Saskatchewan Ghost Towns & Abandoned Churches

[@georgetkachyk9493]

Hello from Edmonton, AB. Born in Lanigan, SK and raised in SK. We owned the hotel in Krydor SK from 1950- 1965. Well Done. My father worked the CPR from 1928-1950 . Many of these ghost towns he worked and we travelled through by rail or car. Great Memories. My Grandfather, a blacksmith by trade, fabricated the iron crosses at Maryville Church and many others in this film, throughout northeast Sk and northwest MB. He homesteaded near Garland MB in 1910.

[@attrell]

Thanks for sharing, Krydor is still one of my fav towns :)

[@kryschi]

Incredible! That scene of Krydor in Attrell's video showcased the beauty of the prairies in the background. Such a lovely place and so interesting to read of its history there!

[@olhert4613]

Watching from Ukraine, Kyiv. Nice to see recognized architecture of churches. 🥰

[@ArthurBuckBiblowski]

Hi I am Ukrainian Canadian. My grandparents came from Ukraine and settled in Vernon British Columba Canada. Vernon is known as a Ukrainian town. Many Ukrainians settled here. British Columbia has a large population of Ukrainians. My heart goes out to you for what Putins evil war has done to my mother country. Peace and love to you my friend. My last name is Beblow

[@misszsazsa6288]

Chris, I’m originally from Winnipeg, MB but lived in Saskatoon for 5 years a few years after I was married. Then I moved to southern Ontario living in the suburbs of Toronto. Now retired, my husband and I have retired to a rural community north of Toronto. I’m a prairie girl through and through and have loved discovering your videos. As much as I’ve been busy trying to listen to your info on the different towns, my eyes keep being drawn to the fabulous prairie skies with her amazing shades of blue and fantastic cloud formations. Thank you so much for returning me to my roots. I returned from visiting family in Winnipeg just a few weeks ago and one of my sisters married a fellow from a small town in Manitoba (Arden) that will probably soon disappear off the map. My 4 sisters and I go out to stay in my BIL’s old family home in Arden for a week every year to have a reunion and chance to catch up with each other. My sister now loves living there in the country more than her husband and he prefers to live in their house in Wpg. My sister? She loves the history of the old buildings, the stories of those who lived there so long ago, and of course, the peace and quiet away from the city. While I was out there in September, I saw the northern lights 2 of the nights I was there. I’ve only seen the Aurora Borealis one single time since I moved to ON over 35 years ago and they were so small and insignificant my husband had to convince me they were indeed the AB! 😂 Too much light from too many towns and cities to see the AB here in southern ON. While walking around the old town of Arden, I’m always struck by the never ending horizon and the wind blowing on the long grasses. Such peace!

[@attrell]

Hey thanks for the message! Glad you enjoyed living here.

[@petermclearn1698]

Why are the streets so wide ? And where did all these folks move too ?

[@sienaasem-som6616]

A very impressive characteristic about these nearly forgotten small towns is the stone-willed resilience of the few remaining inhabitants who refuse to leave these almost ghost places were they built their lives. Some of this towns will die with them, and the last living memories from times were life and hope filled the now dusty and silent streets will be completely gone. It's sad, but also, fascinating. Some could call them fools, but I bent my knee and have a lot of respect for them. Greetings from the south of Brasil to you.

[@claytonwason3488]

When I go through old ghost towels I get the sense of great sadness. And serenity at the same time.

[@richardyoung4616]

I want to see a ghost towel😂

[@pointsoflightradio9785]

@@richardyoung4616 I tried drying of with a ghost towel but it didn't work

[@helenforrestal580]

My grandparents had a farm in Melfort in the 30’s and 40’s, spent a lot of time there.

[@patriciapiper6294]

Hello from spokane wa. These buildings make me so homesick. I grew up farming in wilbur wa. These old buildings cared for someone, defended someone, protected someone. To see them all alone and defensless really sadens me somehow. Your vids are so well done. The time of year and atmosphere are wonderful.❤❤❤

[@attrell]

Wow thank you for watching!

[@LoriJMarshall]

I am watching from Medicine Hat AB. Saskatchewan has / had so many tiny towns. I wish I could travel back in time to see these places alive with life.

[@attrell]

Me too!

