These Stunning Church Ruins Near Ottawa Will Transport You Back To The 1800s
Calling all adventure seekers! If your wanderlust has been getting the best of you lately, we’ve got just the thing. You can explore breathtaking church ruins near Ottawa this summer and they’ll have you feeling like you’ve travelled back in time.
Located in the small township of Glengarry, Ont., St. Raphael’s was one of the first Roman Catholic churches to exist in English-speaking Canada, dating back to at least the early 1800s.
But when a fire engulfed the building in 1970, nothing but the crumbling outer walls remained.
The old church bell was also saved from the flames, though it certainly doesn’t ring like it used to.
Today, after years of restoration to make the site safe, the stunning ruins are considered a national historic site and are commonly used for weddings, concerts, and more.
In the summer months, visitors are free to tour the site during the day. Admission is free but you’re welcome to leave donations if you chose.
And if you live in Ottawa, this little gem is roughly an hour away, making it the perfect day trip destination.
So the next time you get the sudden urge to wander and explore, why not get up close and personal with these beautiful stone walls?
Outside of the ruins, you might feel an eerie vibe, but inside feels like a hidden oasis that you’ll never want to leave.
And if you’re looking for great ways to travel on a serious budget, then these ruins are perfect.
The stone walls and beautiful architecture will transport you to Scotland in an instant, and you don’t even need to leave the province.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the fire that couldn’t quite tear this building down.
To celebrate, a concert is scheduled for Sunday, August 16.
So keep your eyes on the St. Raphael’s Ruins website for event updates.
This memorizing space is just one of many ruins near Ottawa that will steal your heart this summer.
So be sure to add St. Raphael's Ruins to your bucket list ASAP.
St. Raphael's Ruins
Price: Free
Address: 19998 County Rd. 18, South Glengarry, ON
Why You Need To Go: You can wander through gorgeous historic ruins for the perfect peaceful oasis this summer.
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