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St. Thomas Ontario
  • Things To Do
    • Arts & Culture
    • Food & Drink
    • Downtown
    • Heritage
    • Jumbo
    • Murals
    • Parks & Nature
    • Shopping
    • Gift Shop
    • Spas & Wellness
    • Sports & Recreation
    • Whistlestop Trail
  • Events
  • Stay
  • Blog
  • Things To Do
    • Arts & Culture
    • Food & Drink
    • Downtown
    • Heritage
    • Jumbo
    • Murals
    • Parks & Nature
    • Shopping
    • Gift Shop
    • Spas & Wellness
    • Sports & Recreation
    • Whistlestop Trail
  • Events
  • Stay
  • Blog
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The Bygone Days of Rail ​

Beneath St. Thomas' quiet streets and towering trees beats the heart of the railway. Follow this itinerary to immerse yourself in the city’s history and culture.

Day 1 : Railway Heritage

  • A city this steeped in railway history, it's no wonder there exists not one but two railway museums. Start your day off at the Elgin County Railway Museum with a tour. This impressive facility is located inside an old railway machine shop, and houses some of the biggest artifacts around!
  • Once you're finished at the Railway Museum, pop over to the CASO Station across the way, home of the North American Railway Hall of Fame. Walk the halls of this heritage train station (the largest of its kind in North America!) and use this self guided tour to navigate.
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Here is a lady walking beside the CASO Station. The CASO Station is covered in red brick and each window has an olive green frame. The lady is walking with a brown purse on her shoulder and is wearing a blue and white dress. To the left of the shot are some train tracks.

Day 2 : Explore Further

  • OPTION 1 - This is for the railway enthusiast! Want to delve even deeper and explore all the remnants of railway history in St. Thomas? Use our Railway Experience Guide to help you find your way!
  • ​Download Railway Experience Guide here. ​​
  • OPTION 2 - For an overview of all things that make St. Thomas great, we recommend The Landmarks Tour!
  • Throughout the tour of historical landmarks in St. Thomas, you will explore local history and heritage by visiting various buildings, monuments, and murals. Some of the locations may be more or less familiar to you, but we are confident that everyone will learning something new! 
  • PRO TIP: At the end of a busy day, stop by Railway City Brewing for a pint and a little more history!
Here is a shot at Railway City Brewing Company. In the middle is a sign that says

Day 3 : Beyond the Rail

  • St. Thomas' boom time came during the heyday of rail - but there is a lot more to this little city than that! Take an afternoon, and pick up a guide or use the web versions below, to explore two incredible heritage districts, filled with towering oaks, magnolias, and heritage properties that'll be sure to impress. 
  • BONUS! Explore the history in St. Thomas and beyond using the Elgin County Heritage Guide here.​
Here is Lotus Thai restaurant. Straight ahead is the historic beige bricked building. The front door is red with windows on either side. The windows are also framed in red. The second floor of the house has three windows, with the one in the middle having a black balcony bar in front. Below the house is a small front deck with a ramp to the right. In front of the deck is a table of four sitting on the patio. At the very front of the picture is a sign that says 'Lotus Thai Parking in Rear' with an arrow pointing left.
Main Street
Here is an angled shot of the Court House. To the left and right of the photo are green leaves of trees nearby. Just off centre to the right of the photo is the three arch entry way to the courthouse. By the roof of the courthouse are a unicorn and another animal facing off. Above this is a circular dome like area of the courthouse with a black roof. The bottom portion of the courthouse is covered in large beige stone. There are many windows both rectangular and rounded throughout the building.
Courthouse Area
Here is an image of a historical home in St. Thomas. The house has a bright yellow front entrance. There is a tree standing just off centre of the shot. The house is covered in beiege and white brick and has black shutters.
Old Church Area
Here is Old St. Thomas Church. This photo shows off one of the corners of the church. The building is completely white. The windows are white paned arched windows. Below the window is a flower box with green plants. To the left of the image is a door which is open leading inside the church.
Historic Churches
Here is a couple walking in the courthouse district! On the left is a female wearing a floral romper with a black background. She is holding the hand of a man wearing a green shirt and khaki bottoms. All around them is green grass and some trees. Beside them is a red brick house out of focus.

605 Talbot Street, St. Thomas ON N5P 1C6
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