Ghost towns in Canada: Travel through time at these abandoned places
Explore the remnants of once-bustling ghost towns across Canada, where abandoned buildings and quiet streets offer a glimpse into the country’s past.
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Lost Villages, Ont. The Lost Villages are a group of six villages and three hamlets in Ontario that were purposely submerged to make way for a massive hydroelectric and seaway project along the St. Lawrence River, displacing more over 6,500 people. (Farran’s Point, lostvillages.ca)
Lost Villages, Ont. The Lost Villages Museum near Long Sault, Ont., preserves eight relocated historic buildings, including the old train station, artifacts and archives that offer a glimpse into the lives of those who once called the villages home. (Moulinette Station, lostvillages.ca)
Lost Villages, Ont. Scuba divers can also explore parts of the submerged Lost Villages, where remnants of a powerhouse, a paper mill, an old bridge and other structures remain visible beneath the surface of the St. Lawrence River. (The Fish Finders/ YouTube)
Val-Jalbert, Que. Val-Jalbert was a thriving mill town in the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region of Quebec during the early 20th century, but a pulp industry crisis in 1924 led to widespread job losses and, ultimately, the mill's permanent closure on August 13, 1927, due to financial difficulties. (Pulp mill, ValJalbert.com)
Val-Jalbert, Que. Today, visitors to Val-Jalbert can explore the historic pulp mill, tour more than 40 restored original buildings, including the old school and general store, ride a 1920s-style trolleybus, and enjoy immersive live theatre and seasonal activities. (Former Convent-School, Parks Canada)
Val-Jalbert, Que. A cable car offers stunning views over the 72-metre Ouiatchouan Falls, and hiking trails let visitors experience the natural beauty of the surrounding area up close. (Cable car, ValJalbert.com)
Rowley, Alta. The once bustling town of Rowley, Alta., was home to around 500 people in the early 1900s but began to decline in the mid-20th century as railway service diminished and farming families moved away. Today, roughly 8-12 people still live in the historic prairie town. (rowleyalberta.ca)
Rowley, Alta. Visitors can wander along its historic Main Street that’s lined with a restored church, saloon, bank, schoolhouse, grain elevators, and museum, exploring antiques, vintage railcars, and prairie artifacts in this living ‘historical village.’ (rowleyalberta.ca)
Rowley, Alta. Visitors to Rowley can also attend Pizza Nite at Sam’s Saloon, held on the last Saturday of every month, for pizza and live music. It’s popular with both locals and curious travellers. (rowleyalberta.ca)
Anyox, B.C. Anyox, B.C., was once a thriving company town built around a massive copper smelter in the early 20th century. It included a hospital, hotel, tennis courts, and golf clubs and had a population of around 2,500 people. (northernbcjetboattours.ca)
Anyox, B.C. Today, visitors to Anyox can explore towering remnants of the hydroelectric powerhouse and dam, wander through the overgrown cemetery, and walk the forest-reclaimed streets of what was once Canada’s largest ghost town. (northernbcjetboattours.ca)
Anyox, B.C. Anyox is a remote ghost town tucked into the costal mountains and is only accessible by float plane, helicopter or boat, with tours offered by Northern BC Jet Boat Tours. (northernbcjetboattours.ca)
