Dead Mall: A Walk Amongst Retail Extinction
I grew up just a few blocks away from what was then the world’s largest shopping mall. I have such fond memories of spending hours running through its halls as a kid, completely mesmerized by its sheer size and energy. There’s a certain, almost indescribable comfort in malls—a feeling I can’t quite put my finger on—but I think many of us share that same nostalgic connection in one way or another.
The mall in Kitsault may not have the vast square footage of West Edmonton Mall, but what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in character.
This 22,000-square-foot building was one of the final structures completed during the town’s “construction boom” phase. Ironically, when it officially opened in 1982, the mine announced its closure at the very same time. The mall’s fate was sealed before it even had the chance to thrive.
Located at the center of town, it was perfectly placed to meet the needs of the community. Inside, you’d find a grocery store, liquor store, bank, hardware store, sporting goods shop, Sears outlet, restaurant, and even a post office.
To this day, it remains one of my favorite structures to explore. A dead mall, hidden away in the Canadian Rockies—who would have ever imagined something so surreal could remain preserved for so many years?
