There’s an element of nostalgia to train travel that harks back to the romance and adventure of a bygone era. Step back in time and get your train emoji ready on these historic rail tours.
Algoma Canyon Tour Train, Sault Ste. Marie
This 182-kilometre rail tour will take you deep into the Canadian Shield and offers views of pristine northern lakes, granite rock formations, dense forest and native wildlife. The audio guide will identify points of interest and recount the region’s rich history with stories of the Ojibwe, fur traders, explorers, entrepreneurs and the famed Group of Seven painters.
Port Stanley Terminal Rail, Port Stanley
Operating for over 35 years, this heritage, diesel powered locomotive travels seven kilometres along the former London to Port Stanley track through the scenic Kettle Creek Valley between Port Stanley and St. Thomas. Tours set out at 11am, 1 pm and 2:30 pm and last just under an hour.
For the kids: Thomas the Tank Engine comes to life on select days in July at Day Out with Thomas events.
York-Durham Heritage Railway, Uxbridge
All aboard this heritage rail coach that travels from Uxbridge to Stouffville across the picturesque Oak Ridges Moraine. Trips are on Sundays and begin in June. Departure is usually 10am and the roundtrip time is two hours. Treat the (18+) rail fanatic in your fam to the ultimate experience of ‘Engineer For The Day’; visibility vest and engineer hat included.
For the kids: If you miss Thomas the Tank in Port Stanley in July, don’t fret! He’ll travel to Uxbridge on select days in August for more Day Out with Thomas fun.
Halton County Radial Railway, Milton
Imagine a commute on Toronto transit with ample personal space and that ends at an ice cream shop! Besides great displays of historic rail cars, photographs and memorabilia, you can also ride in a vintage streetcar along two kilometres of the preserved Guelph line at this unique museum dedicated to the legacy of Toronto’s streetcars.
South Simcoe Railway, Tottenham
Climb into a restored 1920’s rail coach in Tottenham and ride the rails along a century-old line that once connected Hamilton with Barrie and Collingwood. Today, the train travels through Beeton Creek Valley and lasts about an hour roundtrip.
Portage Flyer, Muskoka Heritage Place, Huntsville
Chug alongside the Muskoka River in a turn-of-the-century, open-sided steam engine coach riding an authentic, narrow gauge railway – once the world’s shortest commercial rail line. Your destination, Fairy Lake Station, has been re-created as a 1920s station with interactive displays in the museum. Portage Flyer also offers an ‘Engineer for a Day‘ program, so get behind the controls of a historic 1927 steam locomotive and earn lifetime bragging rights. Train buffs, you’re welcome!
Waterloo Central Railway, St. Jacobs
Take in the rural countryside and the charming Mennonite communities along this historic railway branch between the St. Jacobs Market, St. Jacobs Village and Elmira aboard the recreational diesel train or the specially-scheduled steam locomotive.
Choo choo!