Canada's last steam train offers journey to simpler time
Posted By JULIA BRYAN
Posted 6 months ago
Journey to a simpler time with a ride on the Wakefield Steam Train. Just north of Ottawa, you can board one of the last operating steam trains in Canada and explore the Gatineau hills.
The Hull-Chelsea-Wakefield Railway is a 33-kilometre heritage railway in Quebec that operates tourist trains through the scenic Gatineau Hills. Travelling May through October between Hull and the tourist town of Wakefield, the railway attracts 50,000 tourists each year from all over the world!
The tourist train project was born out of the community's will to preserve the region's railroad heritage. The railway tracks from Hull to the village of Wakefield are considered by many as one of eastern Canada's most scenic rail lines, so restoring them to host a steam train seemed to be a natural fit.
In 1994, Jean Gauthier, a local businessman bought the steam train because he was convinced of its potential draw for tourists. Since then, thousands have travelled to the quaint and picturesque village of Wakefield.
Built in Sweden in 1907, the steam engine 909 also has a rich history itself. It was used in Sweden until 1945, but with the invention of the electric locomotive, the steam engine was put into storage.
With the threat of a the cold war, the government of Sweden kept their steam locomotives just in case invaders destroyed Sweden's capacity to make electricity. These steam locomotives were hidden in shelters to provide transportation for soldiers and equipment.
When the cold war ended in 1990, the Swedish government decided to sell off the 200 steam engines. At the same time, the tourist steam train project was taking shape in Canada's National Capital region.
Since all Canadian steam locomotives in operating condition belonged to museums, the Canadians found their perfect tour train in Sweden. The equipment sailed from Sweden to Montréal on a cargo ship arriving just in time for its inaugural journey on June 27th, 1992.
The train's steam whistle and the "clickety clack" of its wheels will bring you to another time in history.
In addition to the soothing melody of the train, musicians and singers will also accompany you on this colourful ride along the Gatineau River and through Gatineau Park.
So if you're looking to change your vantage point, 'ride the rails' this fall in the National Capital region.
Julia Bryan handles communications and public relations for DeNure Tours in Lindsay.
