Trains are central to Canadian history. For a country so large, a system of rapid transportation has always been a necessity. The Canadian Railway Museum tracks the history of Canadian trains through one of the largest collections of railway vehicles and artifacts in the country.

The museum contains 160 engines and carriages, and 10,000 small artifacts, including station letterboxes, signs and paintings. All the cars and locomotives have been restored and preserved, and many are still in working order. The museum grounds include a reconstructed antique train station and a functioning track turntable, which you can see in action during regular demonstrations.

Browse the main collection for historic highlights. Look for the Royal Hudson, a Montreal-built locomotive that pulled King George VI and Queen Elizabeth across Canada during their 1939 visit. Don’t miss the beautifully preserved locomotive CPR 144, the oldest survivor of Canadian-built steam locomotives. If you would like help navigating through the collection, free guided tours in English are offered on weekends.

The museum grounds provide plenty to see and do as well. During the summer months, take the kids on a miniature train ride along the figure-eight track to the west of the main hall. Ride across the museum grounds on a vintage streetcar or passenger train, both of which circulate throughout the day. All rides are free with admission. When your party needs a break, drop by Café Le Tramway for lunch or refreshments.

During the summer months, the Canadian Railway Museum is open daily. During the offseason, it is open for only part of the week, so check the website before you visit.

The Canadian Railway Museum lies outside of the Montreal city center in the suburb of Saint-Constant, a twenty-minute drive from the city. The museum provides free parking. It is also accessible by bus or commuter train.