Prairie Dog Central Railway

Step aboard one of North America’s oldest regularly operating vintage trains at the Prairie Dog Central Railway in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Operated by the Vintage Locomotive Society Inc., a non-profit organization, this beloved heritage railway runs from the historic 1910-built Inkster Junction Station in northwest Winnipeg out to the rural communities of Grosse Isle and Warren — a leisurely journey of about 20 miles through the Manitoba prairie. The heart of the operation is Steam Locomotive No. 3, a remarkable 4-4-0 built in 1882 by Dübs and Company in Glasgow, Scotland — the oldest operating coal-fired steam locomotive in North America. Passengers travel in beautifully restored wooden coaches dating from 1901 to 1913. The excursion includes a station stop at Grosse Isle, where local vendors offer home baking, produce, and crafts. Throughout the season (May through October), Prairie Dog Central hosts themed events including the crowd-favourite Great Train Robbery, Family Fun Days, and the spooky Howlin’ Halloween Express. A true living museum on rails, it’s a must-do experience for any train enthusiast visiting Winnipeg.