Toronto Railway Museum — Attraction in Toronto

When we're in the area, which includes any time we are at the Skydome, CN Tower or Ripley's Aquarium, we always cross the street to visit 'Don station' to purchase tickets for the half km ride around the park. It's fun to get our tickets punched and experience the lights flashing and gates closing to pedestrian traffic as our little caboose rides by. The ride involves straddling your seat in the open while it choo-choos for 5 minutes over open terrain. $3.50/adult, $2.50/child 12 and under. Children must be accompanied by an adult. It's thrilling for kids and fun for adults who aren't afraid to let their inner child out.

Sometimes they even open some of the life-sized decommissioned train cars sitting in the park for visitors to walk through. Most of the time though, we just have to be satisfied climbing on the outside of the trains to pose for pictures as they don't have the budget to staff them. They used to have signs warning against climbing the train cars and engines, as they are quite steep and far off the ground, but people do it anyway.

There's also the indoor portion of the museum tucked away that I didn't realize was there until only recently, despite the many times we've visited the park over the years! The entry fee is modest ($5/adult, reduced pricing for children) but we didn't go in so can't comment on the inside displays.

Overall the train ride is a must if you're in the area and have children. It's right next to 3 major attractions, so it's...

A place to be visited by all ages and quite rewarding, especially who have interest in the functioning of railways and it's history.

Gives a good glimpse into the history and development timeline of Canadian railway services and equipment.

Exhibits display type if coaches, engines, track equipment, operational structures and buildings like cabins and coal, water feeder including a huge turntable to alter the heading of a locomotive or coach.

Functioning if locomotives are explained nicely for early days steam, diesel and electric type.

However all the coach and loco internals are not accessible to public and are kept locked. It would have been much better to have a peek inside and enhance the experience by great amount, adding satisfaction of rail fans hugely.

Exhibit includes a impressive steam loco along with its coal feeder building (No. 6213) built in August 1942 by the Montreal Locomotive Works during World War II. It is a U-2 class Northern-type steam locomotive with a 4-8-4 wheel arrangement and was used to haul both passenger and freight trains well over a million miles during its 17-year career based in locations that ranged from Halifax on the east coast to the prairies of Saskatchewan. Unlike other outdoor display locomotives that have been allowed to deteriorate in the elements, No. 6213 has been lovingly maintained by a small group of dedicated preservationists.

The place includes a joy ride train...

Toronto Railway Museum – Rails Through Time 🚂

🕰️ What You’ll See

Stall 17 gallery: Indoor exhibits include a full-size diesel cab train simulator, vintage artifacts, and restoration glimpses .

Outdoor rolling stock: On-site are impressive full-sized locomotives (e.g., CNR No. 6213 from 1942), passenger cars, cabooses, and the country’s longest turntable (~36.5 m) .

Miniature Railway: From May–Sept, enjoy a 500 m ride through the park on a replica steam or small diesel train—weekday and weekend schedules apply

🎓 Tours & Experiences

Guided walking tours highlight the roundhouse, turntable, and rolling stock .

Train simulator lets you try your hand at driving and braking.

Educational programs and school-group activities tied to Ontario curriculum .

Volunteer restoration projects are visible from inside—watch history in progress .

👍 Why Visit?

Combines indoor exhibits with outdoor, hands-on experiences (mini‑train, turntable).

Housed in a heritage roundhouse, part of Toronto’s railway legacy .

Central location, great for combining with nearby attractions.

Kid-friendly, educational, and accessible by public transit .

💬 Visitor Tips & Reviews

Ideal for a 1–2 hour visit, longer if riding the mini train or taking tours .

A small indoor space—most impact comes from the outdoor displays .

Mini‑train ride is ‘worth it’ for families, offering a fun peek around...