Adventure Collective
Waterloo Heritage Hopper: Vintage Rail Adventures in Waterloo - Kitchener

Waterloo Heritage Hopper: Vintage Rail Adventures in Waterloo

Waterlooeasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

1.5–2 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for all ages; no special fitness required

Overview

Ride through Waterloo’s history on the Heritage Hopper, a vintage railway experience that combines scenic views with nostalgic charm. Discover why this outdoor activity is a standout local tradition.

Waterloo, Ontario

Heritage Hopper

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About This Adventure

Heritage Hopper is a Hop On / Hop Off service with stops at Northfield, Farmers Market, St. Jacobs and Elmira.

Duration

Approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes roundtrip

About

Join us and travel back in time for an authentic heritage train ride through Woolwich Township and Waterloo Regions’ famous Mennonite farm country on our historic rail line that has been in service since the 1880s.

Sit back and relax as you travel through the picturesque countryside and beautiful farming landscape, we are so proud of. Choose your preferred accommodation, either standard coach seating or lounge car seating.

Whether you’re a returning guest or visiting us for the first time, we look forward to you riding with us at the Waterloo Central Railway, dedicated to the preservation, restoration, and operation of Canadian heritage railway equipment.

Our regular train rides, departing from either our Northfield Drive or Farmers Market stations, are a round trip journey, approximately 1 hour and 45-minutes in length, returning on the same track. However, with our new Heritage Hopper day pass, you can use our entire daily train schedule to plan your day along our line. For example, you may wish to board our 10:10 train at the Farmers Market station, detrain at St. Jacobs for a stroll through the village and lunch, then catch the next northbound train to Elmira before returning to the market. You can board at Northfield Drive, detrain at the Market, then catch the next train to St. Jacobs for a late lunch before returning to Northfield Drive. Your day pass gives you total flexibility and freedom to tailor your day along the communities served by the Waterloo Central Railway.

Parking is only available at our Farmers Market station.

While in the area please visit the St. Jacobs Farmers Market, located next to our station, which is open each Thursday and Saturday (Tuesdays mid June-August). Also, be sure to check out the village of St. Jacobs, offering a wide array of shops and eateries, open 7 days a week.

COACH CAR

Our standard coaches offer traditional rail seating in groups of four and two as depicted in the photo shown here offering a wide-open, panoramic view of the countryside and Mennonite farms adjacent to our rail line.

LOUNGE CAR

This car as depicted in the photo shown here featuring soft, upholstered chairs in spacious surroundings for a full view of the countryside.

Departures

  • Northbound Northfield 10:00am, 12:00pm, 2:00pm

  • Northbound Farmers Market: 10:10am, 12:10pm, 2:10pm

  • Northbound Village of St. Jacobs: 10:25am, 12:25pm, 2:25pm

  • Southbound Elmira 11:00am, 1:00pm, 3:00pm

  • Southbound Village of St. Jacobs: 11:25am, 1:25pm, 3:25pm

  • Southbound Farmers Market: 11:40am, 1:40pm, 3:40pm

No outside food or drink is permitted on our trains. Onboard snack bar service is available

Adventure Tips

Arrive early for the best experience

Get to the station 15-20 minutes before departure to secure good seats and enjoy the station's historic ambiance.

Dress for the weather

Bring layers and weather-appropriate clothing, as parts of the trip are outdoors and exposed to the elements.

Bring binoculars or camera

Capture the scenic views and historical details along the route with your camera or binoculars.

Check the schedule ahead of time

Verify departure times and special event days to plan your visit accordingly.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Canadian geese
  • White-tailed deer

History

The Waterloo Central Railway has operated since 1987, preserving the region’s historic railcars and promoting local history.

Conservation

The railway works to preserve historic trains responsibly, minimizing environmental impact and promoting eco-friendly tourism.

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Adventure Hotspots in Kitchener

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Comfortable walking shoes

Essential

Wear for walking around stations and easy outdoor viewing areas.

Light jacket or raincoat

Essential

Be prepared for changing weather conditions during outdoor portions of the trip.

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Camera or smartphone

Essential

Capture scenic views and memorable moments along the journey.

Hat and sunscreen

Protect yourself from sun exposure during outdoor viewing or stops.

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