Relics of the Past: British Columbia’s Best Ghost Towns to Explore

For those looking to take in a little history on their trip to BC, there are an abundance of historic sites and communities within the province. When on the road, keep your eye out for Stop of Interest signs. These markers share stories about the province’s colonial past.

Much of BC, especially remote coastal regions, used to be far more populated than it is today. In the heyday of fishing, logging, and mining, many small islands, inlets, and mountain valleys were home to thriving communities. When the resources that sustained them dwindled, people moved on, leaving behind weathered buildings, abandoned machinery, and fading memories. If you’re travelling by boat or kayak and venture into secluded bays, you might stumble across the remnants of the past.

Few ghost towns in the province have been preserved. Left to the elements, the majority have decayed, sometimes leaving ruins, but most have been reclaimed by nature. Those listed below were either lucky enough to be maintained as heritage attractions or still have enough remaining structures to make them worth a visit.

Barkerville – Cariboo

Probably the most famous ghost town in the province, Barkerville emerged in the 1860s during the Cariboo Gold Rush, then gradually declined. This family-friendly attraction is a fully restored heritage site where you can stroll through historic buildings, try gold panning, and chat with costumed interpreters.

• Nearest Community: Quesnel
• Access: Vehicle
• Entry Fee: Yes
• Camping/Accommodation: Available

Fort Steele – Kootenays

Originally a North West Mounted Police post, Fort Steele became a mining settlement that declined after the railway bypassed it in favour of Cranbrook. Now a living history museum, it features heritage buildings, demonstrations, and wagon rides.

• Nearest Community: Cranbrook
• Access: Vehicle
• Entry Fee: Yes
• Camping: Available nearby

Sandon – Kootenays

Nestled in the Selkirk Mountains, Sandon was once a booming silver mining town. Today, a few restored buildings remain, along with vintage buses and mining relics. Volunteers work to keep its history alive.

• Nearest Community: New Denver
• Access: Vehicle
• Entry Fee: No (donations encouraged)
• Camping: Available

Three Valley Gap – Shuswap

Although not a real ghost town, Three Valley Gap was built as a museum with historic buildings relocated from elsewhere. Explore antique cars and a railway roundhouse while gaining insight into the region’s railway history.

• Nearest Community: Revelstoke
• Access: Vehicle
• Entry Fee: Yes
• Camping/Accommodation: Hotel on site

Granite Creek – Okanagan-Similkameen

After the discovery of gold, Granite Creek was the site of a mining camp that became the third-largest town in the province at its peak. Now, little more than ruins, interpretive signs, scattered foundations, and a cemetery are all that remain.

• Nearest Community: Coalmont/Tulameen
• Access: Vehicle
• Entry Fee: No
• Camping: Available nearby

Quesnel (Quesnelle) Forks – Cariboo

Established in 1859, Quesnel Forks was a supply centre during the Cariboo Gold Rush. After being abandoned and falling into disrepair, volunteers began restoring it. Visitors can explore buildings and the historic cemetery.

• Nearest Community: Likely
• Access: Vehicle
• Entry Fee: No
• Camping: Free on site

Anyox – North Coast

Once a thriving company-owned copper mining town, Anyox was abandoned in 1935 after the mine closed. Its massive hydroelectric dam, smelter ruins, and concrete structures attract history buffs and photographers alike. All visits must be arranged through a tour operator.

• Nearest Community: None
• Access: Northern BC Jet Boat Tours
• Entry Fee: Yes (tours only)
• Camping: No

Kitsault (Gits’oohl) – North Coast

Built in 1979 as a molybdenum mining town, Kitsault was abandoned three years later when the market crashed. Remarkably preserved, its streets, houses, hospital, and even a bowling alley remain intact. The town is privately owned, and all visits must be arranged through a tour operator.  

• Nearest Community: None
• Access: Northern BC Jet Boat Tours
• Entry Fee: Yes (tours only)
• Camping: No

Bradian – South Chilcotin

Once part of one of the richest gold mining operations in Canada, Bradian was abandoned in the 1970s when the mine shut down, but its buildings were later stabilized under new ownership. The neighbouring town of Bralorne, which still has residents, has a museum that shares the area’s history.

• Nearest Community: Gold Bridge
• Access: Vehicle
• Entry Fee: No
• Camping: Available nearby

Butedale (C’idexs) – North Coast

Initially the site of a fishing, logging, and mining camp, Butedale became a salmon cannery site until the 1950s, when it closed. The decaying buildings and idyllic Butedale Falls make it an enticing stop for boaters travelling the Inside Passage.

• Nearest Community: None
• Access: Boat or float plane
• Entry Fee: No
• Camping: None

Exploring British Columbia’s ghost towns offers an opportunity to step back in time and experience the province’s colonial history firsthand. Whether you’re visiting a fully restored heritage site like Barkerville, wandering through crumbling remnants, or paddling into remote bays, each site tells a story of the past. If you’re planning to visit these places, be prepared for varying conditions, and remember to take only photos.

Are you a history lover who loves adventure? Check out these plane crash hikes.

If you’d like to help me with my extremely unrealistic ambition to buy Butedale, you can Buy Me A Coffee. (It also helps to support writing articles like these.)