The railroad has been a part of life in St. Thomas since 1856. Over the years, a total of 26 railways have passed through the town, helping it garner the moniker of the Railway Capital of Canada. Located in the former Michigan Central locomotive shops, the Elgin County Railway Museum helps preserve and display the railway heritage of St. Thomas and the surrounding area.
Choices
As a working museum, equipment restoration is ongoing, and you can occasionally catch a glimpse of the volunteers in action. The museum displays a variety of equipment including locomotives, cabooses, and passenger cars. Highlights are a CP diesel locomotive, a CNR Hudson, a Grand Trunk Western caboose, a Pullman sleeper, and an electric-powered car that transported children to school in the 1920s. In St. Thomas, the BX interlocking tower is available for tours during special events.
When to go
The museum will be open Fridays through Sundays from June, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Contact the museum for updated hours prior to visiting.
Good to know
A short drive from the regional center of London, St. Thomas is a small town with all services. Its Iron Horse Festival takes place in August.
Worth doing
Combining a visit to the museum with a ride on the nearby Port Stanley Terminal Rail makes for an interesting day of exploring the preserved rails of southern Ontario.
Don’t miss
Climb aboard the legendary 1930 Canadian National Railway Hudson No. 5700 steam engine that is on display.
Getting there
VIA Rail Canada offers scheduled passenger service through London to the north. If driving, the museum is 2 hours from Toronto, 2 hours from the U.S. border at Detroit, Buffalo, or Niagara Falls, and 1 hour from Sarnia and Port Huron. Once in St. Thomas, you will find the museum on Wellington Street between Ross Street and First Avenue.
Location: 225 Wellington Street, St. Thomas, ON
Phone: 519-637-6284
Website: ecrm.ca
E-mail: operations@ecrm.ca
