Waterloo Central Railway

The Waterloo Central Railway is a non-profit heritage railway offering scenic passenger train rides through the picturesque countryside of Waterloo Region, Ontario. Operated by the Southern Ontario Locomotive Restoration Society (SOLRS), the railway runs on the former Canadian National Waterloo Spur, travelling from Northfield Drive in Waterloo through the charming Village of St. Jacobs and on to the Town of Elmira. The railway offers a rich calendar of themed excursions throughout the year, from the popular Hop-On/Hop-Off Heritage Hopper service connecting farmers’ markets and historic villages, to elegant dinner trains, murder mystery evenings, seasonal holiday trains, and private charters for weddings and corporate events. Operating Thursdays and Saturdays from April through October, with additional Tuesday service during the summer, the WCR is a favourite among families, tourists, and train enthusiasts alike. The restoration and maintenance facility in St. Jacobs is home to ongoing volunteer-led projects that keep the heritage equipment in pristine condition. All ticket proceeds directly support the railway’s operations and preservation programmes, ensuring this living piece of railway history continues to serve the community for generations to come.