The Heritage Hopper is Waterloo Central Railway‘s most popular experience, offering a hop-on, hop-off service between Waterloo’s Northfield Station and Elmira, with stops at the St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market and the Village of St. Jacobs along the way.
A single day pass lets you explore at your own pace, whether you’re stopping for lunch, shopping the market, wandering the village, or continuing on to Elmira before catching a later train back. The service operates on Thursdays and Saturdays from April through October, with additional Tuesday departures during the peak summer season, making it an easy and flexible way to experience Waterloo Region.
Beyond the Heritage Hopper, the railway offers a lineup of seasonal themed experiences throughout the year. Depending on the season, you can hop aboard specialty rides like a peach harvest dinner train, afternoon tea service, or a two-hour steam excursion behind the restored Locomotive No. 9, complete with a run-past photo opportunity for railway enthusiasts.
The Full Experience
During the holidays, the railway transforms with festive Santa-themed rides, including family-friendly experiences and a 19+ evening train for adults looking to enjoy the Christmas season with a drink in hand.
Standard coach and first-class lounge seating are both available, with the latter offering a more comfortable ride through the countryside. Advance booking is recommended, especially for themed events and busy weekends.
Pair your ride with a visit to the St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market and the Village of St. Jacobs, and you’ve got an easy day trip from Toronto that’s about much more than just the train ride.
The Details
- Location: Waterloo Central Railway, 330 Farmers Market Road, St. Jacobs, ON
- Distance from Toronto: Approximately 90 minutes by car
- Season: Heritage Hopper operates Thursdays and Saturdays from April through October, plus Tuesdays in July and August
- Duration: Approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes for the full route, with unlimited hop-on, hop-off access throughout the day
- Stops: Northfield ION Station, St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market, Village of St. Jacobs, and Elmira
- Tickets: Adult coach fares start at $26.74, with senior, child, family, and first-class lounge seating options available
- Parking: Free parking is available at the St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market Station
