While abandoned buildings aren’t your typical tourist attractions, they still attract visitors — especially photographers. If you’re a fan of things abandoned, we’ve got great news: there are plenty of abandoned places across Ontario. However, many people don’t like to give out exact locations, so finding them can be difficult. But, just by driving around the province’s back roads you’re sure to stumble across something interesting. If you decide to explore, take lots of pictures but be careful not to break any local laws. Here are 22 creepy and cool abandoned sites across Ontario.
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Altona, Ontario
Altona, Ontario isn't even just an abandoned site; it's an entire ghost town. You can explore empty cemeteries and churches if you decide to visit this creepy location.
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Alma College, St. Thomas, Ontario
Alma College used to be a private girls' school, but it folded in the 1980s and was eventually burned down in 2008. Now the site is mostly ruins.
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Doll and house, Manotick, Ontario
There's something very disturbing about a broken, forgotten doll lying near an abandoned house. You can almost hear the evil laugh. If one doll is creepy, can you imagine finding a store full of them? You just might at an abandoned shopping mall.
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Psychiatric hospital, Whitby, Ontario
After the Whitby Psychiatric Hospital was closed, it was mostly torn down. However, some buildings survived for a while and attracted urban explorers and photographers. Abandoned hospitals are certainly some of the most disturbing places you can visit, right up there with abandoned swimming pools.
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Hospital, Parry Sound, Ontario
It doesn't take long for the decay to start once the humans have left. This hallway in an abandoned hospital is creepy during the day, but imagine being here at night. If you've really got a hankering for lots of abandoned buildings, make sure to visit one of these abandoned Canadian towns.
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House, Georgetown, Ontario
This abandoned house, down a long driveway, could be the perfect spot for a Halloween party or the set of a low-budget zombie flick.
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7 / 22
Mine, Cobalt, Ontario
While this dilapidated mining structure in Cobalt, Ontario doesn't rank as one of the world's creepiest tourist attractions, it is certainly worth a visit if you're in the neighbourhood.
8 / 22
Sawmill, Balaclava, Ontario
There are lots of abandoned places that are less creepy and more historical. Take this abandoned sawmill and sawdust burner near the former lumber town of Balaclava, Ontario. Nothing eerie here.
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9 / 22
Outhouse, Manitoulin Island, Ontario
When you gotta go, you gotta go. But this abandoned outhouse on Manitoulin Island has probably outlived its usefulness. In fact, it might even fall over if you were to give it a try.
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10 / 22
Farmhouse, Barrow Bay, Ontario
An abandoned farmhouse in the winter, such as this one in Barrow Bay, is the very definition of bleak. Thank goodness for seasons!
11 / 22
Brick farmhouse, Chesley, Ontario
Not all abandoned farmhouses scream "murder scene." The remnants of this brick farmhouse in Chesley, Ontario would make a great spot for a picnic.
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Trike, London, Ontario
What is it about kids toys scattered around an abandoned property that makes them so sad? For instance, this trike that sits unwanted amongst the leaves on a cool autumn day near London. It almost brings a tear to your eye.
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13 / 22
Gas station, MacTier, Ontario
This abandoned gas station near MacTier, Ontario could easily be a set for The Walking Dead. The old-style mechanical pumps must be fairly ancient because the price of the last sale works out to about 40 cents per litre.
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14 / 22
Shipwreck, Tobermory, Ontario
Abandoned ships more your thing? Here's the wreck of the schooner Sweepstakes, located in the clear waters of Fathom Five National Marine Park, one of the most beautiful places in Ontario. The Sweepstakes sank in Big Tub Harbour way back in 1885. Today, the wreck is a popular spot for divers.
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15 / 22
Abandoned truck, Ottawa, Ontario
Old, abandoned vehicles are incredibly photogenic. Take this old truck sitting in a field near Ottawa. Instagram gold!
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16 / 22
Broken factory window, Toronto, Ontario
This window in an abandoned warehouse at the old Don Valley Brick Works in Toronto has certainly seen better days. The site changed hands a number of times and finally closed in 1991. Redevelopment began a few years later and today the former industrial site is now known as Evergreen Brick Works and features a park, cultural centre, garden market and more.
17 / 22
Car and windmill, Ottawa, Ontario
Located near Ottawa, one of the most beautiful Canadian cities to live in, this scene has a distinct '70s feel. While newer cars aren't as attractive as old trucks, the car's paint does match the landscape, so there's that.
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Train, Muskoka, Ontario
One of the best things about hunting for abandoned stuff is that you never know what you'll find. Take this abandoned train rotting away in Ontario's Muskoka region. The decaying interior still hints at the elegance of a bygone era. It may not be one of the best train trips in Canada today, but perhaps it once was.
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Hospital, Toronto, Ontario
At some abandoned spots you'll be amazed by the piles of stuff left behind. Out west, you'll find abandoned homes that are still completely furnished. Here in Ontario, you can stumble across sites like this abandoned hospital near Toronto complete with piles of old operating room equipment.
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Wheelchair, London, Ontario
Sticking with the medical theme, this: an abandoned wheelchair in an abandoned building near London, Ontario. Bonus points if you can spot the doll.
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Makeshift living room, Toronto, Ontario
We don't blame you if this makeshift living room in an abandoned Toronto warehouse has you running for the disinfectant. Still, there is something mesmerizing about it.
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Warehouse window, Toronto, Ontario
And finally, a room with a view. Surrounded by the words of visitors, this window in an abandoned warehouse near Toronto perfectly frames the CN Tower, home to The Edge Walk, one of the things you must do in Canada before you die.
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