Standing 100 feet above a creek in Ontario, St. Thomas Elevated Park is an impressive sight. Nestled within St. Thomas, often called the “Railway Capital of Canada,” this is the only elevated park of its kind in the country.
Although it became accessible to visitors with “end-to-end access” in 2019, its roots trace back to the 1800s.
“It remains one of the most recognizable and iconic structures in southwestern Ontario,” states Railway City Tourism.
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The story behind Canada’s only elevated park
The construction of the Canada Southern Railway (CSR) single-track timber trestle over Kettle Creek at St. Thomas was completed in February 1872. It stood at 92 feet high and stretched 1,365 feet long, according to the park. In 1883, after CSR was leased to Michigan Central Railroad (MCR), this timber trestle was replaced by a double-tracked metal structure that measured 1,395 feet long and was raised 93 feet above the creek bed. Around four decades later, in 1929, plans were set for another replacement bridge over Kettle Creek. The project cost $689,000 and wrapped up by early January 1930. The current park reports that this bridge was a “recognized engineering marvel of its era which, at its peak carried some 50 trains each day, both freight and passenger.” To honor its railway heritage, a non-profit organization named On Track St. Thomas acquired the MCR Kettle Creek Bridge along with four kilometers of old rail corridor back in 2013. This now serves as Canada’s first elevated park and measures 850 feet long and 30 feet wide. “This reimagined railway bridge now offers panoramic views of Kettle Creek Valley, public art and murals, and the Arboretum Line, a trail featuring native Carolinian trees,” notes Railway City Tourism. “As a part of the Trans Canada Trail, the park welcomes walkers, runners, cyclists, and curious visitors eager to connect with the city’s rich railway heritage.” If you’re looking for breathtaking winter views mixed with history, this could be your next adventure spot. You can find it located at 1 Centre St., open from dawn until dusk every day of the week. A block away lies another attraction-the famous monument dedicated to Jumbo the elephant. Once a star attraction for Barnum & Bailey Circus, Jumbo’s life ended tragically when he was hit by a train in 1885 according to Railway City Tourism. This local tribute was erected in his memory back in 1985. St. Thomas also features the historic Canada Southern Railway Station right downtown for those interested in diving deeper into local history. As one of thirty-one railway stations built by Canada Southern Railway Company during the late-1800s era that has been restored today to host events. If you’re planning on grabbing something to eat before heading out from St. Thomas stop by Grassroots Restaurant located at 100 Wilson Ave or The Bistro found at 625 Talbot St.Source link
