Canada Day is the nation’s birthday – and July 1st is the traditional kick-off of the summer season! With Covid-19 finally coming under control, a number of Canadian railways are cautiously getting back on track. Of course the virus’s unpredictability means plans can change on a day’s notice – and that can mean short-notice cancellations or even last minute openings!
This year’s roster of rail-ebrations might not feature all the bells and whistles of past Canada Day train ride events. Don’t be surprised if traditional barbecues and fireworks displays are on hold till next year. No worries, though… there’ll be more than enough fresh air, scenic panoramas, and selfie ops to make this year’s batch of Canada Day train ride events memorable – and fun!
As provinces loosen pandemic restrictions, an increasing number of railways are getting on board, choosing to hold traditional Canada Day train ride events. Of course, safe-practices like social distancing and face coverings are still recommended or required – but there are no restrictions when it comes to spending a great family day out.
Out west, a number of railways across British Columbia will be welcoming Canada Day celebrants aboard! In Central BC, Kettle Valley Steam Railway trains will be chugging through scenic Okanagan Country while in the Kootenay Rockies, the Nelson Electric Tramway Society’s restored streetcar and the Kimberley Underground Mining Railway’s tour train will offer unique salutes to Canada’s heritage and birthday!
A pair of pint-sized rail attractions will be back on track in the Vancouver area. The Bear Creek Park Train doubles the fun with a train ride plus mini golf while the beloved Stanley Park Train is once again treating visitors to a miniature train ride in the world-famous park!
In eastern Canada, two historic Ontario railways will be running on July 1st. The Portage Flyer at Muskoka Heritage Place will be welcoming Canada Daytrippers to the wilderness north of Toronto, while the Port Stanley Terminal Rail takes visitors on a creekside roll creek just north of Lake Erie. Last but not least comes the Train de Charlevoix, a jewel of Canada’s rail heritage that trundles through a string of Quebec villages along the St. Lawrence River’s North Shore.
Canada Day Train Ride schedules vary. While most railroads will host events on Canada Day, July 1st; some railroads have scheduled holiday train rides on one or more days between Wednesday, July 1st and Sunday, July 5th. Check with individual railroads for exact dates and times and remember that advance reservations are required or advisable in most instances. To find additional heritage railways planning Canada Day events check out the complete Train Traveling guide to Canada Train Rides.
