South Simcoe Railway - Tottenham, Ontario

Planning Your Trip - Frequently Asked Questions

Who runs the excursions?
South Simcoe Railway's rail excursions are operated by the South Simcoe Railway Heritage Corporation, a non-profit historical association dedicated to the preservation and operation of railway equipment from Canada's steam era.

Which locomotive is used on the train?
Any of our vintage locomotives can be used, subject to availability. The majority of excursions will operate behind either engine #703 or engine #136. Engine #136 is scheduled to operate Sundays and Holiday Mondays beginning May 19TH. Engine #703 is scheduled to operate for weekday departures in July and August (see schedule for specific dates). Please note that operating equipment is subject to change without notice.

Our vintage locomotive fleet includes:

#136, a Rogers 4-4-0 steam locomotive built in Paterson NJ in 1883

#1057, an MLW 4-6-0 steam locomotive built in Montreal QC in 1912

#703, a GE 70 ton diesel-electric locomotive built in Erie PA in 1948

#22, a CLC 44 ton diesel-hydraulic locomotive built in Kingston ON in 1960

How do I purchase tickets?
Tickets for all regular excursions are sold on a first-come, first-served basis at the station in Tottenham on the day of departure. Advance reservations are available for special event excursions only.

Do I need reservations?
Reservations are not available for the regular excursions. We will take reservations for groups of 20 or more people, when booked and paid for in advance, for regular excursions. Group reservations may be made by calling the office at (905) 936-5815 on weekday afternoons during our operating season.

Where does the train leave from?
All excursions depart from and return to the South Simcoe Railway station in downtown Tottenham. Click HERE for directions to the station.

When should I arrive at the station?
We recommend arriving at the station 30 minutes prior to departure to allow sufficient time for parking, ticketing, washroom stops and boarding the train.

How long is the trip and where does it go?
The regular excursions take just under an hour, and travel from Tottenham to Beeton and return, following the Beeton Creek through rolling countryside and farmland. The trip is narrated by the Conductor, with a commentary that's geared toward families.

Does the train run if it's raining? Does the train have a roof?
Our passenger cars are fully enclosed. They are heated in the colder months and have opening windows for a nice breeze in the summer months. The excursions operate rain or shine.

Can we get off the train during the trip?
At the moment there are no facilities to detrain during the trip. We are currently fundraising so that this will be a possibility in the future.

Are there washrooms on the train?
There are no washrooms on-board the train. Modern washroom facilities are located at the station in Tottenham.

Is the train handicapped-accessible?
Yes, one of the coaches is equipped with a wheelchair lift. This coach is normally available on any scheduled weekday excursion. The washrooms are also wheelchair-accessible.

Because space is limited, we ask that you call ahead to let us know you're coming so we can make sure space is available and give you directions to our handicapped parking area.

On certain special event trips, the lift-equipped coach may not be available. Please call the railway office at (905) 936-5815 weekday afternoons to confirm.

Do you have safety rules for passengers?
Safety is the top priority of every railway in Canada, and especially so with passenger-carrying railways where the public will be in close proximity to operating equipment or an operating railway yard, such as at the South Simcoe Railway. Specific safety rules for when you are on-board the train are printed on your ticket.

In general and for your own safety while you are on the railway property, we ask that you do not climb on or under any railway equipment, walk on the tracks or enter into any restricted areas or permit your children to do so - these activities are prohibited under section 26.1 of the Federal Railway Act and are a Federal offence.

South Simcoe Railway is a member of the Operation Lifesaver program.

Can I bring my dog on the train?
We would prefer that you didn't, but we will permit small dogs on the train as long as the passengers seated around you do not object. Your dog must remain on the floor and not on the seats, and must be under your full control at all times.

Can we eat on the train?
Smoking, food and drinks are not permitted on-board the train.