The ruins spread around Ontario give the province character, an array of remnants from castles, mills, and other important structures from significant times in history. These ruins are mostly located within the beautiful green spaces of Mother Nature, whether by bodies of water, rugged wildflowers and fields, or in more deserted fields out in the open.
St. Raphael’s Catholic Church Ruins
The ruins of the St. Raphael’s Catholic Church represent one of the earliest Roman Catholic churches in Canada. Declared a National Historic Site in 1999, this exceptional work of architecture carries centuries of history.
Address: 19998 County Rd 18, Williamstown
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Darnley Grist Mill
Tucked away in Crooks Hollow, the Darnley Grist Mill has history that dates back to the 1800s. It was the first gristmill in the area and the construction of a distillery, general store, woolen mill, agricultural factory, and more, were built after that.
Address: Crooks Hollow Rd, Hamilton
Merrickville Ruins
The Merrickville Ruins is a complex of ruins right by the Rideau Canal in Merrickville. It encompasses five mills from the mid-1800s that complement the down-to-earth beauty of its surroundings.
Address: 306 Roadway St, Merrickville
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Mill Race Park
Mill Race Park is located in the city of Cambridge, the host of various concerts at its stone amphitheatre built with the ruins of the old C. Turnbull Textile Mill. Unlike many of the other ruins on this list, the ruins here are incorporated into the modern-day aspects of the park.
Address: 36 Water St N, Cambridge
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Pinhey’s Point Historic Site
Wedged on the banks of the Ottawa River, Pinhey’s Point boasts a 200-year-old manor house and some other surrounding ruins that have become an Ontario Heritage Trust site. It is a popular place to relax, enjoy the waters, and the scenic views.
Address: 270 Pinhey Point Rd, Dunrobin
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Harris Woollen Mill Ruins
The ruins of the old Harris Woollen Mill are located in the Rockwood Conservation Area, crumbled along the banks of the Eramosa River. The ruins are fully restored and are popular as a venue for events and functions such as weddings.
Address: 161 Fall St S, Guelph/Eramosa
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The Corran Ruins
The Corran was once a huge seventeen-room stone mansion that looks over Colpoy’s Bay. These classic ruins include crumbled stone walls surrounded by vegetation, wildflowers, and room to picnic, swim, hike around, and enjoy the Georgian Bay.
Address: 3 8th Ave, Wiarton
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Lime Kiln Ruins
The Lime Kiln Ruins are a perfect example of a 19th-century industrial lime kiln in Canada. It had much importance in the 1900s, but since its abandonment, after it stopped operating, it simply remains a beautiful site important to the area.
Address: Lime Kiln Trail, Ottawa
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Castle Glen
Castle Glen can be visited on a hike through a classic forest by a small hidden lake. The rugged beauty of the area is the perfect setting for a once fanciful, enchanting castle turned humble ruins.
Address: The Blue Mountains
Balaclava
The rural community of Balaclava is located in Renfrew County, a commonly known “ghost town” that has an eerie, yet intriguing atmosphere. Housing abandoned landmarks like a water-powered sawmill, you can tour the area and explore what used to be Balaclava.
Goldie Mill Park
Goldie Mill Park is home to the Goldie Mill, a three-story limestone building built in the mid-1800s. These ruins have tons of historical and architectural value to the City of Guelph, as well as Ontario. It was used as a sawmill site for over 100 years, and is set among river willows along the riverbanks.
Address: 75 Cardigan St, Guelph
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Hermitage Ruins
The Hermitage Ruins is part of an estate where the stone house and outbuildings still remain as ruins. Sat on 120 acres of land, this area teems with history and the elaborate structure’s foundations can still be viewed today.
Address: Dundas Valley Conservation Area, 650 Governors Rd, Dundas
Forks of the Credit Provincial Park
The Forks of the Credit Provincial Park is part of the Niagara Escarpment biosphere. Aside from its stunning natural beauty and many opportunities for recreational activities, there is a historic mill and dam that has been in the area since 1820 that reminds visitors of the location’s history.
Address: 17760 McLaren Rd, Caledon
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Limestone Kilns
The Limestone Kilns are located in the Limehouse Conservation Area, a part of the Niagara Escarpment with plenty of geological features. The ruins are part of the past remnants of the Lime industry in the 1800s, cultural heritage resources that are crucial to the conservation area.
Address: Limehouse Conservation Area, 12169 5th Line, Limehouse
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