As far as childhood fascinations go, Thomas the Train ranks up there as one of the few characters that has truly stood the test of time. The little blue train and his faithful crew of friends have been delighting kids since the original stories were first published in 1945.

As captivating as the series’ books, shows and toys are, there’s nothing like watching the look of awe that lights up a child’s face when they have their first encounter with a life-size train. Why not make tracks this summer for some real-life train time? Here are seven fun suggestions that train fans of all ages will adore.

 

 

  • 1

    Halton County Radial Railway

    The Halton County Radial Railway (HCRR) is Ontario’s first and largest electric railway museum.

    Its collection features historic electric railcars including streetcars, locomotives, freight trains, passenger trains and more. Admission includes unlimited historic streetcar rides on two kilometers of scenic track with a stop at the museum’s famous ice cream shop, as well as access to the grounds, display barns and the historic Rockwood Station. There’s also an on-site gift shop stocked with unique railway-inspired finds and tasty treats.

  • 2

    Hamilton Museum of Steam & Technology Golden Horseshoe Live Steamer Days

    Train fans will get a true sense of the power of steam at this National Historic Site. Housed in a historic waterworks, Hamilton Museum of Steam & Technology has lovingly preserved two 70-ton steam engines that are believed to be the oldest surviving Canadian-built engines. While the guided tours, exhibits and various special events are interesting, the museum’s Golden Horseshoe Live Steamer Days held from May through October are a definite can’t-miss for train lovers of all stripes. These special days feature miniature steam engines that visitors can actually catch a ride behind and free guided tours of the museum.

  • 2

    Hamilton Waterfront Trolley Tour

    Head to the Hamilton Waterfront for a fun and educational trolley ride that will take you along 12 kilometres of scenic shoreline past active marine and rail operations, marinas, and historic bridges. Forty-seven Discovery Drive is a great starting and ending point for the ride, which lasts just under an hour. When you’re done, stop by Williams Fresh Café or Waterfront Scoops Ice Cream Parlour for a treat.

  • 3

    Puddicombe Farm and Estate Winery

    For a more rural ride, stop in at Puddicombe Farm in Winona, where you can hop on board and enjoy a train ride through fruit fields. Leave time to pick your own fresh in-season fruit, including sweet and sour cherries, blueberries, apples, pears and pumpkins. Thrill your tried-and-true train lovers with an overnight stay in the farm’s very own caboose! The air-conditioned Country Caboose sleeps three and has a fully equipped kitchen and three-piece bathroom.

  • 2

    African Lion Safari

    For a train ride that will make you think you’re in the African Savannah, don’t miss African Lion Safari‘s Nature Boy Scenic Railway. The historic train is pulled throughout the 16-hectare reserve by a miniature replica of an 1863 C.P. Huntington Steam engine, past exotic species from around the world, wild animals and birds native to southern Ontario. The 15-minute ride is included with park admission.

  • 2

    Westfield Heritage Village

    Treat train lovers to some time travel with a visit to Westfield Heritage Village in Rockton. Step inside the historic Jerseyville Railway Station, which was built in 1896 when ten trains a day ran between Hamilton and Brantford. It’s also the same station that was featured in the Anne of Green Gables movie and the Road to Avonlea television series. Be sure to get some pictures with the TH&B 103 Locomotive that’s also on display in the Village. This steam locomotive was originally built in Montreal for the Toronto, Hamilton and Buffalo Railway and is one of only two that has been preserved.

  • 2

    Hamilton to Brantford Rail Trail

    If you’d like to retrace the route that the old locomotive from Westfield Heritage Village used to cover on the Toronto, Hamilton and Buffalo Railway, load up your bikes and spend a few hours riding the Hamilton to Brantford Rail Trail. The former rail line is now a scenic 32-km trail surfaced with stone dust.

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December 8

Elf Club: A Children’s Cooking Workshop

Dundurn Castle – National Historic Site

610 York Boulevard, Hamilton, ON, L8R 3H1

Time: 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM Ages: 6 to 12 years Cost: $70.00 for 1...

Now thru December 7

Oakville Museum Guided Tour

Oakville Museum at Erchless Estate

8 Navy Street, Oakville, ON, L6J 2Y5

Tuesday to Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. General admission by donation (Suggested $7 per...

Now thru December 31

Private Date Night Painting for 2

studio k2

The Cotton Factory, DyeWorks Building, 9 Landsdowne Avenue, Hamilton

Whenever Date Night is! Event Price: $165.00 + hst per couple.

Now thru January 1

Woodland Cultural Centre – Virtual Museum Tour

Woodland Cultural Centre

184 Mohawk Street, Brantford, ON, N3T 5V6

Now thru December 31

Explore Paris Like A Local – A Sweet Escape

Tasty Road Trips Food Tours

Paris, Ontario

Tour Details: This tour is a 4.5 hour all-inclusive self-guided tour with all food, sips,...

Now thru December 31

Introductory Flight Lesson

Brantford Flight Centre

110 Aviation Ave. Brantford, ON N3T 5L7, Canada

Dates: All year round Cost: $152.55 including HST

Now thru December 31

Road to the Ridge: Taste of the Escarpment

Tasty Road Trips Food Tours

Paris, Ontario

Tour Details: This tour is a 4.5 hour all-inclusive self-guided tour with all food, sips,...

December 1

Ukrainian Christmas Evening Tour

Dundurn Castle – National Historic Site

610 York Boulevard, Hamilton, ON, L8R 3H1

Time: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Ages: All Cost: $45 per person. Pre-registration is required.

Now thru December 6

Poetry Night at Dog-Eared Cafe

Dog-Eared Cafe

121 Grand River St N, Paris, ON

Dates and Times: 1st Fri of every month - 6:30pm to 9:30pm

Now thru December 19

Trivia Nights at the Arlington

Arlington Hotel

106 Grand River Street North, Paris, ON, N3L 2M5

Dates and Times: every Thursday from 7:00pm to 9:00pm Max 6 people per team, must...

Now thru December 31

Music Bingo at Flux

Flux Brewing Company

185 Oakland Rd, Scotland, ON N0E 1R0

Date & Time: January 17th (1st bingo night of the year) $5 cover to join

Now thru December 31

Hamilton Civic Museums Virtual Tours

28 James St N, Hamilton, ON L8R 1A1

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