Brockville, Home to Canada’s First Railway Tunnel

Incorporated in 1832, Brockville is one of Canada’s oldest municipalities and one of its oldest railway centres. The Grand Trunk Railway connected Brockville and Montreal in 1855. Canada’s First Railway Tunnel, part of the Brockville and Ottawa Railway, was built here between 1854 and 1860. This historic Tunnel was completed 21 years before construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway even began and predates all of the rail tunnels in the Western Rockies. Controversial for its time, our Tunnel was a major feat of engineering and it remains a remarkable example of Canada’s pre-Confederation industrial heritage.

Railway Tunnel Will Expand Brock Trail System

Brockville is campaigning to restore Canada’s First Railway Tunnel and its north gorge area in order to open these properties as Brockville’s new Railway Tunnel Park - the new central hub of our city’s Brock Trail recreational pathway. The Trail, some 7 km of pathway, stretches across Brockville’s scenic riverfront and follows Buell’s Creek north to the trailhead of the Mac Johnson Wildlife Area at the City’s northern boundary. Recreational trails enhance the beauty of our 1000 Islands region and attract visitors and new residents to our city. Restoration of Brockville’s historic railway Tunnel and expansion of the Brock Trail system are excellent investments adding to our quality of life and promoting tourism and economic development for Brockville.

Here is what people are saying:

1.  This tunnel was awesome. Walked in skeptical … but left amazed! We had so much fun, took hundreds of amazing pictures. Lights and music thru the tunnel. Safe area, emergency call boxes every so often. Great experience for adults & kids!!!                                                                                                                              J.S. – Ambler, Pennsylvania

2. It’s really well done. OK, so you’re just walking thru a tunnel. But it’s well presented with the light show and the stalactites forming on the walls were way cool. Make sure you don’t miss this if you’re in the area.

S.A. – London, Ontario

3. This was an amazing experience that I recommend to anyone visiting Brockville. I was awed with the history and the light show that follows you through the tunnel.                             Brantford, Ontario

4. Fantastic, drippy, beautiful experience! We were 12 people and it was an awesome experience! It gives information about the history of the tunnel. The lighting is the best feature.               Manama, Bahrain

5.  A clever way to revitalize and extraordinary piece of Victorian-era engineering. A must-see experience.      Amsterdam. The Netherlands

6. The vision of the town people to make use of this former railroad tunnel is awesome. The lights and music make for a great experience. And on a hot day, the cool temps are a relief!                                                                                                         Joe K. – New Oxford, Pennsylvania

You too should visit Brockville this season and tour Canada’s First Railway Tunnel …. an experience you will not forget!