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CA$ 42.79
CA$ 26.74
CA$ 21.49
Free
CA$ 21.49
CA$ 80.24
The Heritage Hopper operates Thursdays and Saturdays from April to October, and Tuesdays throughout July and August.
Join us and enjoy the beauty of the countryside! Marvel at the scenic farmland as you and travel back in time for an authentic heritage train ride through Woolwich Township and Waterloo Regions’ famous Mennonite farm country on our historic rail line that has been in service since the 1880s.
Sit back and relax as you travel through the picturesque countryside and beautiful farming landscape, we are so proud of. Choose your preferred accommodation, either standard coach seating or first-class lounge seating.
Whether you’re a returning guest or visiting us for the first time, we look forward to you riding with us at the Waterloo Central Railway, dedicated to the preservation, restoration, and operation of Canadian heritage railway equipment.
Our regular train rides, departing from either our Northfield Drive or Farmers Market stations, are a round trip journey, approximately 1 hour and 45-minutes in length, returning on the same track.
Group Fun!
All aboard for a memorable group experience with Waterloo Central Railway! Whether you’re planning a corporate outing, seniors’ excursion, school trip, family gathering or group celebration, our heritage train rides offer a unique way to bring people together. Sit back, relax and enjoy the scenic countryside while making lasting memories aboard our historic railway. Contact us to learn more about group booking options and start planning your next adventure!
Hungry?
Enjoy a variety of snacks available for purchase from pop, water, chips, chocolate bars, coffee and tea. Variety may vary based on availability. All snacks are $2.
Hop on and off at our stations!
With our Heritage Hopper day pass, you can use our entire daily train schedule to plan your day along our line! For example, you may wish to board our 10:10 train at the Farmers Market station, detrain at St. Jacobs for a stroll through the village and lunch, then catch the next northbound train to Elmira before returning to the market. You can board at Northfield Drive, detrain at the Market, then catch the next train to St. Jacobs for a late lunch before returning to Northfield Drive. Your day pass gives you total flexibility and freedom to tailor your day along the communities served by the Waterloo Central Railway. See below for details on each of our stops.
Visit us on one of our extra special Heritage Hopper Days and enjoy treats, additional entertainment and more!
All aboard for extra fun with our Heritage Hopper Fun Days! Throughout the season, we add a little something special to select train rides, with themed activities, exciting surprises and family-friendly fun for all ages. It’s a great way to experience the charm of heritage rail travel while making even more memories along the way! Stay tuned, 2027 Fun Days and dates will be announced in spring 2027!
90 Northfield Drive W, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 5A6
Our ION Connection! Hop off the ION and hop on our heritage train to continue north to the St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market, Village of St. Jacobs, and Town of Elmira.
No parking available
330 Farmers Market Road, Waterloo, Ontario N2J 4G8
Visit the St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market to explore hundreds of vendors selling a variety of items from food to art, collectibles, and more. You may also visit Market Road Antiques and the St. Jacobs Outlets for more deals and unique finds.
Parking available behind Value Village
West end of Spring Street, St. Jacobs, Ontario N0B 2N0
Hop off the Heritage Hopper and take a short stroll down Spring Street to the picturesque Village of St. Jacobs. Explore unique shops, art centres, and galleries that showcase the talent of local artisans. The village is also home to a brewery, several restaurants, cafes, and bakeries, each with its own unique atmosphere and delicious offerings.
Street parking available only
155 Howard Avenue, Elmira, Ontario N3B 2E2
Hop off the train at our Elmira Station and head to downtown Elmira, where you can enjoy vibrant local culture, unique shops, delicious local cuisine, and the Elmira Farmers’ Market (Saturdays from 8:00AM to 1:30PM).
***NEW*** There is a FREE bus that meets the train at the Elmira Station on Thursdays and Saturdays at 11:00am, 1:00pm, and 3:00pm until September 13, 2025. The bus will take you right downtown Elmira and will drop you off at the Wyatt Street Parking Lot (Wyatt Street East and Arthur Street South)
Please note when there is no bus available, it is an approximate 30 minute walk from the Elmira Station to Downtown Elmira.
Limited street parking available
COACH CAR
Our standard coaches offer traditional rail seating in groups of four as depicted in the photo shown here offering a wide-open panoramic view of the countryside and Mennonite farms adjacent to our rail line. Snack bar service is available.
LOUNGE CAR
Our Lounge car features a variety of soft, upholstered chairs, as well as seating in tables of 4, all in spacious surroundings for a full view of the countryside. Passengers riding in our Lounge Car will also enjoy one complimentary non-alcoholic beverage. Snack bar service is available.
Alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase in the Lounge Car only on Saturdays in July and August. More details to come. Availability subject to change.
Parking is only available at our Farmers Market station.
While in the area please visit the St. Jacobs Farmers Market, located next to our station, which is open each Thursday and Saturday (also Tuesdays mid June-August). Be sure to check out the village of St. Jacobs, offering a wide array of shops and eateries, open 7 days a week.
Charter an entire train for your corporate event, group or family outing. Reserve an entire car on one of our regularly scheduled trains, or join us on special occasion trains such as Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Easter, Heritage Tea Trains, Heritage Hopper, Fall Colours, Christmas and more!
Relax aboard a historic heritage train as you journey through the scenic countryside of Woolwich Township while enjoying a gourmet afternoon tea featuring handcrafted sandwiches, freshly baked scones, seasonal desserts, and carefully paired teas.
Enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving dinner aboard a beautifully restored heritage train as you travel through the colourful autumn countryside between St. Jacobs and Elmira.
Celebrate Thanksgiving weekend aboard Steam Locomotive No. 9 on a round-trip journey to Elmira. Enjoy fall scenery, the sounds of steam, and a weather-permitting run-past photo opportunity.
Step aboard the Daylight Christmas Express for a magical heritage train ride filled with festive characters, seasonal entertainment, and holiday surprises. This warm, family-friendly Christmas experience concludes with a special visit from Santa and gifts for every passenger.
Santa’s Night Cap – The Last Call Limited is an adults-only holiday train experience filled with festive entertainment, interactive characters, and plenty of seasonal cheer. Guests can enjoy a unique night out with friends or a date while riding through dazzling Christmas lights alongside a party-ready Santa.
The Nightlight Christmas Special is a festive nighttime train journey filled with twinkling lights, music, storytelling, woodland characters, and holiday surprises. Guests can choose Coach or Lounge seating and enjoy a magical visit from Santa.