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Home History Railroading
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Railroading

Much of the history of Fort Steele is linked with the development of the province's railway system. The promise of a railway coming to the town in 1897 was perhaps the strongest factor in nourishing the ensuing boom. Without doubt the bypassing of the railway in favour of a divisional point in Cranbrook was the largest factor in the demise of the town.

When the province took over the site in 1961 the desire was strong to include the railway theme. As a result, Fort Steele Heritage Town was given an operating steam railway, running on a large loop of track. The East Kootenay Railway Company has given many years of pleasure to site visitors, affording sights and sounds of an era long past.



The railroading story has many. The loss of the railway is a significant story, but so is the building of the B.C. Southern, the building of the Kootenay Central, the spur line to Kimberley, our own complement of operating equipment, the Fort Steele station, the surveying and engineering associated with railway construction, camp life, the personal stories - it goes on and on!

We would like to welcome you to visit the East Kootenay Railway Company at Fort Steele Heritage Town. Let them steam you back into a past that was noisy, exciting, and unlike most heritage experiences you will have. Check our Visitor Information page for operating times and costs. "All aboard" for tears of reminiscence and screams of excitement from young and old.