On the Prairie Dog Central Railway, a trip over the former CN Oak Point Subdivision from the north side of the Manitoba capital to the towns of Grosse Isle or Warren offers a glimpse into the prairie railroading of the past.
Choices
The train takes a leisurely trip through rural Manitoba. You can travel in either open- or closed-vestibule coaches. The wooden coaches built between 1901 and 1913, are fully restored and air-conditioned—when the windows are open. Power is provided by ex-CPR 4-4-0 steam locomotive No. 3, ex-BNSF GP9 No. 1685, or diesel No. 4138. Special events, including train robberies, take place throughout the season. You can also ride in an ex-CPR wood caboose or be an engineer for a day on a diesel. Vintage equipment can be seen around the shops, notably two ex-CPR G5 steam locomotives and a GE 35-ton diesel.
When to go
Trains operate on Sundays during May and June, on Saturdays and Sundays from July through September, and on weekends in late October for Halloween trains. Special runs also operate on Victoria Day, Canada Day, and other holidays.
Good to know
Ex-Winnipeg Hydro 4-4-0 No. 3 was built in 1882 by Dubs in Scotland and is one of the oldest operable engines in North America. The railway station, constructed in 1910 by the Canadian Northern Railway, is a Canadian Heritage Railway Station. It was moved from St. James Street and renamed Inkster Junction Station.
Worth doing
During the stopover at Grosse Isle, take time to examine the displays of local crafts and home-baked goods and tour the old school. Grosse Isle is home to the 72-mile Prime Meridian Trail, a recreation trail built on an abandoned rail line.
Don’t miss
Secure a ticket in either combine No. 103 or coach No. 105. These beautifully maintained relics are rolling time machines to another century.
Getting there
Inkster Junction Station is located immediately north of Winnipeg’s airport on Prairie Dog Trail. It is on the north side of Inkster Boulevard between Route 90 and Sturgeon Boulevard.
Location: 64099 Prairie Dog Trail, Winnipeg, MB
Phone: 1-204-832-5259
Website: pdcrailway.com
E-mail: info@pdcrailway.com