[@pigatey]

I remember driving through Hazel which seems like a ghost town.

[@rhondahoughton790Canada]

I am 52 and have lived here all my life. I grew up in many small towns that are now dying or dead; Darmody, Neville, Lac Pelletier (the town not the lake resort), Stornoway, and Stenen. I love seeing these videos and I can remember those days. The one on Wroxton, I immediately recognized the Chinese Cafe, the most popular type of small town cafe during my childhood. There is an amazing church east of Stornoway on the 8 hwy.

[@michakrov3266]

Same, fellow mad hatter

[@toogie6267]

Such architectural treasures in those churches! Hope they're maintained.

[@Katepwe]

Unfortunately no, not all of them.

[@attrell]

Many are not

[@Vinnytsia]

Watching from USA, formerly from Ukraine. WOW, so many Ukrainian churches in Canada. Thank you for the video.

[@attrell]

Thanks for watching. Yes we have TONS of them.

[@DanoFSmith-yc9tg]

The province of saskatchewan had to be nearly 50% Ukrainian at one point. There are so many even to this day. Regina Sask has a killer Ukrainian Bakery/Deli. It's a must stop if you're ever there.

[@emersonboyko]

I can confirm I was born in sask

[@videonmode8649]

Lots of Ukrainian settlers in western Canada, lots of heritage sites plus Ukrainian Catholic churches as well.

[@bartdaw6681]

Lots of Eastern Europe people period!

[@krzysztoftomasz5395]

The way you present these abandoned places is amazing. I'm watching from Poland.

[@attrell]

Thank you very much!

[@RiokuAvalon]

Greetings from Brantford, Ontario! Love these videos, very soothing in a sad way. Saskatchewan is beautiful, the sky goes on forever.

[@attrell]

Thanks for watching!

[@Katepwe]

The provincial moto is….”land of living skies”

[@ChristineKessel-m2u]

Born and raised in Saskatchewan and watching from Regina. I’ve always been drawn to photograph old buildings and your beautiful video is motivating me to do more of it! Thanks Chris!

[@attrell]

Thanks for watching!

[@kimnguyen-lw7oj]

i love the way you present these places with respect. thank you!

[@attrell]

Thank you!!!

[@nicolasuribestanko]

ONE OF THE BEST PARTS of your videos, Chris, is the sound of the wind blowing through the crops and the foliage and the abandoned buildings. Spooky!

[@attrell]

Wow, thanks

[@NonaPaskemin]

I'm from Saskatchewan and I want to visit all of these places so bad!

[@attrell]

Thank you!!

[@archiveseeker]

My Grandfather bought a John Deere tractor in Wroxton, back in the 60's. My Dad said it was a busy place back then. I'm originally from Kamsack!

[@edwardtraylor3984]

Hello Chris from Jasper, Texas USA. I really enjoyed watching this tour of old forgotten towns in Canada and thank you very much for taking us along with you. Some beautiful old churches here that look like they belong in Europe, not North America. Never been to Canada before, but now you made me want to go. And im proud your back, ive missed your tour videos. Ed

[@attrell]

Glad you enjoyed it I once lived in Houston as a kid!

[@rainman29]

Bankend, wishart, west bend are in my hometown area of Foam Lake and I know all of those well along with Insinger on the way to Yorkton on the 16. Love these videos. Around Bankend and Wishart there is an old Ukrainian Catholic Church in an old townsite called Holar. My grandparents on my mom’s side are buried there.

[@ryanchristianson7975]

@@rainman29 my sister got married there

[@attrell]

Thanks! I did not know about that town. I will check it out.

[@rainman29]

@@attrell all that is left is the church nothing else, but it is a beautiful old church. Well at least it was last time I was there about 15 years ago.

[@TNova-rd5ji]

My Dad grew up in West bend, my Mom's family was one of the earliest in Foam lake.

[@Columbian1963]

Many relatives from Foam Lake, my ex-wife and family.

[@jeremyfisher8461]

I live in the UK 25 miles north of London, it's very rare to see an abandoned building, being a small country we can't afford to leave a building unoccupied, that's why i'm facinated seeing all those abandoned buildings and towns in Canada, and such beautiful ones too!

