T’Railway Provincial Park

The T’Railway Provincial Park stretches almost 900 kilometres from St. John’s to Port aux Basques along the main line of the old abandoned Canadian National railbed. This island-long Park corridor provides access to many of the Island’s representative natural and scenic landscapes. The Park also serves as an historical link to our past railway heritage because most of the original railbed, trestles and bridges remain intact. All are reminiscent of the architectural and engineering technology of the day. The T’Railway Provincial Park centerline can be viewed in Google Earth by opening the T’Railway Provincial Park kmzNewfoundland Trailway file.

All-terrain vehicles and snowmobiles are permitted on the T’Railway for access and year round enjoyment. Hiking, scenic touring and nature observation will be encouraged and promoted especially to residents and visitors to the Province.

The Newfoundland T’Railway is a part of our heritage and the preservation of its cultural and natural values for future generations is now secure. On June 29, 1898, the first passenger train traveled from St. John’s to Port aux Basques; a journey that took some 28 hours to complete. From that day, and until its decommission in September of 1988, many residents and tourists have traveled this route; a journey of adventure and natural beauty that has become a topic of Newfoundland writers and musicians. The adventure and natural beauty can still be experienced; where once a railway ran a park now stands.

Newfoundland T’Railway Council

The council represents the six core user groups of the Newfoundland T’Railway Provincial Park. These groups are, hikers, bikers, horse back riders, cross country skiers, ATV’s, and snowmobilers. The council also conducts upgrade work on the T’Railway and is responsible for resurfacing major portions of the former rail bed and the re-decking of many trestles. This work will continue until the entire T’Railway is completed. The council also works closely with the Parks Division on promotion and educational initiatives. For more information on the council click Newfoundland T’Railway Council.

Infrastructure

One of the enduring legacies of Newfoundland’s railway era is the island-wide corridor. This hard-packed bed, with its many trestles and bridges is an invaluable multi-purpose recreational resource. It links urban, rural, and wilderness environments to form the unique Newfoundland T’Railway. Another part of the legacy is the remaining station houses and trail cars.