A Historic Transportation Adventure On The Hull-Chelsea-Wakefield Steam Train

A Historic Transportation Adventure On The Hull-Chelsea-Wakefield Steam Train

The essence of travel transcends mere movement, weaving stories and experiences that linger long after the journey concludes. On a day less kindred to clear skies, I ventured across the bridged divide from Ottawa to Hull—now a part of the enigmatic Gatineau Municipality—and uncovered a portal to the past, nestled near the illustrious Casino du Lac-Leamy. Here lies the station of the Hull-Chelsea-Wakefield Steam Train, a beacon of historic travel nestled within the modern landscape.

This train resurrects the spirit of the former Gatineau Railway Line, a marvel of engineering initiated between 1890 and 1903 by the Ottawa and Gatineau Valley Railway. Conceived to bridge downtown Ottawa with the Quebec town of Maniwaki, it served the noble purpose of facilitating lumber transports. Yet, like many great endeavors, it faced its own set of challenges, with ambitions cut short by financial constraints, leading to the cessation of passenger services through the enchanting Gatineau Valley in 1963.

Fast forward to today, the 64 km voyage embraced by the Hull-Chelsea-Wakefield Steam Train unfurls a canvas of scenic majesty, cradled between the embrace of Gatineau Hills and the serene Gatineau River. The genesis of this tourist train, a brainchild of a dedicated consortium in 1992, sees a tale of transformation led by visionary local businessman Mr. Jean Gauthier in 1994. Under his stewardship, this steam-powered odyssey transcended its early trials to acclaim, capturing the hearts of many and earning accolades from Quebec Tourism.

At the heart of this venture beats an authentic steam engine born in 1907, a Swedish relic from an era when steam ruled the rails. Sweden, preempting the electric leap in the 1950s, had safeguarded their steam fleet against potential Cold War threats. Time would see these guardians of history emerge from their protective shadows, with the “909” finding a new lease on life in Hull-Chelsea-Wakefield, accompanied by a 1962 General Motors diesel locomotive—a duo boasting a formidable 1000 horsepower for those journeys demanding a heftier pull.

The train carriages themselves, hailing from 1940s Sweden, exude a charm unique to their birth era. Among them, the Quebec coach and the opulent Club Riviera car stand out, the latter being a haven of luxury with its modernized grand room and private spaces perfect for intimate gatherings or corporate escapades. It was here, in the Club Riviera, where I found myself ensconced in comfort, ready to relive the glory days of rail travel under the care of our attendant, Maxime.

As we traversed north, the landscape transitioned to a mesmerizing tableau of forest and river, highlighted by the seasonal bloom of trilliums. Maxime, our guide, peppered the journey with insights, from the depths of the engineered Gatineau River, born of the Chelsea Hydroelectric Dam's legacy, to the historic water tank stop in Tenaga and the ingenious horse-drawn ferry system at Kirk's Ferry—a narrative thread enriched by Maxime's revelation of the modern, more environmentally friendly oil propelling our locomotive.

Amidst the kaleidoscope of sights, an impromptu concert by two young musicians filled our carriage with the soulful strains of folk music, adding a layer of auditory delight to our visual feast. Such are the unexpected pleasures of the Hull-Chelsea-Wakefield Steam Train, where every journey promises a tapestry of sensory experiences, crafted to enchant and engage.

Our arrival in Wakefield marked another chapter in this journey, with the manual turntable spectacle offering a tangible connection to the ingenuity of bygone days. This mechanical ballet, performed by our talented train crew and musicians, served as a poignant reminder of the human touch that defines this historic experience.

Though the day was marred by rain, it did little to dampen the spirits of the explorers among us, many returning with treasures procured from Wakefield’s charming selection of shops. As we embarked on our return, the cabin’s hush, punctuated by the rhythmic lull of the train, offered a moment of reflective tranquility, a luxurious pause within the embrace of the Club Riviera’s comforts.

The culmination of this historic odyssey granted me an exceptional honor, a moment within the heart of our steam behemoth, alongside the dedicated souls who breathe life into this relic of a bygone era. Vic, with his RCMP legacy, and Nikolas, with his Croatian heritage and steam expertise, epitomize the passion and dedication sustaining this historic journey’s continued allure.

In reflecting upon this adventure aboard the Hull-Chelsea-Wakefield Steam Train, it becomes clear that it is more than a mere tourist attraction; it is a living testament to the history of transportation, an immersive journey through time, and a celebration of the enduring spirit of adventure. On that cloudy day, what began as an escape from the ordinary unfurled into a timeless voyage, a testament to the magic lying in wait on the tracks less traveled.