[@attrell]

Thanks for watching

[@valerieosborne9667]

I live in Saskatchewan too in Swift Current I just found your videos tonight I’m really enjoying them thank you for making them and for loving animals as much as I do 😊

[@attrell]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@DA-bx1re]

I grew up in Smuts Saskatchewan area. Our family farm was located 6 miles SW of Smuts. You could see the churches west of Smuts from my home farm. Lots of memories. Thank-you for sharing

[@attrell]

Thanks for watching!

[@TEddy1959-k9t]

Hi I live in Alberta. I worked in Saskatchewan when I was younger. I love those towns.

[@kryschi]

I've never been out to Saskatchewan; this was incredibly fun to watch and see the country there! What a beautiful province!

[@LorreEthier-wt2st]

Hello from Saskatchewan. I live 15 minutes from the trestle bridge you took drone footage of. Great video! I know most of these areas❤

[@attrell]

Thank you! Love that bridge.

[@thomasroth4533]

I'm watching from Sweden where we haven't got any ghost towns. I find these towns very fascinating and I enjoy the slow pace and quiet in your videos.

[@attrell]

Thank you!

[@Juan-gl7cs]

Sweden is to small of country, Canada is the second biggest country in the world, so people have move the cities.

[@googlesucks662]

​@@Juan-gl7csCanada has a government that loves to screw over Saskatchewan and its citizens forcing depopulation upon it.

[@Bufordpussar]

I get melancholy watching these. I was born in Saskatchewan and live in BC now. I always remember my roots.

[@weird-history-and-odd-news]

Love this... my in-laws and relatives used to live in Bresaylor (it's pronounced same as the phrase "the tailor"). Your videos make me homesick for Saskatchewan, and I was just there last month!!! Saskatchewan is so beautiful.

[@attrell]

Hey thank for watching!

[@JordanYoung.4.21.92]

Hello from Lloydminster! Moved here from Yorkton 20 years ago. Just last week I was looking through my copy of “Forgotten Saskatchewan” with my little cousins. Love your work!

[@attrell]

Wow thank you!

[@margot6041]

Watching from Southern WI, I really enjoy the video and ghost towns. The sky is amazing. Wouldn't that large church with a few white grave stones look beautiful with a sunset or star filled sky. I've been to NB but would love to visit a few of these areas too.

[@attrell]

Hello there! And yes, those Churches are in very dark areas of the province and auroras are out often.

[@bertski60]

rural manitoba born and raised from near brandon. watching today from n.e. thailand, living here 22 years. love your channel, especially the ones shot in saskatchewan and manitoba because they remind me of home. thankyou.

[@attrell]

Oh wow that is quite a move!

[@CherryCreative]

Hi from Germany. Love your Chanel. Thanks for taking us to all this beautiful places.

[@1986XRV8]

My father-in-law grew up near Insinger. He moved to Theodore after high school and managed the credit union there. I love seeing these vieeos. I lived in Saskatoon from 82-94. I live in Comox, BC now.

[@googlesucks662]

Saskatchewan needs to set up retirement villas and facilities and services in its banana belt to stop the senior population drain. An intelligent provincial government would have done that years ago.

[@mozchick2]

Watching from California. I can't get over how beautiful and empty Saskatchewan is. Since California is such a social/cultural hub, the idea of a place free from anything but those beautiful grasslands and the billowing clouds seems like a relief.

[@attrell]

Thanks for watching! Sask is a great place to disappear

[@jamesklassen5642]

I am so amazed at stumbling on to this video. I have long been fascinated by the abandoned towns here in Saskatchewan especially the old now abandoned churches. Thank you for this video.

[@attrell]

Thanks for watching!

[@ryanchristianson7975]

Watching from 10 minutes south of fosston, went on date with my wife in the bar and remember going with my dad to elevators....my mom worked in the grocery store for years there. Really cool!

[@attrell]

Wow! Thanks for watching!

[@jo-anndoyle7039]

I am in Wainwright Alberta but grew up in Hatherleigh, 20 minutes away. So many memories. The bar in Whitkow had $bills on the walls, signed by the patrons. Ann and Uhan were the sweetest people.

