The Algoma Central Railway runs excursion trains from its southern terminal in Sault Ste. Marie into northern Ontario. The most popular excursion runs 114 miles north to Agawa Canyon through dense forests, past isolated lakes, and over lofty trestles. A winter-time "snow train" makes the trip in the colder months, and wilderness adventurers can opt to take a two-day, 592-mile trip to the end of the line in the village of Hearst and back.
Algoma Central Railway
129 Bay St.
PO Box 130
Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6A 6Y2
(705) 946-7300
(800) 242-9287
agawacanyontourtrain.com
The Credit Valley Explorer is an excursion that works it way through the hills and river valleys of southern Ontario between Orangeville and North Brampton. The three-hour tour passes through some of the most striking scenery in the province, and passengers are treated to refreshments and an informative commentary throughout the tour.
Orangeville Brampton Railway
75 1st Street
Orangeville, ON L9W 5B6
(866) 708-OBRY
creditvalleyexplorer.com
The Ontario Northland supplements its regular passenger service with popular excursions that allow passengers to experience the historic beauty of the north country. The Polar Bear Express heads north 186 miles from Cochrane to Moosonee, which can be a destination in itself or a gateway to adventures in the northern wilderness. The Dream Catcher Express is a one-day excursion designed to showcase the fall scenery between North Bay and Temagami; the excursion runs only six days in October, and early reservations are strongly encouraged.
Ontario Northland Railway
555 Oak Street East
North Bay, ON P1B 8L3
(800) 268-9281
ontarionorthland.ca
The South Simcoe Railway runs short, family-friendly excursions between the towns of Tottenham and Beeton Creek, through farmland and rolling hills. Most tours are pulled by either a 1948 GE 70-ton diesel electric or 1883 Rogers 4-4-0 steam locomotive.
South Simcoe Railway
P.O. Box 186
Tottenham, ON L0G 1W0
(905) 936-5815
southsimcoerailway.ca
