Railway Tunnel

Canada’s First Railway Tunnel — A Journey Through Time

Step inside one of Brockville’s most iconic landmarks — the Brockville Railway Tunnel, Canada’s first railway tunnel. Originally constructed between 1854 and 1860, this remarkable piece of engineering once connected the city’s industrial waterfront to the Brockville and Ottawa Railway. Today, it’s been beautifully restored into a walkable, illuminated experience that captures the spirit of Brockville’s history and innovation.

An Experience Like No Other

As you enter, the air cools, lights dance along the tunnel walls, and the echoes of history surround you. The sound and light show transforms the tunnel into a living gallery — a blend of heritage and modern artistry that delights visitors of all ages.

Walk the Tunnel

The half-kilometre path takes you from Water Street near the waterfront all the way to Pearl Street, offering a unique glimpse into the city’s 19th-century past while staying fully accessible for strollers, wheelchairs, and bikes.

Plan Your Visit

Season
The Brockville Railway Tunnel is currently closed. It will re-open in May 2026 and stay open through November (weather permitting)

Admission
Free (donations welcome to support maintenance and lighting programs)

Location
1 Water Street, Brockville, Ontario

Parking
Nearby parking available at Blockhouse Island and Water Street lots

Accessibility
Fully accessible, including lighting, sound, and paved pathways

Tunnel Guidelines

For everyone’s safety and enjoyment, please remember a few important guidelines when visiting the tunnel. The walking surface can be wet and slippery, so sturdy footwear is a must, and we ask that you stay on the concrete path rather than the curbs to avoid injury and protect the lighting. The tunnel is monitored by video surveillance, with police call buttons available at information stations for added peace of mind.

Bicycles, skateboards, and similar items are welcome, but please “walk your wheels” inside. To help preserve this historic landmark, avoid touching the walls or mineral deposits, and follow all public smoking, vaping, littering, and loitering laws while on tunnel property.

Pets are also welcome as long as they’re on a short leash, under control, and cleaned up after. Since groundwater often drips from the walls and ceiling, consider bringing a hat, jacket, or poncho to stay dry.

Most importantly, take care and enjoy your visit!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tunnel open?

No, the Brockville Railway Tunnel is now closed for the season.

Do you have social media accounts I can follow?

Yes! You can find us on Facebook and Instagram account. Follow along for updates, special events, and stunning photos.

Do I need to book an appointment to visit?

No booking is required. During the open season, the tunnel is available daily from 9 am to 9 pm, with only rare exceptions which will be posted on social media.

What times are you open?

The Brockville Railway Tunnel is now closed for the season.

During the spring/summer/fall season we welcome visitors daily from 9 am to 9 pm, including statutory holidays. Please check our Facebook page for special closures due to private rentals.

The season will run until it becomes too icy or snowy.

How much does it cost to visit the tunnel?

Admission is free! However, donations help cover operating costs such as hydro and maintenance. Contributions can be made in the red donation bins at either end of the tunnel.

Where are you located?

We’re located in beautiful downtown Brockville. The south end of the Tunnel is our most popular entrance located at the corner of Blockhouse Island Parkway and Water Street.

How long does it take to walk the tunnel?

Most visitors spend 20–30 minutes walking through, depending on how much time they take to enjoy the information boards and architecture.

The full light and sound program runs for 90 minutes, so there’s always something new to experience with each visit.

Can I bring my dog into the tunnel?

Yes! Dogs are welcome as long as they are on a short leash and under control. Please bring waste bags and clean up after your pet.

Is the tunnel wheelchair accessible?

Yes. The tunnel has a gentle 1% slope from north to south, making it accessible for wheelchairs and walkers. We recommend entering from the south entrance, as the north side includes a hill leading to the parking lot (paved and ADA-compliant).

What should I wear when I visit?

