Canada isn't without its ghost towns. Canada had its very own “Wild West” gold rush era with the ghost towns that tell the era's tale. But not all the ghost towns are out West and one of Canada's most well-known ghost towns is that of Val-Jalbert in Quebec. The mill which the village was built around, abruptly closed in 1927 and also the village was entirely deserted. It's grown to become one of many historical attractions in Quebec.
Val-Jalbert is a living ghost town in Quebec and has a stunning setting by a few of Quebec's most stunning waterfalls. Living ghost towns with costumed actors in the United States range from the historic capital of scotland- Williamsburg in Virginia (part of the Historic Triangle) and the old Wild West boom-town of Bannack in Montana on “Bannack Days” as well as for Halloween.
The Fleeting History Of The Ultra-Modern Town Of Val-Jalbert
Val-Jalbert is located in the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region of Canada's Quebec province.
The story of Val-Jalbert is about as fleeting just like any ghost town could aspire to have. It was founded in 1901 and rocketed to success by the local pulp mill in the base of the Ouiatchouan Falls.
The founder of the village was Damase Jalbert (1842 -1904) who died only 3 years following the village's founding. In 1913 the village was renamed Val-Jalbert in his honor (it had been originally called Saint-Georges-de-Ouiatchouan following the river running through it).
- Founder: Damase Jalbert
The village relied on the pulp and paper mill which was built to meet the ever-growing interest in newspapers in the usa and in Great Britain. The location was great as the two local waterfalls supply lots of energy to operate the mill.
The Ouiatchaucan Falls is a major attraction in itself. It falls some 72 meters (236 feet) – that's 20 meters greater than Niagra Falls. The waterfall is one of the main draws for people arrive at Val-Jalbert.
- Ouiatchaouan Falls: 72 meters (236ft)
- Founded: 1901
- Closed: The Pulp Mill Closed in 1927
But in 1927 the guarana plant was shut down due to the lower demand for non-transformed mechanical pulp. Most of the workers stuck around for a few years seeking their old jobs back, however in 1929 the organization ordered the homes boarded up. The time, these company homes were ultra-modern homes. The laborers here enjoyed some of the highest wages in the area.
- Population: 950 Residents in 1926 and Only 50 Families in 1930
The town was carefully planned and boasted, electric lighting in streets and houses, water and sewer systems, running water in all homes, hydrants for fire-fighting, wooden sidewalks, a paved main street, a hotel, along with a convent school.
Second Life Like a Major Tourist Attraction
In 1949 the organization went bankrupt and the Quebec government gained title on the land along with the abandoned village. The Quebec government took the title and closed Val-Jalbert for nonpayment of taxes.
In 1960 it became a park in Canada with over 70 of their original abandoned buildings still remaining. They're in such good shape that it has been described as Canada's best-preserved ghost town.
The ghost town was opened towards the public in the 1960s and worked about restoring them. Today may be the second favorite tourist attraction in the Lac St-Jean region after the zoo of St-Félicien. It has become a notable and unique tourist attraction in Quebec.
- Opened: Val-Jalbert First Opened To The Public In The 1960s
The old “company town” has been designated a provincial heritage site in recognition it has always been virtually intact since 1927.
Over time, efforts have been made to get the attraction. Now, not only are there fully restored buildings, an immersive historical show, and actors portraying townsfolk but there's also on-site restaurants and guest rooms as well as a belvedere overlooking the magnificent 72-meter waterfall.
Visiting Val-Jalbert Today
Visitors can see the boom and bust of this town summarized in a multimedia immersive show. The actors engage in the storyline mostly within the convent school, the post office, and the hotel/general store.
- Number of Buildings: 94 Buildings
- Actors: You will find Costumed Actors On-Site
Today visitors can easily see how the mill operated and how the employees and their families lived. The entire place remains frozen over time in a stunningly beautiful natural setting. A lot of the machinery and facilities of the mill also remain intact.
There are even trolleybus rides that provide visitors an overview of the town then they can explore around by walking.
Afterward, it is even easy to stay overnight at among the guestrooms created in period homes on Rue Saint-Georges. All the details about visiting Val-Jalbert and accommodation options take presctiption Val-Jalbert's official website.
- Admission: Approx $30.00 CAD ($24 USD) Per Adult
- Summer Season: May 28 to October 9
- Winter Season: December 4, 2022 to March 27, 2022
