1. Tranquille Sanatorium (Kamloops, BC)

• History: Originally built in 1907, Tranquille Sanatorium was a tuberculosis treatment center that later became a psychiatric hospital before shutting down in 1985. It remains a hotspot for paranormal activity and urban explorers. Why Visit? • Haunted reputation with eerie underground tunnels. • Beautiful yet decaying architecture. • Offers guided ghost tours for thrill-seekers. Positive Aspect: A unique historical site that offers tours to visitors. Negative Aspect: Some areas are off-limits due to safety concerns.

3. Anyox Ghost Town (Northwestern BC)

• History: Once a booming mining town in the early 1900s, Anyox was abandoned after a fire in 1942. Today, only remnants of buildings and machinery remain. Why Visit? • One of BC’s most remote and eerie ghost towns. • Mysterious abandoned structures covered in moss. • A fascinating piece of BC’s mining history. Positive Aspect: Rich history and incredible photo opportunities. Negative Aspect: Difficult to access; requires a boat or plane.

4. Kitsault Ghost Town (Northwestern BC)

• History: Kitsault was a planned mining town built in the 1980s, but it was abandoned just months after completion due to a decline in molybdenum prices. Today, it remains frozen in time with intact buildings and empty streets. Why Visit? • One of the best-preserved ghost towns in Canada. • Feels like stepping into an abandoned movie set. • An entire town left untouched for decades. Positive Aspect: Safe to explore and incredibly well-preserved. Negative Aspect: Privately owned, so permission is required to visit.

5. Riverview Hospital (Coquitlam, BC)

• History: Opened in 1913, Riverview was once BC’s largest mental health institution. Many buildings are now abandoned, and it has a reputation for being haunted. Why Visit? • Popular filming location for horror movies and TV shows. • A hotspot for ghost stories and paranormal activity. • Offers a chilling glimpse into early psychiatric treatment. Positive Aspect: Rich history and architectural beauty. Negative Aspect: Some buildings are off-limits due to safety concerns.

6. Bradian Ghost Town (Near Gold Bridge, BC)

• History: Once a thriving gold mining town, Bradian was abandoned in the 1970s. The entire town was later sold but remains largely untouched. Why Visit? • An authentic ghost town experience with abandoned homes and stores. • A picturesque yet eerie location. • Remnants of the gold rush era still visible. Positive Aspect: A fascinating historical site for exploration. Negative Aspect: Requires a 4WD vehicle to access.

7. Sandon Ghost Town (West Kootenay, BC)

• History: Sandon was once a bustling silver mining town in the late 1800s, but it declined after a devastating flood in 1955. Today, it remains semi-abandoned, with a few buildings still standing. Why Visit? • A mix of abandoned and restored buildings. • Home to rusting relics like old streetcars and mining equipment. • Surrounded by scenic mountain views. Positive Aspect: Easily accessible and has some maintained structures. Negative Aspect: Some parts are off-limits due to private ownership.

Additional Locations

If you want to extend your list or add bonus locations, consider:

• • Coke Ovens (Fernie, BC) – Abandoned structures from the coal mining era, now overgrown and eerie. • Island Copper Mine (Vancouver Island, BC) – A massive open-pit mine left abandoned, resembling an apocalyptic landscape. • McBarge (Vancouver, BC) – A floating McDonald’s restaurant from Expo 86, now left to decay. • Stave Falls Powerhouse (Mission, BC) – A historic hydroelectric plant, with abandoned areas still standing.

More Paranormal and Urban Legends

• • Unexplained Lights & Noises: Visitors to Tranquille Sanatorium have reported strange whispers and flickering lights. • Ghost Sightings: At Riverview Hospital, some claim to have seen apparitions in the windows of empty wards. • Echoes of the Past: Anyox Ghost Town is said to have eerie echoes of mining operations despite being long abandoned.

Safety Tips for Exploring

• • Buddy System: Never explore abandoned places alone in case of an emergency. • Legal Access: Always check if permission is required before visiting. • Environmental Caution: Be mindful of unstable structures, wildlife, and toxic materials in old industrial sites.

FAQs

• Q1: Are these abandoned places in British Columbia safe to visit? Some locations are safe with guided tours, while others require caution due to decaying structures. Always check access restrictions and safety advisories before visiting. Q2: Are these locations haunted? Many of these sites have ghost stories and paranormal claims, making them popular among thrill-seekers. Q3: Do I need permission to visit these abandoned places? Some locations, like Kitsault and Riverview Hospital, require special permission as they are privately owned or restricted for safety reasons. Q4: What should I bring when exploring abandoned sites? Essentials include a flashlight, sturdy footwear, a camera, and respect for the site’s history. Never remove artifacts or damage property.