The tunnel can be damp, with groundwater dripping from the walls and ceiling. The walking surface may be wet and slippery in places. Sturdy footwear with good traction is recommended. A hat, jacket, or rain poncho is also a good idea.

Where can I park to visit the tunnel?

There are several municipal lots near the south entrance, and a free gravel parking lot at the north entrance.

Are there restrooms at the tunnel?

No, but public restrooms are available nearby just southwest on Blockhouse Island.

Does the tunnel close due to weather?

Not usually. The tunnel remains open during regular hours unless there are extreme weather warnings.

How do I rent the tunnel for a private event?

Please contact the Tourism department at info@brockvilletourism.com

Our Generous Donors

$500,000 and above
  • Carolyn Sifton Foundation
  • City of Brockville
  • Phillips Lighting Canada
  • Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
  • Beatty Family Charitable Foundation
  • Canarm Limited
  • David and Anne Beatty
$250,000 to $499,999
  • 1000 Islands Community Development Corporation (FedDev Ontario)
  • Ford Electric and the Bouwers family
  • Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program
  • Ontario Trillium Foundation – Ontario 150 Community Capital Program
$100,000 to $249,999
  • Armagh L. Sifton Foundation
  • Burnbrae Farms Foundation and the Hudson family
  • Canadian National Railway (CNR)
  • Rotary Clubs of Brockville
$50,000 to $99,999
  • BMO Bank of Montreal
  • The Joyce family – Tim Hortons
  • VIA Rail Canada
$25,000 to $49,999
  • Grenville Community FuturesDevelopment Corporation (FedDev Ontario)
  • The Preston Family
  • The LeSueur family
  • Carolyn Coffin
  • Larry and Nancy Vanderbarren
  • Northern Cables
$10,000 to $24,999
  • Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR)
$5,000 to $9,999
  • Enbridge
  • Jack and Nancy Kenny
  • Mike McClintock in memory ofJohn and Elaine McClintock
  • Diakun family, in memory of John Diakun
  • Somers Semple Foundation
$1,000 to $4,999
  • Bob & Mavis Duthie
  • Bruce & Donna Davy
  • Cathy TeKamp in memory of Ben TeKamp
  • Gene and Catherine Motluk
  • David Beamish Family
  • City of Brockville Legacy Fund
  • Collett Surveying Ltd.
  • Community Fund for Canada’s 150th
  • Fetze and Clare Venema
  • Frontenac Biosphere Arch Network – Amazing Places Program
  • Henderson Printing
  • Linda and Alexander Darragh
  • Roger and Sharon Crites
  • Robin TeKamp and Greg McElrea
  • T. D. Graham + Associates
  • Bob Barbour
  • Victoria and Jennifer Johnson
  • The Mah Family – in memory of Ming Mah * Tom Blanchard
  • Doug and Shirley Ellis
  • James McDonald and Michelle Arsenault
  • Brian and Renee Porter
  • Gordon Ellis
$500 to $999
  • Apex Logistics Inc.
  • Denis & Eileen Ling
  • Doug and Jean Grant
  • Douglas N. W. Smith
  • Duncan and Nancy Fraser
  • Garry Stover and family
  • Hugh Campbell
  • Nancy Van Ulden – In memory of Joc Van Ulden
  • Jim Rawlings & Karen Pallister
  • Judy and Dave Wyatt & Family
  • Linda and Harley Eyre
  • Marion Herbison
  • Pamela and Bob Harman
  • Philip Richard
  • Robert Barr
  • Robert W. and Jeannette Runciman
  • Hare Family – in memory of Hugh Hare
  • George and Marilyn Caners
  • The Wimperis family – in memory of Jeffery Wimperis
  • Byron & Catherine Boone
  • Rose & Gary LaLonde *
  • Suzanne Runciman – In memory of Jeannette Runciman
  • Dana Hyde, in honour of David G. Hyde
  • Janet Purchase
  • Philip J.A. Ling
  • The Lau-Brewer Family – In memory of Winston Lau