[@attrell]

I remember when that was open

[@haydendegrow945]

Greetings from Yorkton, SK! I love watching these videos, and soon will be making some of my own for Yorkton! I have been through Insinger, Goodeve, Wroxton, Sintaluta, Candiac (and even know someone who is from Good ol' Goodeve (shout out to you, Zoey!)!). If you want to see a beautiful ghost town church that has been RESTORED, go to Sunset Beach, Sk, and ask someone at the Camp Store to take you to the Cotham church (pronounced CAUGHT-em). Tell them that Hayden DeGrow sent you! They'd love to have the place featured on a video like this!

[@attrell]

Thank you! I will go check that out

[@vanx3894]

Hello from Yellowknife, Northwest Territories! My grandmother grew up in Insinger, many many years ago. I was lucky enough to drive through there last summer and was amazed by the beauty of the old church there. Thanks for sharing!

[@attrell]

Thanks for watching!

[@dustinmeyer2092]

Watching from Eston Saskatchewan. Love this channel.

[@attrell]

Thanks for watching!

[@PurpleRoseMe]

My husband and I summered in Langham SK, for 7 years (5 months) then lived in Saskatoon 2 years. I had to move back to the US (Oregon) when hubby (a British/Canadian) died. We used to visit waning towns like that as I am a photographer.

[@attrell]

You probably visited many of the same towns!

[@davecampbell6656]

Sorry to hear your husband has past. My condolences. Is there anywhere to see your old photos? Thank you

[@davhuf3496]

It is amazing to me that really small towns could thrive so, back in the day.

[@attrell]

Yes I agree!

[@nandorodriguez6042]

Thank you Chris for the amazing videos I am sharing with my whole family and friends in Colombia. Regards

[@attrell]

Awesome, thank you!

[@2LiveWho]

Watching from Bangs Texas. Chris, thank you for all the great videos.

[@Hotsauce-cj7kj]

EXCELLENT EXCELLENT VIDEO!!! Love exploring abandoned buildings every time I drive across Canada 🇨🇦

[@allendale18]

I think this is your best video yet and your narration has improved as well. 65,000 views shows how much these are appreciated. Keep it up and best regards from Alberta.

[@attrell]

Wow, thank you!

[@Me-lb8nd]

Saskatchewan is gorgeous!

[@attrell]

I agree!

[@dirkwyse1609]

One of your best! So appreciate your cinematography and production values.

[@attrell]

Thank you!

[@cynthiafeldmann2678]

Watching and enjoying from Wynndel, BC (just north of Creston). We really enjoy your videos. Thank you for your time and energy producing such good quality videos.

[@attrell]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@johndeptuch2701]

We live in a special space here on the Saskee prairie. Thank you for showing us.

[@attrell]

Thanks for watching!

[@OscarVaughn]

I love these towns you show off in Canada. If I could I'd pick one to move to and enjoy the peace and quiet. Every time I watch one of your videos I get this feeling of slight sadness like I miss the place even though I've never been there.

[@attrell]

I do!

[@pierre-ig1dj]

Hello from Martensville sk. I really liked your Sk video that was shot mostly at night with extra lighting 👍

[@attrell]

Thanks for watching!!

[@frederick2video]

I don't know when Hwy 41 was built, maybe in the mid-1970s. Anyway, I have driven up and down that road regularly ever since then and watched the populations of Alveena and Smuts dwindle away. While Smuts was never that big, people have cared for the church. It hasn't been the case with the Alveena churches. Also in 1926 when my gido first moved to Canada, he lived at Kyrdor with his cousin for a few years so that he could get a homestead. Once they got a farm, my baba and 2 uncles came too. My husband and I were curious about Kydor and visited it a few years ago. It was as you showed in the video. The church is quite interesting. We appreciated that the history of it was on a plaque. If I recall correctly, there was never any central heating, electricity or running water in it. We did see a few familiar names in the graveyard. A big jackrabbit followed us around as we looked at the gravestones. We brought a picnic lunch and ate it in a small campground. The services were limited to a few rickety tables, some firewood, fire pits and an outhouse. Maybe the town wasn't much into modern conveniences. The town must have been much different when my gido lived in the area. Back in the 20s, they were still farming with horses so many more people were required to do farm work than was needed by the 1940s and certainly much more than today.

