Discover the Top 10 must-see urbex 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 places 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 the ten best Urbex sites in Canada that you should not miss.
1. Riverview Hospital (Coquitlam, British Columbia)
A former psychiatric hospital opened in 1913, Riverview Hospital is famous for its impressive architecture and rich history. While parts of the complex are still in operation or secured, unoccupied areas can be explored on organised guided tours, allowing visitors to discover this historic 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 mine tunnels, industrial buildings and learn about the history of copper mining in Canada. This site offers an immersive experience while being legally accessible.
3. Kingston Prison (Kingston, Ontario)
Closed in 2013, Kingston Jail is one of Canada's oldest prisons. Now open to the public for guided tours, it offers a unique insight into the 19th-century penitentiary system. Visitors can walk through cells, yards and administrative buildings while learning the stories of the inmates who spent time there.
4. Redpath Grain Silos (Montreal, Quebec)
Located on the Old Port of Montreal, the Redpath Grain Elevators are a symbol of the city's industrial past. Although access to the interior is restricted for security reasons, the elevators can be admired from the outside, and artistic events are sometimes held there, offering a different perspective on this historic monument.
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 Urbex experience, with educational activities and historical reenactments.
6. Keno City Abandoned Military Base (Yukon)
Located in the Yukon Territory, Keno City is a small community that is home to remnants of mining operations and World War II military installations. Visitors can explore abandoned buildings and learn about the history of the area, 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 remains of the wreck can be seen on the coast near Rocky Harbour, providing 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 explore the underground tunnels and historic buildings while learning about its fascinating past.
9. The Abandoned Cedarhurst Mill (Stouffville, Ontario)
Cedarhurst Mill is a former water-powered mill dating back to the 19th century. 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. The Abandoned Town of Gagnon (Quebec)
Founded for mining in the 1960s and abandoned in 1985, Gagnon is today a ghost site accessible via Route 389. The building foundations 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 locations 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!
