Our beautiful province offers many fascinating places to explore year-round, including over 200 ghost towns and countless structures from over a century ago—but few are as renowned as Balaclava.
Nestled in Renfrew County in Eastern Ontario, this abandoned settlement stands as a haunting reminder of the province’s once-thriving lumber industry.
Though time has worn away much of what once stood, remnants of the past still linger, from decaying buildings to rusting machinery left behind.
According to Reader's Digest Canada, Balaclava was established in the 1850s as a bustling hub for logging. During its peak, the town’s sawmill produced up to one million board feet of lumber per week, a testament to the area's abundant timber resources. Originally water-powered, the mill later transitioned to steam power, ensuring continued efficiency and productivity.
At its height, Balaclava was home to around 70 residents and featured essential services such as a blacksmith shop, hotel, post office, and general store. The town thrived for decades, playing a vital role in Ontario’s booming lumber industry.
Decline and Abandonment
Despite its initial success, Balaclava’s fortunes began to fade in the early 20th century. The depletion of local timber resources led to a decline in operations, reducing employment opportunities and prompting residents to seek better prospects elsewhere. Further compounding the town’s struggles, the sawmill was accused of violating water conservation laws in the 1920s, hastening its downfall.
By the 1950s, Balaclava was largely abandoned. Its once-lively streets grew silent, and the remaining buildings began to deteriorate. The general store collapsed in 2014 and has since been overtaken by nature. Today, only a handful of crumbling structures remain, slowly succumbing to time and the elements.
A Haunting Destination for Explorers
Though uninhabited for decades, Balaclava continues to captivate urban explorers and photographers, drawn by its eerie beauty and historical significance. However, the largest remaining structure—the sawmill—is still privately owned, and due to ongoing trespassing concerns, it may soon be demolished.
For those interested in visiting, Balaclava offers a glimpse into Ontario’s logging past, but do visit with caution. The remaining buildings are in a fragile state, making it unsafe to get too close.
If you’re planning a road trip through Renfrew County, this ghost town is a compelling stop—one that may not be around much longer.
