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Summary

This historic train near Toronto takes you to tiny villages and a charming market

All aboard!

A train crossing a river on a bridge.

A train crossing a river on a bridge.

Lead Writer, Travel

All aboard! This historic train near Toronto will whisk you away through rolling countryside and tiny villages and it's a magical experience.

The authentic heritage train travels through Mennonite farm country on a rail line that's been operating since the 1880s. Along the way, you can see "picturesque countryside and beautiful farming landscape" as you relax in either standard coach seating or first-class lounge seating.

The train makes several stops in quaint small towns as well as a farmers' market where you can shop for all sorts of goods. Here's what to know about this enchanting train ride.

The Waterloo Central Railway's Heritage Hopper is located about an hour outside of Toronto and it will take you back in time. The train travels to the small towns of St. Jacobs and Elmira as well as the iconic St. Jacobs Farmers' Market.

The new Heritage Hopper Day Pass allows you to plan your day around the train schedule and get on and off at some of the stops along the way.

You can spend some time shopping at the Farmers' Market and filling up on the beloved apple fritters before hopping back on the train. Or you could stroll along the historic streets of the Village of St. Jacobs and grab a bite to eat at one of the restaurants.

Whether you're treating yourself to a first-class seat or relaxing in coach, the train ride is a unique experience that lets you fill up on some countryside charm.Tickets for the train rides are available online.

Heritage Hopper

Price: $24.99 + per adult

Address: 330 Farmers Market Rd., St.Jacobs, ON

Waterloo Central Railway website

Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.

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  • Lead Writer

    Madeline Forsyth is a Toronto-based Lead Writer for Narcity Media. After earning her B.A. (Hons) at Queen's University, she spent a year travelling much of the world as a flight attendant. Now, she uses her experience in the travel industry and passion for writing to share stories about buzzworthy events and adventures across Canada and the globe. Madeline has been published in PopSugar and has interviewed sports and entertainment personalities for Narcity. She has covered and photographed restaurant openings as well as event launches such as the world premiere of the Dr. Seuss Experience. Some of her favourite things to write about include charming small towns and anything to do with Harry Potter.

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