Exporail - The Canadian Railway Museum

Discover the fascinating history of railroads at the Canadian Railway Museum

Royal Hudson Steam Locomotive at ExpoRail
Royal Hudson Steam Locomotive at ExpoRail cc licensed photo by Fraccle

The Canadian Railway Museum, usually referred to as Exporail, is loaded with exhibits showcasing the history of the railroad both in Canada and internationally. It is owned by the Canadian Railroad Historical Association. The Canadian Railway Museum was founded in 1961 with the mission of purchasing vehicles, artifacts and documents that can be used to trace the progress of Canada's railways. The museum is located near the very first railroad in Canada and has succeeded in preserving the history of Canada's railways. It is one of the largest collections in the world of its kind.

Exporail features both permanent and temporary exhibits that will captivate visitors from every age group. There are guided tours available for those who wish to be shown the highlights of the Canadian railway history. The museum also provides a range of educational activities and conferences to further educate those who wish to learn more about Canada's railways. It is also possible to go on tram and train rides and watch demonstrations of telegraphy and the operation of steam trains. Kids and adults will love watching miniature trains making their way around beautifully detailed model railroads.

There are five main themes to the permanent exhibits, namely: Urban Railways, Serving the Economy, From Atlantic to Pacific, Railway Domination and Challenges of Railway Transportation. Each focuses on a different aspect of Canada's railways, both past and present, to provide a varied presentation of the face of the railroads.

Further entertainment is available in the form of theme days. For example: 2 November 2013 to 17 November 2013 features "Suspect Wanted: The Train Robber". Clues are left in the Grand gallery by Bill Miner, renowned bandit of the early 20th century. Children collect the clues in a notebook then take their findings to the children's craft workshop in exchange for the chance to make their own policeman's badge.

Facts For Your Visit

Fee: Yes; There is a family discount available.

Exporail Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays

  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: Closed
  • Wednesday: Closed
  • Thursday: Closed
  • Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Address: 110 Rue St Pierre, Saint-Constant, QC J5A 1G7, Canada

Phone: (450) 632-2410

Official Website: Exporail

Exporail Reviews

Rated 4.6 out of 5 Star Rating

5 Star Rating The GPS brought us to the furthest parking lot. If this happens to you just walk down the street and on your left you will see the main parking lot. You have to walk over the bridge to the ticket booth. It was raining and muddy the day we went. The museum was magnificent. The first building we entered was a metal building with minimal lighting but the trains were really cool. The second building we entered blew our minds. The facility was awesome with lots and lots of trains inside. Many you could climb in an experience. We even got to see the underside of a train. This was by far one of the best train museums I have ever been drag to by my husband. Train enthusiasts of all ages will absolutely love this place. Great stop for us!! Worth the trip!
Justine Penney - 4 months ago

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4 Star Rating We want there the first Sunday of the month which was Free. The closest parking was full at 11 AM so you have to walk more than 10 min in the cold specially difficult with young children. Many big trains, small one is running in circle, nice decorations for Christmas. There is a cafeteria for lunch with high chair so you can bring your own lunch. I recommend
Ghina Besbes - 3 months ago

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5 Star Rating We visited the Canadian Railway Museum during the 1st Sunday of December. The museum wasn't crowded. The trains were decorated with Christmas ornaments and lights. The Christmas spirit was all in the air. We had a tour with a guide into one of the closed trains. They alternate the tours depending on the season. Moreover, the kids enjoyed DIY workshop in decorating a small train as well as taking a train ride simulation. Unfortunately, we missed the Christmas cookie decorations this time. They say there will be Santa's visit and the Polar Express movie during the following weeks. So, if you are interested in taking part in these activities, just follow the Museum's website. All information is there. Overall, we had an amazing time. This is the place definitely worth visiting !
Natalia Tkach - 4 months ago

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5 Star Rating Fantastic museum for locals and travelers alike! Staff were bilingual/multilingual (French and English) with a wealth of knowledge and were truly a pleasure to speak to. Our tour was self guided, but maps, signs, and employees ensured we were able to see the full indoor and outdoor museum exhibits. Staff were always available and eager to provide directions, answer questions, point out interesting details, and share stories. The "Streetcar" is highly recommended - this tour allowed us to ride a stunningly restored passenger train to each site on the property. The whole museum could be accessible via walking, but hopping on and off the streetcar was a fun, informative, and immersive experience! We stayed at the museum for about three hours and enjoyed every minute. Bring snacks, drinks, and sunscreen if you visit in summer.
Becca Eve - 6 months ago

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5 Star Rating Absolutely must-visit if you're in Montreal, especially if you have kids. Went on a rainy day but still had a great time. Their entrance seems to have changed from what Google Maps shows - it takes you to parking 2 while the right place should be parking 1 which across the next street. However, the museum has mentioned this in a poster placed at parking 2 to guide visitors to the right place. The ticket price was reasonable. They have this old fashion toy train that takes you around and gives you a glimpse of how trains functioned in olden days. The gentleman driving it was very jovial and friendly. The main museum is great as they have life size locomotives at display with interesting facts mentioned about them. Some of these, mainly cars, not locomotives, you can also see from inside. Great fun and very informative. There's a lunch room and some snacks are available at the gift shop but it's recommended that you carry some food, especially if you have kids along. Parking was decent. Definitely recommended
Jay Mehta - 7 months ago

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Directions

Bus or Train Line Nearest Station Walking Time
Bus #130 transferring to 30A, 30B or 35Starting at Bonaventure Metro Station1 Minute
AMT Commuter Rail - Candiac/St-ConstantLucien-L'Allier station to Saint-Constant Station3 MInutes

How to get to Exporail by Bus or Train

Located south of Montreal in Saint-Constant, Exporail is accessible by commuter train (weekdays only) or by bus.

By Bus: Take Bus #130 from from platform 13 at Bonaventure Metro Station in downtown Montreal to the Georges-Gagné autoparc in Delson. Transfer to any of Bus 30A, 30B or 35 and get off across from the Exporail parking lot.

By Train: On weekdays the Candiac/St-Constant AMT commuter train leaves platform No.2 of Lucien-L'Allier station at 9:35am and makes the return trip at 1:28pm. You can get to Lucien-L'Allier station on Metro Line 1 - Orange.

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