waterloo central railway

685susia

We took the railway to get to the Farmer's market and especially the kids loved it! It is old-fashioned and run by volunteers. It is a very slow way to travel, just like in old days. The is the noise of old railways, the steam and it is all very exciting and beautiful.

Love2travelGuelph

I heard this train was only going to run for another year because of a lack of funding. We took the trip on a sweltering day this past summer. I thought that it would be much better if the volunteers were more in character. I also found the trip to be expensive and boring. I think young kids would get a kick out of the trip though.

GypsySarnia

We did the Thanksgiving Steam Train ride which was sold out so many people were able to enjoy the ride which went from the Waterloo Station to Elmira and back, with a stop in St.Jacobs for more water plus, and this was the highlite, a stop where you are able to get off the train and watch it flying by with all the bells and whisles going full steam. Terrific opportunity to take lots of pictures. I overheard one of the volunteers tell someone that next years plans are a bit on hold since they might not be able to use the Waterloo Train station anymore. That would be a shame.We thoughly enjoyed ourselves and are thankfull that we were able to experience this bit of history.

Jos-Jules

The railway runs from Waterloo to the bridge over the Conestogo River in St. Jacobs Village, making one stop at the St. Jacob Market. The tour is narrated, with the conductor describing the sights as you roll down toward St. Jacobs in vintage cars. In the village, you can also tour the shops and admire two steam engines. There is a longer tour, using the steam locomotive, on certain weekends that would be well worth looking out for.

macKay201158

We took a 5 year old and a two year old. The little one is crazy about Thomas and it was a thrill to ride on a train. It's a very short ride but the kids loved it. The train is run by volunteers and they are pleasant and very accommodating about storing strollers. You can get off at the St. Jacobs Market which is a destination itself. When I go again I will do it in the Summer because there are more kid friendly things at the market then i.e. Pony rides and Bouncy house. We stayed a couple of hours, had lunch and took the train back. We could have gone right onto the village of St Jacobs but while it is a delight for an adult there is not much for kids. A previous post mention that the train needs a paint job. I believe it is a volunteer driven non-profit and if finds allowed they would have it ship shape.

Danewfies

Thank you for joining us for a train ride. We are a work-in-progress railway operated by volunteers on a not-for-profit basis. Our volunteers are continually working to improve the railway experience. Thank you for highlighting a few areas that need improvement. We will add them to the list of work to be done in the near future.

fabianof45

Thanks for visiting our railway station. From your review it would appear that you did not take a trip on the train itself. We look forward to seeing you in the future when we can take you to visit the St. Jacobs Farmers Market and the Village of St. Jacobs.

C0reenD

Thanks for joining us last Christmas! We're gearing up for an other busy season of Santa Trains this Christmas season.

991wandat

Thank you for joining us this summer. Our volunteers consistently work to improve the train experience. As we are in the business of repair, restoration and operation of heritage equipment, there is never a shortage of work that need to be done. Some of the items that you listed in your review, such as the amount of seating in station areas or the pathways to nearby attractions, are beyond our control as they are owned by third parties. We will continue to work with our local tourism partners to improve the travel experience on and around our railway.

JAWEMYSS3175

Thank you for joining us this summer. Our travel speed is restricted by the quality of the track and the nature of the area that we travel through, both of which are beyond our control. I'm glad that the children enjoyed their trip.

Hardy265

What a great thing to do every year with the grandchildren and their parents. All the tooting with the big train horn and waving at cars waiting at crossings. Get on the train in central Waterloo, stop over at the St. Jacobs Farmers Market and continue to St. Jacobs to see the town. Don't miss the last train back.

RobertM929

August 4th steam excursion behind engine #9 was delightful return, to another era of rail travel, across a very pretty part of Ontario. The well kept Mennonite farms show a quickly disappearing slice of agricultural life. The ability to see smell and hear an operating steam engine is an experience to remember. Well worth the $25. per person.

travelcity2014

I'm sorry that you misinterpreted the Dealfind details. The Dealfind deal was "Valid towards regular train fares only"; our Elmira Excursion is not a regular train trip. The trip advertised through Dealfind was our Market Train serving the City of Waterloo, the St. Jacobs Farmers Market and the Village of St. Jacobs. Our Elmira Excursion on Monday, August 4 is a special excursion with a different set of fares and did not stop at the Market or Village..If you would like to take a Market Train trip pulled by our steam engine, the steam engine is operating on Saturday, August 23, 2014; Saturday, September 20, 2014; and Saturday, October 4, 2014.

Ownerwilliam

Thanks for the great review. Our volunteers will be tickled pink to hear that they are among the best that you have seen. We all have a good time and there is always lots to do. Every year we get a little bit better and restore a few more things.

davighk

Thanks for the great review Davigh. We're glad you had a good time. We look forward to seeing you in the future.