Brockville Railway Tunnel : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

Welcome, readers, to an exploration of the fascinating world of the Brockville Railway Tunnel in Ontario, Canada. This ancient structure is an incredible example of engineering artistry and is one of the oldest operating railway tunnels in the world! If you’re in the area, it’s an absolute must-see, and you won’t find another structure quite like it anywhere else. In this guide to the awesome Brockville Railway Tunnel, we’ll take a look at its incredible history, interesting facts, and travel advice for visiting this site. So get ready to discover one of Canada’s historic gems!

Interesting Facts About Brockville Railway Tunnel

1. The tunnel is one of the oldest railway tunnels in Canada, with construction beginning in 1854 and ending in 1860.

2. It is the longest railway tunnel in Canada, stretching 1.8 kilometres (1.1 mi) from Brockville west to junction with the Canadian Pacific line.

3. The tunnel was built without the use of explosives, which makes it unique in Canadian railway construction. Instead, teams of workers worked around the clock with long handled drills and hammers to construct the tunnel.

4. A 600-foot section near the west side of the tunnel collapsed in 1940 and was never rebuilt.

5. The tunnel is now the home to a few businesses, including a zip-lin attraction and a brewery.

6. Visitors can take a guided flashlight tour of the tunnel, where they learn about its historic and environmental importance.

7. The tunnel is also home to a fishing pier, where visitors can enjoy a day of fishing with the added bonus of being able to explore the tunnel.

8. The tunnel is home to a variety of bats, which use it to hibernate during the winter months. As a result, it is a protected bat habitat.

9. The tunnel is featured in the movie “The Painted Veil”, which was filmed in Brockville.

10. The tunnel has been the subject of a few ghost stories. It is said to have a resident ghost, as well as a strange noise that can be heard echoing throughout the tunnel.

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History & Information About Brockville Railway Tunnel

The Brockville Railway Tunnel is a disused railway tunnel in Brockville, Ontario, Canada. It is the oldest railway tunnel in North America, the first tunnel in the world built for a fully operational passenger railway, and was once used by the Grand Trunk Railway.

The tunnel was designed by Thomas Keefer in 1860 and built by a team of labourers between 1861 and 1862, and is 910 feet long. It was opened to passenger traffic on October 20, 1863.

During the construction of the tunnel, a major tragedy occurred in October 1864 when heavy rains triggered a massive mudslide, killing 20 to 25 workers. A bronze memorial plaque in honour of the men now rests in the eastern entrance of the tunnel.

The tunnel remained in active use until it was bypassed by the New Yorkers Cut expansion of GTR in 1913. Since then, the tunnel has occasionally been used by rail freight operations, and remains a popular tourist attraction. However, the tunnel is no longer open to the public and visitors can only view it from the outside.

The Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada designated the Brockville Railway Tunnel as an historic railway engineering work in 1984. The tunnel is owned and managed by Parks Canada, and is one of the most significant industrial heritage sites in Ontario.

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Travel Guide For Visiting Brockville Railway Tunnel

Welcome to Brockville’s Railway Tunnel. The Brockville Railway Tunnel located in Ontario, Canada is a must-see if you are visiting the area. It provides a unique experience that allows visitors to explore a piece of Canadian history.

The Brockville Railway Tunnel was built in 1860 and is the oldest railway tunnel in Canada. It is over 500 metres long and runs beneath William Street in Brockville. The tunnel used to connect Brockville with the cities of Prescott and ‘Ogdensburg. The railway tracks were dismantled in the 1960s and the tunnel itself is now owned by the city of Brockville.

The historical significance of this tunnel has been recognized by its designation as a National Historic Site of Canada. The City of Brockville offers guided tours of the Railway Tunnel each year, between May and October. The tours offer a fascinating opportunity to explore the historical tunnel and learn about its history and significance.

Ticket prices for the tour cost $18 per person and the tour lasts for approximately one hour. Visitors should wear comfortable walking shoes and prepare for a damp atmosphere inside the tunnel. Tours can sometimes be affected by the weather and can consequently be cancelled, so visitors should plan accordingly.

For those who are unable to take part in the guided tour, the tunnel can still be explored on foot. There is no cost to walk through the tunnel, however visitors should exercise caution and bring a torch as lighting inside is limited.

Visitors should also note that the tunnel is occasionally closed for filming and film crews.

Whether you take the guided tour or explore the railway tunnel on your own, it is an experience that will leave an unforgettable impression of Brockville’s rich history.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Brockville Railway Tunnel

Q: What is the Brockville Railway Tunnel?

A: The Brockville Railway Tunnel is the oldest railway tunnel in Canada. Built in 1860, it is located in Brockville, Ontario, and served as a vital connection between Montreal and Toronto by linking the Brockville and Ottawa Railway to the Canadian Pacific Railway.

Q: How long is the Tunnel?

A: The Brockville Railway Tunnel is 851 feet long.

Q: What is the history of the tunnel?

A: The Brockville Railway Tunnel was built in 1860 as part of the Brockville and Ottawa Railway, which was extended to Montreal by 1861. It was officially opened on July 1, 1865, and served as a vital east-west rail link between Montreal and Toronto until it was replaced in 1957 by a new rail link constructed by the Canadian Pacific Railway.

Q: Is the tunnel still in use today?

A: No, the Brockville Railway Tunnel is not in use today. It is closed to the public and considered unsafe due to a lack of structural maintenance. However, it remains a beloved local landmark and symbol of Canadian Railway history.

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