Step Into the Living History of Canada’s Railways

Exporail Canadian Railway Museum Entry Ticket

Explore one of the world’s largest railway museums at Exporail near Montreal, where historic locomotives, royal trains, and immersive exhibits bring Canada’s rail heritage to life for all ages.

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Highlights
  • One of the largest railway museums in the world
  • Home to over 400 historic locomotives and rail vehicles
  • Authentic steam engines, diesel trains, and electric streetcars
  • Interactive exhibits and seasonal train rides
  • Family friendly indoor and outdoor galleries

Description

Exporail The Canadian Railway Museum is a journey through the tracks that shaped a nation. Located in Saint Constant just outside Montreal, the museum preserves the machines, stories, and people behind Canada’s railway legacy.

Vast exhibition halls house beautifully restored locomotives while outdoor tracks display towering steam engines that once crossed mountains and plains. Each carriage and signal tells a story of innovation, migration, and connection.

With interactive displays, hands on activities, and immersive environments, Exporail offers a meaningful experience for history lovers, families, and curious travelers alike.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Exporail is from May to October when outdoor exhibits and seasonal train rides are fully accessible. Morning visits are quieter and ideal for photography.

Winter visits focus more on indoor galleries, offering a calm and educational experience. Summer weekends can be busy, so arriving early ensures a relaxed exploration.

Fun Facts
  • The museum features a real royal train used by Queen Elizabeth II
  • Some locomotives on display are over 150 years old
  • Exporail preserves more than 250000 railway artifacts
  • Visitors can explore historic sleeping and dining cars
  • The site includes working rail tracks and restored stations

Itinerary

Half Day Ideal Visit

Morning:
Start with the main exhibition hall to understand Canada’s railway evolution. Explore steam locomotives and early passenger cars.

Midday:
Walk through the outdoor rail yard. Visit the royal train and historic streetcars. Enjoy interactive displays and short films.

Afternoon:
Take a seasonal train ride if available. Finish with the model railway exhibits and museum shop.

Full Day Option

Spend extra time with guided tours, educational workshops, and revisiting favorite exhibits at a relaxed pace.

Photo Spots
  • Grand steam locomotives in the outdoor rail yard
  • The royal train interiors
  • Panoramic views of multiple engines lined on tracks
  • Historic station platforms
  • Vintage streetcars and signal lights

Pro Tips
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking long outdoor tracks
  • Check the schedule for seasonal train rides
  • Allow extra time for indoor galleries during winter
  • Photography is best in the morning light
  • Families should look for interactive zones for children

History

Exporail The Canadian Railway Museum was founded in 1961 by the Canadian Railroad Historical Association with the goal of preserving Canada’s rapidly disappearing railway heritage. At a time when steam locomotives and historic rail cars were being retired and dismantled, a small group of enthusiasts began collecting and restoring significant pieces of railway history.

The museum gradually expanded its collection, relocating to Saint Constant in Quebec where space allowed for both indoor preservation and outdoor track displays. Over decades, Exporail grew into one of the most important railway museums in the world, representing every major era of Canadian rail development from early steam power to modern electric transport.

Today, Exporail stands as a national institution, safeguarding hundreds of locomotives, carriages, and artifacts while educating visitors about the railways that connected communities, fueled industry, and shaped Canada’s identity.

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