10 Scenic Train Rides In Ontario, Canada - Updated 2021

1. South Simcoe Railway

It is said that the South Simcoe Railway is Ontario’s first heritage railway and is a trip that rail buffs have to take. This train trip allows one the experience nature at its best as well as unleash their adventurous spirit. Offering a historical experience, this rail trip offers a one-hour round trip that takes the tracks that connects Hamilton with Barrie and Collingwood. During the course of the journey, live commentary is provided by the conductor leading the train. This train trip departs from the South Simcoe Railway station located in downtown Tottenham. Special trips are also conducted on this train and with every season, there are different scenes to enjoy. These scenic train trips every weekend in October have four departures a day, allowing people to enjoy the fall colors. Christmas period is also special when commuters get the chance to ride the train with Santa aboard the Santa Claus Express.

South Simcoe Railway

Website: South Simcoe Railway

2. Agawa Canyon Tour Train

The Agawa Canyon Tour Train trip takes commuters on a historical tour through Ontario’s natural wonders. Set in Northern Ontario, the sights that the region has to offer can be best enjoyed from this train ride. This particular train line has been in existence for the last 100 years and continues to give commuters an enthralling experience. This train trip takes 10 hours to complete a full round and offers an enormous amount of variety. Observe the northern lakes and rivers, the granite rock formations and lush forests. During the summer and autumn seasons, the train halts at Agawa Canyon Wilderness Park for about 90 minutes. Here, they can take on the scenic journey on foot.

Agawa Canyon Tour Train

Website: Agawa Canyon Tour Train

3. York-Durham Heritage Railway

Enjoy the York-Durham Heritage Railway trip which takes commuters on a trip between the historic towns of Stouffville and Uxbridge. The distance is about 20 km (12 miles) and provides a spectacular scenic trip. The trip takes about two and a half hours. There are also shorter trips which can be undertaken on selected weekends. Come make a booking on this heritage trip and celebrate the wonders of the bygone days.

York-Durham Heritage Railway

Website: York-Durham Heritage Railway

4. Port Stanley Terminal Rail

The Port Stanley Terminal Rail is a fully functioning tourist railway line which runs on the London and Port Stanley railway line right up to St. Thomas. The train ride takes passengers through lush greenery in the area as well as some of the tranquil lakes. Throughout the year, special events take place on this train. These include live musical entertainment, murder mysteries as well as themed rides during the holiday season.

Port Stanley Terminal Rail

Website: Port Stanley Terminal Rail

5. Waterloo Central Railway

Enjoy the ride that the Waterloo Central Railway offers you. This railway travels from North Waterloo, traversing through St. Jacobs and Elmira before embarking on a scenic ride through the countryside. There are many themed train experiences that take place on board the train throughout the year such as the Great Train Robbery, Eggstravaganza Easter train rides, and magical wizards rides. This train ride will allow passengers to get a glimpse of the various era in Canadian history.

Waterloo Central Railway

Website: Waterloo Central Railway

6. Muskoka Heritage Place

Muskoka Heritage Place is a three-in-one place which consists of a museum, a pioneer village, and a train. This place is located close to downtown Huntsville as well as the Algonquin Provincial Park. Apart from enjoying activities like candle-dipping and pioneer baking, visitors get to sit in an open-air coach train to enjoy a ride. This train is known as the Portage Flyer Train and takes passengers on a scenic trip along the Muskoka River onto Fairy Lake Station. A return trip lasts for about 30 minutes.

Muskoka Heritage Place

Website: Muskoka Heritage Place

7. Halton County Radial Railway Museum

The Halton County Radial Railway Museum is situated in Milton and serves as a great day out for families and friends. The admission ticket includes an unlimited number of historic streetcar rides which stretches almost 2 kilometers (1.24 miles) of scenery. A highlight of this train journey is the stop the train makes at a very famous ice cream shop and the display barns along with the historic Rockwood Station.

Halton County Radial Railway Museum

Website: Halton County Radial Railway Museum

8. Niagara Parks Falls Incline Railway

As the name aptly suggests, the Niagara Parks Falls Incline Railway is an inclined railway track that makes it easy for visitors to commute between the Niagara Parks attractions at Table Rock as well as the Fallsview Tourist Area. This railway journey also offers commuters the chance to shuttle between the attractions and hotels in the region. A highlight of this train ride is the “Bridge of Flowers” pedestrian crossing which stretches over the Niagara Parkway into Table Rock.

Niagara Parks Falls Incline Railway

Website: Niagara Parks Falls Incline Railway

9. Essex Terminal Railway

Essex Terminal Railway is a short line terminal rail road which commutes between the city of Windsor, Ontario via La Salle, to the Amherstburg in Ontario. This train journey stretches for about 21 miles (34 km). This particular railway was founded in 1902 and served as the western connection for the Grand Trunk Railway to the factories located at the east end of Windsor.

Essex Terminal Railway

Website: Essex Terminal Railway

10. Guelph Junction Railway

The Guelph Junction Railway is a trip that takes place for a four and a half hours. This entire track is owned by the Guelph Junction Railway and commutes between Guelph Junction near Campbellville, Ontario and Guelph’s Northwest industrial park The entire track is about 38.6 kilometers (23.9 miles) long. The train makes stops along the way and passengers can disembark the train. This allows them to explore the areas around the old rail yards.

Guelph Junction Railway

Website: Guelph Junction Railway

Scenic trips in Ontario

Ontario is filled with train rides and an extensive railway system. These have a significance in the history of Ontario. In today’s times, people of all ages will enjoy these train rides whilst being able to learn about the city.