History of the Agawa Canyon Tour Train
The Agawa Canyon Tour Train began its journey in 1964, offering passengers a scenic rail experience from Sault Ste. Marie to the breathtaking Agawa Canyon in Northern Ontario. Operated on the tracks of the Algoma Central Railway (ACR), the train was designed to showcase the region’s rugged landscapes, waterfalls, and forests. The ACR itself dates back to 1899, originally built to transport resources like iron ore and timber to local industries.
In 1952, the Algoma Central Railway began developing the Agawa Canyon Wilderness Park, clearing picnic areas and enhancing access for tourists. This initiative laid the groundwork for the tour train’s popularity. By the 1970s and 1980s, the train was drawing over 100,000 visitors annually, with fall “Colour Tours” becoming a seasonal highlight. The canyon’s dramatic cliffs and untouched wilderness also attracted artists like the Group of Seven, who famously painted the region’s landscapes.
The train’s equipment evolved over time, transitioning from ex-CN coaches and dome cars to modern F40PH locomotives and refurbished coaches from the Rio Grande Ski Train. Despite changes in ownership—including a period under Canadian National Railway—the tour train remained a staple of Northern Ontario tourism. In 2015, the service became a separate entity, continuing to operate independently.
In 2022, the segment of the railway between Oba and Sault Ste. Marie was acquired by Watco, which now operates it as the Agawa Canyon Railroad. Watco committed to preserving the tour train experience and partnered with the Missanabie Cree First Nation to explore future operations. The train continues to run seasonally, especially during August to October, when fall colours transform the canyon into a vivid tapestry.
Today, the Agawa Canyon Tour Train remains a signature wilderness experience, drawing thousands of visitors each year. Its legacy blends industrial history, Indigenous partnerships, artistic heritage, and natural beauty. This information was generated using AI and sourced from publicly available materials including Wikipedia, Northern Ontario Travel, and North America by Rail.
