Discover the Top 10 Must-Visit Urbex Sites in Canada: Explore Fascinating Abandoned Places Perfect for Adventure and Mystery Enthusiasts.
Canada, with its vast landscapes and rich historical heritage, offers a multitude of fascinating locations for urban exploration enthusiasts, also known as Urbex. From abandoned buildings to decommissioned industrial sites, these mysterious places tell stories of the past and invite explorers to uncover hidden treasures. Here are the top ten Urbex sites in Canada you must not miss.
1. Riverview Hospital Asylum (Coquitlam, British Columbia)
Former psychiatric hospital opened in 1913, Riverview Hospital is famous for its impressive architecture and rich history. Although some parts of the complex are still in use or secured, unoccupied areas can be explored during organized guided tours, allowing visitors to discover this historically significant site.
2. Britannia Mining Village (Britannia Beach, British Columbia)
Located on the west coast, the Britannia Mine Museum is a former mining site turned museum. Visitors can explore mining tunnels, industrial buildings, and learn more about the history of copper mining in Canada. This site offers an immersive experience while being legally accessible.
3. Kingston Penitentiary (Kingston, Ontario)
Closed in 2013, Kingston Penitentiary is one of Canada’s oldest prisons. Now open to the public through guided tours, it offers a unique insight into the 19th-century penitentiary system. Visitors can walk through the cells, yards, and administrative buildings while discovering the stories of inmates who stayed there.
4. Redpath Grain Silos (Montreal, Quebec)
Located on Montreal’s Old Port, the Redpath Grain Silos are a symbol of the city’s industrial past. Although access inside is restricted for safety reasons, the silos can be admired from the outside, and artistic events are sometimes held there, offering a different perspective on this historic monument.
5. Val-Jalbert Ghost Town (Lac-Saint-Jean, Quebec)
Abandoned in the 1920s, the Val-Jalbert Village is now a historic park where visitors can stroll among restored and ruined buildings of a former industrial community. The site offers a safe Urbex experience, with educational activities and historical reenactments.
6. Abandoned Military Base of Keno City (Yukon)
Located in the Yukon territory, Keno City is a small locality housing remnants of mining operations and World War II military installations. Visitors can explore the abandoned buildings and learn more about the region’s history while respecting private property and local regulations.
7. SS Ethie Shipwreck (Rocky Harbour, Newfoundland and Labrador)
The SS Ethie was a steamship that sank in 1919. The remains of the wreck are visible on the coast near Rocky Harbour, offering a unique opportunity to explore a piece of maritime history. It is important to visit the site while following safety and preservation guidelines.
8. Tranquille Sanatorium (Kamloops, British Columbia)
Built in 1907, the Tranquille Sanatorium served as a tuberculosis treatment center and later as a psychiatric hospital. Abandoned since the 1980s, the site offers guided tours that allow exploration of underground tunnels and historic buildings while learning about its fascinating past.
9. Cedarhurst Abandoned Mill (Stouffville, Ontario)
The Cedarhurst Mill is a 19th-century former watermill. Although the building is in ruins, it is accessible to the public and offers a glimpse into Ontario’s rural industrial past. Visitors should exercise caution when exploring the site.
10. Gagnon Abandoned Town (Quebec)
Founded for mining in the 1960s and abandoned in 1985, Gagnon is now a ghost town accessible via Route 389. The foundations of buildings and remaining structures offer a unique exploration experience while respecting safety and property rules.
Discover the Best Urbex Locations with Our Maps!
Are you looking for the best Urbex spots near you? Look no further! Whether you are a seasoned urban explorer or a curious amateur, our maps are full of abandoned places to explore. Discover our maps!