[@attrell]

Thanks for sharing. NOt much in Krydor changed either since I visited in 2009

[@Katepwe]

The museum in Sintaluta is open but likely only seasonal or just certain days. I live about 2o minutes from there. The mural on the building is the name of the local history book. The elevator is privately owned and used as a seed cleaning plant.

[@attrell]

Thanks for the info!

[@Aliraza-ww4vg]

Hi Chris. Watching from PK (South Asia). Really love the atmosphere and the greenery; it's so soothing.

[@attrell]

Thanks for watching!

[@1954crc]

Thanks for the very interesting and informative video.

[@MeTubeUser]

Wieving this from Norway. Thanks for your great videos.

[@attrell]

Thanks for watching!

[@stuartpage5696]

Great job. Love the mellow narration and photography. Thank you

[@attrell]

Thanks for watching!

[@TommyKarlsson-tn1xn]

Very Nice films Chris. Greetings from Ljungby Sweden

[@rhondacrawford5023]

Watching from Nova Scotia,but lived in Lloydminster for 10 years. Love seeing all the old small towns again and the overall landscape. i miss its beauty!!

[@rad050564]

Hi Chris. I'm watching this from Calgary AB. Grew up in Hazlet Saskatchewan. Great vid. Keep it up.

[@attrell]

Terrific! I missed shooting the elevators at Vesper by 3 months! Wish I had got there in time, that was 2004.

[@moy9022]

Watching from Saskatoon. Thanks for sharing.

[@attrell]

Thanks for watching!

[@ehot7144]

I like your content ! Keep it up!

[@attrell]

Thank you!!

[@aleksaky]

watching this from Serbia, Vojvodina greetings!

[@carolfunicelli5016]

I just found your channel this evening and have binge watched several videos. You do a fantastic job filming these towns. The Ukrainian churches are wonderful. I'm from Cincinnati Ohio and I'll be watching more of your videos very soon.

[@attrell]

Wow thank you!!

[@sherriebrown6467]

Watching from British Columbia Canada. ❤

[@attrell]

Thanks for watching!

[@BrianBrakefield]

Watching from Wynyard Saskatchewan. My wife and i spent our wedding night in the Bankend Hotel- mostly because her large family would never think of looking for us there, and the reception was held in that town's community hall. The hotel was already on its last legs then and it recently went up for auction. I was tempted to put in a bid but good sense prevailed... Love the videos. Having lived her ive watched these little towns dying by degrees- most of them being dependent upon the whim of the railroads and grain companies. Progress can be a painful experience.

[@attrell]

GLad you passed on buying that :) Thanks for watching!!

[@robertmccardle5113]

Mt Horeb Ontario. Your videos are awesome yet heartbeaking to see hopes and dreams fading away.

[@attrell]

Thanks for watching!

[@attrell]

Thanks!

[@Yeti3187]

Greetings from Kelowna. You do good work sir ! Thank you for your efforts.

[@StephaneDemers]

Great videos. We've been out west many times and this is great to watch. Hello from Kingston ON

[@attrell]

Thanks for watching

[@Jerpal71]

I live in the Netherlands and i love these kind of video's.

[@attrell]

Thanks for watching!

[@MrKrysak10]

Krydor Is half named after my family! good to see you having a walk around, I remember spending many summers as a child running around town!

[@attrell]

I love that town, the photo of the cafe is in my book Forgotten Saskatchewan

[@brianhdueck3372]

I am watching from Stony Plain Alberta. Love your shows. Formative years were Wynyard. Was thinking I’d see the Krasne Church, but thanks for the great info.

[@attrell]

Thanks for watching!!

[@KobusBreed]

Watching from Pretoria, South Africa. I'm a big Ukrainian supporter.

[@junechrisman3407]

Hello from San Francisco, California

[@attrell]

Wow! That is great, thanks for watching!

[@Nietzman]

Watching from the Netherlands, Chris. I’m completely fascinated by these places. Thanks for sharing!

[@attrell]

Thanks for watching!

