st. raphael's ruins

I mean this is not like Disneyworld or anything like that... but it is a hidden pearl in the middle of nowhere. It is packed with history and tells a story. I wish that the stories were written somewhere on the walls though with explanations and all. But even without that, there is a story to be understood that the walls, I feel, tell on their own. It's a special place to visit, filled with peace, inspiring and historic. I go there every once in a while, just because.... There is also a cemetery in the back that has really old tombstones, that is also interesting....

Interesting place to visit when in the area. Old church (1821) which burned down in 1970 was nicely restored and opened for visitors.

Was not aware we had these kinds of ruins in Canada. Quite special and well maintained after all. Very nice historical landmark. And not far from main roads. Good place for pictures.

Fascinating how well the ruins after the fire yrs ago have been preserved-in a beautiful natural setting .Great pace to take pics .

It is actually beautiful. It is fairly easy to find, it is on County Route 18 about 1 mile West of county route 34.

Bring your lunch, spend some time in the quiet countryside. Historical landmark. Sitting inside thr ruins on the benches provided by the church will bring you peace and serenity. The original bell is still present. Many families take memorable pictures on the ruins property. The historical society has done a spectacular job maintaining the ruins.

My relatives had their wedding pictures taken there, and you couldn't ask for a better spot. It's well-maintained and very quiet. I've been there on other occasions just to take pictures and enjoy the architecture. Also, interesting cemetery at the back for those who like to wander. Worth the short drive from Cornwall!

I was in this church before it burn several times. It was a beautiful church atop a hill over looking the country side. The ruins are a reminder of what was and to me the importance of this church in the farming community.

Just a lovely contemplative spot in the country side to have a seat, relax, wander about. Despite the tragic fire, it is being preserved and still holds a certain peace.

Difficult to find, but worth the trip. The ruins were very large walls built of stone. The mason work was wonderful. A curator was on duty to give the history of the church. It was very interesting. We walked thru the ruins then the a joining cemetery. It was interesting to see the headstones and dates on them. Some of them dated back to the 1800's.

Nice views, very picturesque and doesn't cost a penny to walk threw. Its interesting to stand in the middle of a church with no roof and be surrounded by the beautiful structure of stone walls and steps where so many have passed threw before. If you are lucky enough to be there on your own you may find that it in some ways resonates with the ghosts of its past. We even went out the back door and took a relaxing stroll threw the cemetery looking at the dates and names. Worth a visit if your in the area. But i wouldn't go out of my way. Its just a neat little nook you can spend a few hours in or have a stroll.

Was out near Cornwall for work when a colleague suggested I visit the ruins and I was surprised to find that the ruins were well worth the visit. Love the old bell that has been laid out at the entrance. The ruins seem a little plain at first glance, but many photo ops here if you look.

What can one say, quiet beauty to reflect in the past on the pioneers who built this lovely church, taking in the views and listening to the ghosts of those gone before us. Would love to see a light and musical service there for one to enjoy in sunset.

The scale of the church ruins and the setting are very impressive. Great job of integrating the new church into the ruins and the setting. Worth the drive to this off highway site.

Stopped by to visit the St. Raphael's Ruins on the weekend of January 12th, 2013. On this day there was no guide and the heavy iron gates were locked shut. However, it still allowed for some remarkably beautiful photographs.It is a gorgeous gothic historical site and only about forty minutes from the Vaudreuil-Dorion area, there was no one there on this day despite the mild weather which made for a very serene visit.We are looking forward to visiting again in the Summer.