Conservation Group To Return Abandoned Ontario Ski Resort To Its Natural State
Kimberley, Ontario — For years, a once-popular Ontario ski resort has sat abandoned. Revival attempts have gone for naught, as the buildings and lift infrastructure have mostly rotted away. However, a new owner has recently stepped up, and they have surprising intentions: To tear everything down and return it to nature.
CollingwoodToday reports that the structures that were part of the Talisman ski resort will be demolished, with the remaining land converted back to a natural setting. The conservation group aims to begin demolition this fall, with restoration work on the 84-acre property potentially starting next spring. The restorative work will consist of planting trees and native plant species across the property.
“It’s going to be a huge, huge project. There are 84 acres of (former ski) slopes we’ll be doing restoration on,” said Adam Brylowski, director of conservation and trails for the Bruce Trail Conservancy. “It’s definitely the most ambitious project we’ve undertaken so far. The opportunity to reclaim nature in a place that has been so heavily used is the definition of our mission.”
The Bruce Trail Conservancy purchased the property in 2025. The nearby golf course, which was also part of the resort, was bought by a company that intends to make it into a residential community.
First opened in 1963, Talisman Resort was a four-season destination that was a day trip for Toronto residents. However, it closed in 2011 due to financial issues and warm weather. It also suffered from being in a congested market, with nearby mountains like Beaver Valley and Blue Mountain being tough competition. Since its abandonment, it’s become a popular filming spot for TV and urban explorers, including for Season 6 of The Handmaid’s Tale.
Many relics from the past remain, including old gear, beds, and furniture. If you’re looking for some cool photos and details about its current state, check out the article on BarrieToday.com.
Image/Video Credits: Riddim Ryder, Skimap.org
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