All aboard
Elmira Train Museum at the eastern end of the province turns 40
Elmira Railway Museum celebrating 40th anniversary.
It may be the “end of the line”, but it’s the start of a mighty fine time.
Where else can you still ride the rails in Prince Edward Island and even be asked to disembark when the weight is just a little too much for the engine?
“No offence, you are all skinny, beautiful people, but we have to lighten the load a bit,’’ jokes train conductor Carson Deveaux as the put-put engine almost grinds to a halt.
It’s a Tuesday and the visitors happily unload until the summer student can coax the miniature train up to the crest of the hill.
“All aboard,” he cries out as the tourists walk to the crest and reclaim their seats to continue the 1.8-km ride.
It’s all part of the unique offerings at the Elmira Railway Museum, the last whistle stop tucked away at the very eastern end of the province.
“We’re at the end of the line,” says site manager Lynne Burrows.
“People always comment on the trek, but they are always glad they made it.”
It’s a bit of a jaunt from the main core of the Island — more than an hour from Charlottetown — but well worth the drive to the Elmira Road.
Especially since to travel through breathtaking part you get the most
of the province and take in the port town of Souris, Basin Head and the singing sands, and the stunning views of white caps crashing against the sand dunes in South Lake.
It’s a member of the P.E.I. Museum and Heritage Foundation family and is celebrating its 40th year as a portal to the Island’s railroad system that was decommissioned in the 1970s.
Take the miniature train ride, view the huge electric train set travelling the Island in one of the indoor pavilions, or one of the countless displays of train gear and memorabilia.
And don’t miss the speeder — a 1983 working machine acquired from New Brunswick that can reach speeds of up to 60 km.
The train ride carries visitors through the forested rail line and past giant murals depicting some of the historic homes, stores and canneries in the region.
The museum is a true gem, enthralling train lovers and kids and families and is a work of love supported by the volunteer group The Friends of Elmira, which also caretakes the East Point lighthouse.
And for those who love the sound of the train don’t worry – there are plenty of whistle stops.