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Open to the Public

7 Days a week - 9am to 9pm
Closing for the winter season at 9pm Monday October 9, 2023

Located at the base of Market Street West just south of Water Street at the top of Blockhouse Island.

Please note that the Tunnel is sometimes temporarily closed for private events. Please check our Facebook page for rare closures if you are planning a trip.

Come experience this exciting piece of history; Canada’s First Railway Tunnel which passes half a kilometer, from Brockville’s waterfront, right under the City. In 2021 we launched a new, revised dynamic and colourful light show and new sound track. The path at the NORTH end of the tunnel is now paved leading to the gravel parking lot for your convenience.

NOTE: The children's train ride is NOT affiliated with the Brockville Railway Tunnel. For more information please visit the Aquatarium website here https://aquatarium.ca/train/

During our regular season, the tunnel is open our regular 9 am - 9 pm, 7 days a week including holidays. Rare temporary closures are always posted to our FACEBOOK page. Visit our FAQ's at the top for any questions you may have and be sure to check social media for any special closures.

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DONATIONS are ALWAYS welcome and you can even receive a charitable receipt for your support! To make a secure online donation, or to contact someone about a donation, please click to donate.

RED Donation bins (emptied daily) are also available at both tunnel entrances. We appreciate all financial assistance as the Brockville Railway Tunnel committee's goal is to keep access to the tunnel free for all to enjoy. Thank You for your support!

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The walking surface WILL BE WET AND SLIPPERY in some sections. Please wear proper footwear for traction. Do NOT wear sandals as they do not have proper grip.
Please do NOT walk on the curbs, or allow others in your party to do so. They can fall off the curb and injure them selves and/or destroy the lighting. STAY ON THE FLAT CEMENT PAD running the length of the tunnel.
For your safety, the tunnel is under video surveillance and there are Police call buttons at the information stations throughout the tunnel.
Please "Walk Your Wheels" to ensure everyone's safety - this includes bicycles, skateboards, etc.
To avoid injury to yourself and damage to the tunnel, please stay within the concrete curbs and do not touch the mineral deposits on the tunnel walls.
Please follow all public smoking, vaping, littering, and loitering laws while on tunnel property.
Pets are allowed but they must be on a short leash and under control at all times. You are responsible to clean up after your pet, so please come prepared.
Groundwater will always be dripping down the walls and from above in some places. Consider wearing a hat, jacket, or rain poncho.
Please be safe and proceed at your own risk.

Check out TRIPADVISOR and see for yourself why we are the "the number one thing to do" in Brockville; have a 4.5 star rating after over 560 reviews; and have earned the tripadvisor "Travelers' Choice" designation AGAIN for 2023!

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to keep up to date on events, contests and the latest tunnel pics!

Canada’s First Railway Tunnel

Canada’s First Railway Tunnel was completed in 1860 for the Brockville and Ottawa Railway and later owned by the Canadian Pacific Railway until being acquired by the City of Brockville in 1983. The Tunnel is a remarkable example of Canada’s pre-Confederation industrial heritage that this restoration project has been repurposed for the benefit of recreation, tourism and economic development. Key features of the Tunnel restoration include a new paved concrete floor and state-of-the-art energy efficient lighting for safety and to highlight the Tunnel’s architecture and geology.

A Small Sample of What People Are Saying About the Brockville Railway Tunnel

Interesting (and free) Pit Stop! Rick W wrote a review Oct. 2019

The City of Brockville can be extremely proud of the way in which it has preserved and displayed the railway tunnel. The tunnel is a testament to human ingenuity and perseverance. The tunnel tour is free, but there is an opportunity to give donations. It is well worth the time to stop for an hour or so to see it.

This tunnel was amazing! Darlene R wrote a review Oct. 2019

We were staying in Gananoque and it was recommended that we make the drive to Brockville to visit the Tunnel. The tunnel is free, but you can make a donation to support the upkeep of the tunnel if you wish. Throughout the tunnel are lights, sounds, music and information markers. It was really interesting and would highly recommend you stop and give it a visit if you are in the area.

A Must See If You're In Brockville! Nancy T wrote a review Nov. 2019

My husband and I were both amazed walking through the tunnel. The lighting and sound brings the atmosphere to life and the plaques throughout the tunnel lets you read all about the history of the tunnel. We went through a couple of times to get a real feel for the tunnel. You feel like you're walking through history.

Short walk in a fun tunnel dlvlly wrote a review Nov. 2019

The Railway Tunnel is located in downtown Brockville and is a free attraction, although donations are welcomed. We stayed in an AirBnB in Brockville and were in walking distance to the tunnel.
The tunnel is quite a bit cooler than the outside air and a light sweater or raincoat is good to have during summer months. Water occasionally drips from above, but it wasn’t too bad.
You can walk the tunnel in about 30 minutes (one way). Inside the tunnel is a music and light show that lasts 90 minutes and repeats.
The tunnel is open from spring to fall and closes after a special show around Halloween.

Amazing to see...great small town attraction! Freely Adventure wrote a review Jan. 2020

This was super cool to go see. The kids enjoyed the light show and walking through the tunnel. They took time to read all the history and to learn about the tunnel.
I would definitely go back again as we enjoyed it! It was a little busy when we went so hard to take great photos, but managed to get a few nice ones. We brought a picnic and ate outside of the tunnel there is some chairs and grass area

Anthony Lam Excellent stop while driving from Toronto to Montreal. The tunnel is colorfully lit with sound effects that make the walk from end to end fun for all ages. The descriptive signage along the route make this a valuable journey into history as well. Well with the stop. Enjoy

Eric Langlois Amazing little piece of Canadian History. The City of Brockville did an amazing job with this attraction. They were able to bring you back in time with all the fun facts along the walk through the tunnel while bringing in some new technology with the LED lighting and sounds of modern music which almost brings the tunnel to life. A must see if you are ever in Brockville. There is no cost to enjoy this little bit of Canadian history.

City of Brockville Railway Tunnel Committee
1 King Street West, P.O. Box 5000
Brockville, ON K6V 7A5

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