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I'm planning on going to Toronto to rail watch soon. I've seen some really good photos of both Via Rail and GO Commuter Rail yards. Anybody now where or how to get to them? I'm driving to Oakville, ON and taking the GO train. Thanks!
David Member # 3
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Oakville station itself is a good spot to watch trains. The Oakville Subdivision between Toronto and Oakville is the busiest stretch of track in the country. The portion from the GO and VIA yards at Mimico to Toronto Union Station is the busiest portion of the subdivision because of all the yard movements, but there is plenty of GO, VIA and freight at Oakville.
The Islington Ave. bridge over the yards is a good place for trainspotting and photography. If you are taking the GO train, I recommend getting a day pass between Oakville and Toronto. This costs the same as one round trip and allows you unlimited travel between any stations in between. You could take the GO train to Mimico then walk west on Judson Street (which is directly opposite the GO station exit) about one kilometre to Islington Ave, then turn left (south) to go on to the bridge.
Just west of Toronto Union Station are some bridges that afford good views. There is also a small viewing area at the end of the "Skywalk" which ends a bit before the CN Tower. It is more difficult finding a good viewing area east of Union Station, but there are more trains on the west side anyway.
Italiancanuck89 Member # 1873
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Thank you very much, David. I see you're from Mississauga. My mother is from there. Great place; lot of good times there.
CN 6060 Fan Member # 3093
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Have a look at Paul Cordingley’s excellent web site:
He has just about everything you need to know about railfanning Toronto!
And that spot David mentioned at the end of the Skywalk is great especially during the evening rush.
the foreign american Member # 4248
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Although I`m still a fairly new railfan, I have seen some lively sessions about train sightings on both the Canadian Public Transportation and Railroad.net discussion boards. You may want to expand your forum "horizons" and check them out too.
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