Where To See Trains: 8 Places in Halton, Hamilton & Beyond

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Wondering where to see trains nearby? If you’re a train enthusiast or simply love the charm of locomotives, you’re in luck! There are several fantastic places near you where you can witness the beauty of trains up close. Here’s a list of must-visit locations.

Canadian Pacific Holiday Train (seasonal)

Various locations (visited 168 communities in 2022) across Canada and the USA

The CP Holiday Train started in 1999, travelling across Canada and the USA in November and December, making stops, hosting concerts, and collecting money and food for people in need.  The website has a train tracker once the Holiday Train has started.  Watch for local stops in November and December. While the Holiday Train does not offer rides, it does deliver holiday cheer! Enjoy the free concerts and be sure to bring donations for the food bank.

Freeman Station Rail Museum

1285 Fairview St, Burlington, ON L7S 1Y3 | website

(Currently closed) Wondering where to see trains in Burlington? The Station was built in 1906 by the Grand Trunk Railway and moved to its current location and restored by the Friends of Freeman Station volunteers.  It is open for public events, class visits and private rentals. Visit the Station to learn about Burlington rail and telecommunications history.  There’s a lovingly restored 1913 Canadian Pacific Boxcar and a 1929 Canadian National Caboose onsite. When you’re there be sure to check out the model electric train diorama.  Accessible parking and washrooms.

Freeman Station in Burlington
Freeman Station in Burlington

Halton County Radial Railway

13629 Guelph Line, Milton, ON | website

Halton County Radial Railway (HCRR) has historical trains, streetcars and railway objects.  There’s 2 km of track and operating streetcars.  Take a ride and get off for an ice cream.  The HCRR is owned and operated by the Ontario Electric Railway Historical Association.  It is open weekends only in May, June, September and October from 10 am-5 pm, and Thursday through Monday in July and August from 10 am-4:30pm (weekdays) or 10 am-5 pm (weekends).  The first ride is at 11 am. Pay per person, or purchase a family pass for 2 adults and 2 children for $80 for one time or $175 for an annual pass of unlimited visits.  If you have a young train enthusiast in the family or you are looking for a unique birthday party idea, the Halton County Radial Railway also does birthday parties.

Hamilton Museum of Steam & Technology

900 Woodward Ave, Hamilton, Ontario L8H 7N2 | website

Known as the Steam Museum, the Museum offers Train Days by the Golden Horseshoe Live Steamers in the summer and into the fall.  Train Days is a free event included with Museum entry that is by donation held on select days each summer.  Ride on a miniature steam train for free around the grounds.  Kids are gonna love it.  Check the Active Parents calendar for upcoming Train Days events. 

Dundas Valley Conservation Area

650 Governors Road, Dundas, ON, L9E 5E3 | website

At Dundas Valley Conservation Area, visitors can discover a unique attraction—a decommissioned train. This vintage train car, nestled amidst the natural beauty, serves as a fascinating reminder of the area’s history. It offers a glimpse into the past, allowing visitors to explore its exterior, peek through the windows and imagine the journeys it once embarked upon. The train car as well as a replica of a Victorian train station stands as a captivating feature, blending heritage with nature in this picturesque conservation area. Unfortunately, the interior of the train is no longer open to the public.

Visit this retired train car at Dundas Valley Conservation Area

Port Stanley Terminal Rail

Port Stanley Terminal Rail, 309 Bridge Street, Port Stanley, Ontario, N5L 1C5 | website

Welcome to Port Stanley, home to a tourist railway that’s been operating for 40 years.  There’s a 1-hour train ride and a 6-hour train ride departing from the Port Stanley Terminal.  The 1-hour Scenic Train Ride is a deal at $16.50 for adults and $10.50 for children aged 2 – 14 years.  Free for infants 1 and under. Train rides are offered every Saturday and Sunday at 11 am, 1 pm and 3 pm in May and June, and additionally on Wednesdays in July and August. Young kids will also enjoy the special event trains: Easter Bunny Trains, Teddy Bear Trains, Moms Day and Dads Day, Extended Parkside Trip, Music on the Rails, Murder Mystery, Pumpkin Patch and Santa Trains.   The gift shop has train-themed merchandise, Melissa & Doug, Thomas the Tank Engine and other children’s books and toys.  Train tickets may be purchased online or in the gift shop.

Waterloo Central Railway

50 Isabella Street, St. Jacobs, ON, N0B 2N0 | website

The Heritage Hopper is a fun family afternoon train excursion with hop-on and hop-off stops along the way from Waterloo to St. Jacobs.  It makes stops at Northfield, St. Jacob’s Farmer’s Market, St. Jacobs village and Elmira.  Ride on a restored steam train and shop for fresh local produce.  There’s separate pricing for first class, coach, child, adult and senior.  A family pass for 4 costs $74.99.  Watch for themed trains for the holidays, specifically at Easter and Christmas.

Westfield Heritage Village

Westfield Heritage Village, 1049 Kirkwall Road, Rockton, Ontario L0R 1X0 | website

A trip to Westfield Heritage Village is a trip back in time and there’s the historic Jerseyville station and Locomotive 103 steam train to explore.  The locomotive was built in 1910 by Montreal Locomotive Works.  It’s been fully restored, is the largest artifact in the Village, and is used in programming, photo shoots and movies.  On Sunday’s and Holidays, parking at the Westfield Conservation Area is $11 per car and admission is $5.50 per person aged 6 years and up. Monday through Saturday, there is a flat rate admission fee of $16.50 per carload.

Westfield Heritage Village
This beauty is located at Westfield Heritage Village

Local GO Train and Via Rail Stations

You don’t have to travel far to find a GO train station or a Via rail station in our region. The stations are busy and exciting, no matter the time of day. You can watch from afar or get an up-close look from the platform. Trains go whizzing by all day long and passengers love to exchange waves.

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