Heritage, The Railway, & Museums in St. Thomas

Step Into Canada's Railway Capital

From the thunderous roar of 19th-century steam engines to grand Victorian architecture and world-famous legends, St. Thomas is a city built on steel, steam, and incredible stories. At its peak in 1914, our city served as a vital international shortcut between Detroit and Buffalo, with eight different railways and over 100 trains per day passing through the heart of town.

Today, that industrious spirit lives on. Explore our beautifully preserved stations, walk along elevated sky bridges, tour massive locomotive repair shops, and discover the vibrant museums, walking tours, and historic monuments that make the Railway City truly one of a kind.

Home / Things To Do / Heritage

explore some of our history...

explore railway heritage

From walking sky-high on elevated trestles to stepping inside historic steam shops, discover five unforgettable ways to immerse yourself in Canada's Railway Capital.

5 ways

a replica train station downtown St. Thomas

origin of the L&PS Line

The past route the London & Port Stanley Railway is one of the oldest in Ontario. The northern portion, owned by CN, has been in almost constant use since 1856.

ON TRACK

Here are some bench seats in the Military Museum . On the end of the bench are two suitcases. A tan suitcase with a black outline is in front and then there is a black suitcase behind it.

zoinks: a ww1 bomb plot!

Though WW1 occurred in Europe, St. Thomas came close to being on the frontline. As the railway was critical in the war effort; it became a target itself. Read on about the foiled plot.

a BOMB PLOT

Here is an image of a black train. There is a red license plate in the middle with the numbers “5700”. There is a woman with brown hair and a blue and white striped shirt as well as a man with brown hair and a light blue shirt. Behind him is another man wearing a black shirt.

why the Railway City?

PART 1: The Past - Discover why we became Canada's Railway Capital.
PART 2: The Present - How stations, sky parks, and street art keep our rail legacy alive.

RAILWAY STORY

Noteworthy Event
Dancing with the Stars | A special fundraiser supporting the renovation of the Elgin County Railway Museum. Featuring local "stars" who learn to dance.