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Crowds form a line at The Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario for the Easter Eggs-press event, held every April. (photo: AJ Photography, 2025)
Railway Experiences in Smiths Falls
You will find railway breadcrumbs around every corner in Smiths Falls. When planning your visit here are a few of the must-sees for railfans.
Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario
90 William St. W.
This museum alone is worth a visit to Smiths Falls! Here, the railway history of the region is captured in the restored 1912 station building, once owned by the Canadian Northern Ontario Railway, and today a National Historic Site. Today, the building houses a hands-on, curated railway experience with rolling stock and track, a children’s STEAM educational train, and more.
Key Highlights:
- Explore the only remaining dental car in North America. This unusual railway find travelled more than a million miles over the 40 years it was in service before it “retired” in 1951. The car was used to provide dental care to children in remote Northern Ontario communities and could hold 26 passengers.
- Visit an 1899 dining car that served between 20 and 30 passengers travelling between Halifax and Riviere-du-Loup on the St. Lawrence River. Once owned by
Smiths Falls by Rail: A Guide for Trainspotters and Railfans
For railfans, few places bring railway history to life like Smiths Falls. Once a key location for multiple major rail lines, the railway isn’t just transportation here, it’s history in motion.
There is no better place to explore the railway than in a location built on its power. For those who get a thrill from heritage rail cars, switching yards, and railway lore, Smiths Falls is a must visit.
Smiths Falls: The Railway Town
Smiths Falls became a key player in Canadian railway history in the late mid-1800s thanks to the arrival of the Canadian Pacific Railway and the Canadian Northern Railway (later part of Canadian National).
The railway presence in Smiths Falls was not minimal: the swiftly growing town was home to vision points, yards, roundhouses, and crew changes. The town thrived on rail traffic and rode the railway economy well into the 20th century.
Today, the legacy endures in the VIA Rail Station, the Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario, and the railway experiences woven through the community.
the Canada Science and Technology Museum in Ottawa, the car was moved to Smiths Falls in 2019 and its beautifully appointed interior is a must see. Visitors can wander through the car and sit at one of the original tables or purchase a ticket for the museum’s frequent afternoon tea experiences.
Trainspotting: The Railway Museum hosts several fun events each year, like their North Pole Express and Trainfest, where visitors can even “ride the rails” with advanced ticket purchase.
Live the Rail Life: Sleep in a Caboose
90 William St. W.
Book a night in one of the museum’s restored cabooses, now a unique Airbnb experience. This is a great way to feel like you are a real trainman! Guests have after-hours access to the historic Baggage Room for a true Night at the Museum vibe, as well as a shared kitchenette, bathrooms and showers.
Trainspotting: Bring a flashlight and explore the museum grounds after dark. Overnight guests get rare trackside access to truly imagine what life on the railroad was like in Smiths Falls.
Frozen in Time at Bascule Bridge
5 Abbot St.
Another National Historic Site, the Bascule Bridge is a Scherzer rolling lift bridge permanently raised in the upright position on the Rideau River. The bridge dates back to the early 1900s and operates with a balanced counterweight and a unique rolling lift motion. Today, the bridge is an impressive site and visitors can walk right onto the bridge to explore and get pictures.
Trainspotting: The Bascule Bridge is the ideal backdrop for a selfie and is a popular stop for people wanting to share some of the community’s railway history on social media.
The Station Theatre
53 Victoria Ave.
Housed in what used to be a CPR station built in 1887, The Station Theatre has preserved its railway roots while transitioning to a community arts venue. CPR passenger service continued here until 1966 and the station served VIA Rail travelers until a new station opened in 2010. Today it is home to plays, film screenings and events, and is a testament to the railway and its importance in Smiths Falls.
Trainspotting: The rail lines behind The Station Theatre are still active and the perfect spot for trainspotting as rail cars pass through town. The Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) Holiday Train, a longstanding railway tradition, makes a stop at this location each November and is fun, family-friendly festive event that keeps the holiday spirit and railway legacy alive. Plan to be there to see the excitement Nov. 28, 2025 between 6:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.
More Ways to Enjoy the Rail Life: In case you just couldn’t quite get enough of the railway yet, the iron legacy is woven through the community. Here are a few ideas to maximize and plan your visit:
- The Station Country Kitchen & Eatery: This cozy restaurant gives a nod to Smiths Falls’ heritage with an inspired railway theme woven throughout. Dine on the patio and see if you can catch a glimpse of the VIA Rail passenger train as it passes through town.
- Mural at Shoppers Drug Mart: Snap a picture of the colourful mural on the side of the Shoppers Drug Mart (54 Beckwith St. N.) that looks like a locomotive bursting out of the wall.
- C’est Tout Bakery: Refuel at this chic bakery and coffee shop located in the Hotel Rideau, a historic building that offered accommodation to thousands of visitors travelling by rail through Smiths Falls.
- VIA Rail Station: Time your visit to the VIA Rail Station just outside of town and watch people embark and board a modern passenger train.
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