Bridge Tunnels (Winnipeg, Manitoba)
Beneath the Norwood Bridge in Winnipeg, a series of tunnels and old infrastructure remain from the city’s earlier transportation systems. These forgotten tunnels are dark and filled with debris, creating an unsettling, claustrophobic atmosphere. Though not officially open for exploration, the tunnels offer a hidden, underground look into the city’s past.
10. Fort Garry Hotel’s Abandoned Upper Floors (Winnipeg, Manitoba)
Though the Fort Garry Hotel is still operational and one of Winnipeg’s most iconic hotels, the upper floors, including some rooms, are said to be haunted and rarely used. The hotel has a history of ghost sightings, and some parts of the upper floors have been left untouched for years, adding to the building’s eerie reputation. The abandoned hallways, combined with the hotel’s rich history, offer a spooky but fascinating experience.
Conclusion
Winnipeg and its surrounding areas are home to numerous abandoned places that offer a haunting look into the city’s past, from crumbling industrial sites to forgotten mental institutions. These sites provide a unique opportunity for urban explorers and history buffs to delve into the forgotten corners of Manitoba. As always, it’s important to prioritize safety and respect property laws when visiting these places, as many are off-limits or hazardous. For those who explore responsibly, these abandoned places near Winnipeg offer a captivating journey through time.
