The South Simcoe Railway operates over 4 miles of former Canadian National trackage through the rolling countryside north of Toronto. Excursions are powered by a 1948 diesel locomotive or steam locomotive No. 136, which was built in 1883, as passengers experience vintage travel and learn about the history of the railways that made Canada what it is today.
Choices
Regular excursions from Tottenham to Beeton and back take about an hour. As the train rolls through Beeton Creek Valley, the conductor provides an informative commentary. Passengers ride in restored 1920s steel heavyweight coaches. Special trains include the Easter Express, Haunted Halloween Adventure, and Santa Claus Express.
When to go
The railway operates multiple trips on Sundays and holiday Mondays between Victoria Day weekend and Canadian Thanksgiving, as well as fall color trips later in October. Halloween and Christmas trains are also scheduled.
Good to know
The town of Tottenham has a variety of quaint shops and eateries. Across the road from the railway is Tottenham Conservation Area, a park that offers swimming, camping, fishing, and hiking.
Worth doing
For a unique combination rail-water excursion, the RMS Segwun, the oldest operating steamship in North America, sails July and August on the Muskoka Lakes, about a 2-hour drive north to Gravenhurst.
Don’t miss
Take one rail trip and then follow another for some great photos. The engine faces south into the sun, and the relatively slow pace of the train makes it easy to follow.
Getting there
No public transit is available in this neck of the woods. Tottenham is about an hour’s drive north of Toronto. From Highway 400, take Highway 9 west 9 miles to Tottenham Road, and turn right. Continue into downtown Tottenham and turn left onto Mill Street to reach the station.
Location: 28 Mill Street West, Tottenham, ON
Phone: 1-905-936-5815
Website: steamtrain.ca
E-mail: info@southsimcoerailway.ca
