Discover the Top 10 must-see urban exploration sites in Canada: explore fascinating abandoned places, perfect for lovers of adventure and mystery.
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 disused industrial sites, these mysterious places tell stories of the past and invite explorers to discover hidden treasures. Here are ten of the best Urbex sites in Canada that you shouldn't miss.
1. Riverview Hospital Asylum (Coquitlam, British Columbia)
A former psychiatric hospital opened in 1913, Riverview Hospital is renowned for its impressive architecture and rich history. While some parts of the complex are still in use or secured, unoccupied areas can be explored on organized guided tours, allowing visitors to discover this historically significant site.
2. The Britannia Mining Village (Britannia Beach, British Columbia)
Located on the west coast, the Britannia Mine Museum is a former mining site transformed into a museum. Visitors can explore mine tunnels, industrial buildings, and learn about the history of copper mining in Canada. This site offers an immersive experience while remaining legally accessible.
3. Kingston Prison (Kingston, Ontario)
Closed in 2013, Kingston Penitentiary is one of Canada's oldest prisons. Now open to the public for guided tours, it offers a unique glimpse into the 19th-century penitentiary system. Visitors can explore the cells, courtyards, and administrative buildings while learning the stories of the inmates who were once held there.
4. The Redpath Grain Silos (Montreal, Quebec)
Located on Montreal's Old Port, the Redpath Grain Banks are a symbol of the city's industrial past. Although access to the interior is restricted for safety reasons, the bank can be admired from the outside, and artistic events are sometimes held there, offering a different perspective on this historic landmark.
5. The Ghost Village of Val-Jalbert (Lac-Saint-Jean, Quebec)
Abandoned in the 1920s, the Village of Val-Jalbert is now a historical park where visitors can stroll among the restored and ruined buildings of a former industrial community. The site offers a safe urban exploration experience, with educational activities and historical reenactments.
6. The Abandoned Military Base of Keno City (Yukon)
Located in the Yukon Territory, Keno City is a small community that is home to remnants of mining operations and Second World War military installations. Visitors can explore the abandoned buildings and learn about the area's history, while respecting private property and local regulations.
7. The Wreck of the SS Ethie (Rocky Harbour, Newfoundland and Labrador)
The SS Ethie was a steamship that sank in 1919. The wreck's remains 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 respecting 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 visitors to explore the underground tunnels and historic buildings while learning about its fascinating past.
9. The Abandoned Mill of Cedarhurst (Stouffville, Ontario)
Cedarhurst Mill is a former 19th-century watermill. Although the building is in ruins, it is open to the public and offers a glimpse into Ontario's rural industrial past. Visitors should exercise caution when exploring the site.
10. The Abandoned Town of Gagnon (Quebec)
Founded for mining in the 1960s and abandoned in 1985, Gagnon is now a ghost site accessible via Route 389. The foundations of the buildings and the remaining structures offer a unique exploration experience, while respecting safety and property rules.
Discover the best urban exploration locations with our maps!
Looking for the best urban exploration spots near you? Look no further! Whether you're a seasoned urban explorer or a curious amateur, our maps are full of abandoned places to explore. Discover our maps!
