2023 Trains Now on Sale
For March Break this year, we invite you to experience this scenic winter heritage train ride with the whole family! Your round-trip journey begins either at our Waterloo Northfield Station or at the Farmers Market Station.
For Saint Patrick’s Day this year, we invite you to experience this scenic winter heritage train ride with the whole family! Passengers of all ages will be captivated by the wide-open view of the countryside and nearby Mennonite farms as we head northbound to Elmira.
Waterloo Central Railway is pleased to offer commuter rail service for this year’s Elmira Maple Syrup Festival.
Waterloo Central Railway invites you to experience this scenic, winter, heritage train ride with the whole family!
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of one of the founding members of the Southern Ontario Locomotive Restoration Society (SOLRS). On February 21st the Waterloo Central Railway (WCR) and SOLRS lost a good friend with his passing at the age of 92. Donald Broadbear (Don) followed in his fathers’ footsteps and joined the Canadian Pacific Railway at the age of 17. Don served with the railway for 42 years. Don is remembered for his many ventures with tourist railways and most notably in the saving of WCR locomotive #9 from being scrapped. Don and a team of volunteers at Port Stanley lovingly brought #9 back to life. Don was also a founding member of SOLRS and WCR. In 2008 Don was instrumental in the building of our current maintenance facility. It was at this point #9 was moved to St. Jacobs where Don served as Chief Mechanical officer. Don was always a willing coach to anyone interested in the restoration and the running of the locomotive. Don taught many of us the intricacies of firing and driving #9. Don was also an inductee to the North American Railway Hall of Fame. Don will always be remembered by the team at St. Jacobs for his passion and dedication to the preservation of railway heritage.
Bringing History to Life
Waterloo Central Railway is a heritage railway offering historic passenger train rides between Northfield Drive in Waterloo, the St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market, the village of St. Jacobs and town of Elmira. We are proudly operated by the Southern Ontario Locomotive Restoration Society (SOLRS), a not-for-profit, registered charitable organization. All ticket proceeds go to supporting operations and restoration programs that our volunteers complete at our restoration and maintenance facility in St. Jacobs.
What a fun day! For my mom's 75th birthday we planned a 'girls day'! We ranged in age from 16-75 and we ALL loved the experience. The train arrived on time and everyone was so friendly. The crew is all volunteers and you can tell, they love what they do and wanted us to enjoy our trip. Fantastic trip all around. Thank you for preserving the rail system!
– Jane | TripadvisorI recently attended the Thanksgiving Steam Train Excursion with my family. Our first time ever riding a train! We had a wonderful time on board. We were absolutely mesmerized by the steam locomotive which is apparently one of few in Canada that is actually in working order- WOW! The staff and volunteers were also so friendly and helpful.
– Light Packer | TripadvisorWaterloo Central Railway is a great experience throughout the entire year. They truly go above and beyond to ensure that all guests have a fantastic time. You won't be disappointed in choosing to spend a day or evening whether it is with family or friends. The specialty themed events are a hit too! Be sure to take a train ride if you're in the area!
– James B. | TripadvisorWe had a terrific time yesterday, everyone really enjoyed it. A great adventure, lots to explore for the kids, and being able to sit up top and watch the scenery go by was wonderful. There was huge excitement when we went over the train bridge. The kids just loved it! Thanks again to all the volunteers who work hard to make the WCR the best!
– Diane K. | TripadvisorAmazing! I was greeted warmly by the volunteer crew when I arrived. There was a snack bar where you could get little snacks and drinks. During the journey, there was someone explaining what was around the area. I'll definitely be back during the summer! Highly recommend to any family with kids, or anyone that wants a tour of the countryside!
– Matt S. | Tripadvisor
