Abandoned Places In Ontario To Visit

Ontario, Canada is known for its beautiful cities, scenic landscapes, and stunning natural beauty. However, there is a darker side to Ontario that is often overlooked – its abandoned places. These forgotten and decaying structures offer a glimpse into Ontario’s past and are a fascinating place to explore. Here are some of the most interesting abandoned places in Ontario that you should add to your bucket list.

The Rockwood Asylum for the Criminally Insane

Located in Kingston, Ontario, the Rockwood Asylum for the Criminally Insane was built in 1859 and operated until 2000. The facility was designed to house mentally ill patients who were considered a danger to society. The asylum is a large, imposing structure with Gothic architecture and is said to be haunted by the ghosts of patients who died within its walls.

The Little Cataraqui Creek Power Station

The Little Cataraqui Creek Power Station was built in 1904 and operated until 1964. The power station was a hydroelectric power plant that provided electricity to the city of Kingston. Today, the abandoned power station is a popular spot for urban explorers and photographers. The site features crumbling brick walls, rusted machinery, and a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere.

The Abandoned Village of Glenora

Glenora was once a bustling village located near Picton, Ontario. It was home to a sawmill, a grist mill, a blacksmith shop, and several other businesses. However, the village was abandoned in the early 20th century when the local timber supply ran out. Today, the abandoned buildings of Glenora are a popular spot for photographers and history buffs.

The Abandoned Canada Cement Plant

Located near Picton, Ontario, the Canada Cement Plant was once a thriving business that provided cement to the surrounding area. The plant was in operation from 1914 to 1973 and produced over 3 million tonnes of cement during its lifetime. Today, the abandoned plant is a hauntingly beautiful site that features towering silos, rusted machinery, and crumbling concrete structures.

The Abandoned Central Ontario Railway

The Central Ontario Railway was a railway that operated in Ontario from 1902 to 1957. The railway was used to transport goods and passengers across the province. Today, the abandoned railway is a popular spot for hikers and nature enthusiasts. The railway features overgrown tracks, abandoned railway stations, and scenic views of the surrounding wilderness.

The Abandoned Algonquin Park Logging Camps

Algonquin Park is a beautiful wilderness area located in central Ontario. However, it was once the site of several logging camps that were used to harvest the area’s rich timber resources. The camps were abandoned in the early 20th century when the timber supply ran out. Today, the abandoned logging camps are a popular spot for hikers and history buffs. The camps feature decaying buildings, rusted machinery, and stunning views of the surrounding wilderness.

The Abandoned Ontario Place

Ontario Place was a popular amusement park located in Toronto that operated from 1971 to 2011. The park featured rides, attractions, and a large outdoor concert venue. However, the park was closed in 2012 due to declining attendance and financial difficulties. Today, the abandoned park is a hauntingly beautiful site that features decaying buildings, rusted rides, and stunning views of Lake Ontario.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Ontario is home to many abandoned places that offer a glimpse into the province’s past. These decaying structures are a fascinating place to explore and offer a unique perspective on Ontario’s history. Whether you’re a photographer, history buff, or just looking for an adventure, these abandoned places in Ontario are definitely worth a visit. Just be sure to exercise caution and respect when exploring these sites, as many of them are unsafe and unstable. Always seek permission before entering private property and be aware of the potential dangers, such as collapsing structures or hazardous materials.

Additionally, it is important to remember that these abandoned places are not just relics of the past. They are often reminders of economic, social, and environmental changes that have shaped Ontario’s history. By exploring these sites, we can gain a greater appreciation for the challenges and triumphs of those who came before us.

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in urban exploration and the preservation of abandoned places. Some groups and individuals have taken it upon themselves to document these sites and advocate for their restoration and protection. While the fate of many abandoned places in Ontario remains uncertain, their stories and memories continue to inspire curiosity and fascination among visitors and locals alike.

In conclusion, Ontario is home to a wealth of abandoned places that offer a unique glimpse into the province’s past. Whether you are interested in history, architecture, or urban exploration, these sites are well worth a visit. Just be sure to do your research, exercise caution, and respect the legacy of these forgotten places.