[@CalistaRea]

I spent the first 10 years of my life in Saskatchewan (on a farm south of Mantario and then to the town of Eatonia) after which I left the province. I continued to return on a regular basis for the following 35 years. I have family in Kindersley and a cousin still farms the homestead north of Beadle. I live in Victoria, BC. I saw many changes during this time. It was saddening to watch so many communities literally dry up as the trains ceased their service and people moved away. We were the kids who used to run to the tracks and wave at the engineers and they always waved back. I was also warmed to discover a few of those who had left now returning to their small communities to start their own families in order to give their children the same special kind of childhood they had experienced. When I would go back to visit my dad, we would drive around the country looking at all the old familiar spots as well as the beautifully aged abandoned farms. You couldn't help but wonder about the stories of those who once lived there. I feel it's so important to remember the amazing, resilient and determined folks who took on the monumental challenge of moving to this province and providing the foundation for what it has become today. find a lot

[@camperwheeler5183]

I live in Scotland, and this is great footage. It's like another planet

[@attrell]

Thanks for watching!

[@Marvel_Polaris]

Beautiful and quite place . Nice 📹😊

[@SlavicCoffee]

Great video, these small/abandoned towns and places are very interesting. And they’d be also great areas for photography in general and Saskatchewan is perfect for its scenery. Greetings from northeast Illinois 👋

[@attrell]

I agree

[@curiousfurious5877]

Watching from Switzerland.

[@sarahpainter7969]

Very peaceful ✨️

[@Columbian1963]

My grandparents landed in Wroxten from England in 1921, homesteading till the 50's.

[@lauditagirl1615]

I believe your rite about the grocery store in Krydor it was opened when I went there over 35 years ago.

[@ngoot9082]

Watching from Glaslyn Saskatchewan! Good to see you made the trip out to Robinhood :)

[@attrell]

Yes I did, was there 14 years ago too. Nothing changed. :)

[@BramCollier]

What a beautiful place Saskatchewan is, thanks for making these videos! Watching from Belgium ;)

[@attrell]

Thanks for watching!

[@racromeo8109]

I'm watching from Serbia

[@davidlaliberte1932]

I was born in St. Denis , Sask. I now live in the mountains in B C. Nice to see these old places. Thanks.

[@attrell]

Thanks for watching!

[@scott08333]

Hello from Waycross Ga. Just discovered and loving your videos. Keep up the good work.

[@virginiaskidmore712]

Watching from Bathurst, Australia

[@attrell]

Thanks for watching!

[@bradbiwer1873]

I have been to Maryville and Insinger. I'm originally from Saskatchewan living in Texas now. You inspire me to explore abandoned places here. Too bad walls couldn't tell stories. :)

[@attrell]

Thanks for watching!!

[@almalott4936]

Hi Chris . Great video I’m watching from Midland Ontario

[@attrell]

Thanks for watching!

[@Busy_Bill.K]

Watching from Pilot Mound Manitoba. Mid 80's I ran into Eastern Saskatchewan with farm equipment. I remember several of those towns.

[@roycejohnson929]

Watching from New Zealand, love these old buildings !

[@attrell]

Thanks for watching!

[@Brian-HistoricMineExplorations]

New subscriber here. Really enjoying your content and appreciate your efforts. Keep up the great uploads.

[@attrell]

Thanks for watching!

[@donald7212]

Im in qusnel bc i hich hiked all over westren canada back in the late 60s and 70s camping out as a junior hippy........im rretiered now from the rail road i love this stuff lo l........

[@attrell]

Hippy!

[@faithwhite3175]

From Indiana, USA: Very Interesting. I never knew what all looked like or the countryside.

[@mathology5710]

If any of those towns have good internet connection and access to groceries, I wouldn't mind living there. Those towns are fascinating but the skies are so beautiful too.

[@attrell]

Most do!

[@yungkneez]

Watching from Ottawa, Ontario. My dad grew up in Wishart. Used to work at the garage in town with his brother. Still has the clock from inside, which was restored and is still ticking, and a few other pieces of memorabilia. Thanks for sharing.

[@attrell]

Thanks for watching!

[@gophersk]

Be really nice if you could zoom in on the centennial plaques so I could pause the video and read them. Thanks for sharing your travels. From southeast Saskatchewan Got to read the Insinger School plaque.

[@attrell]

Thanks for the tip, I will do that.

[@SabrinApollo]

Beautiful! I’ve been to many of these locations. Holy ascension church I visit a couple times a year with my camera. 📷

[@attrell]

Fantastic!!