The main pavilion is designed to encourage direct contact between children and Museum artifacts.  Over 40 vehicles, including many of the most important ones, are located in the Grand Gallery. In some cases the interiors are accessible. In the observation drop pit – the only one of its kind in North America – children can look up at the underside of two enormous locomotives: one diesel and one steam. Walkways provide an overhead view of luxurious period cars and other rolling stock   Interactive areas  focusing on railway jobs are located throughout the tour. A variety of temporary exhibits enrich the experience provided for groups year-round.

From mid-May to late October, a visit also includes the outdoor site.  Streetcar and miniature train rides are offered every day. The Hays pavilion, the old Barrington station and and an expanded selection of rolling stock are open to the public during the summer season.

Each of the proposed tours is designed for a specific age group and fits in with the curriculum of the Quebec Ministry of Education, Leisure and Sports. Museum activities foster intellectual, social and communications skills as children exercise their judgement and develop the ability to observe and measure… while all the while having a great deal of fun!

Come and explore this unique part of science and technology. See how railways brought sociological change to our country. Accompanied by Museum guides, children can:

• go inside a locomotive or a passenger car;
• simulate the guttural sounds of a working diesel engine at the push of a button;
• find out what it’s like to work on the railway;
• see how signals work on the mainlines to control rail traffic;
• all the while discovering the fascinating history of Canadian railways.

Students will come away from their visit enriched after gaining valuable knowledge and insight into Canada’s significant railway heritage.

General Information

Schedule for school groups

September to mid-May
Wednesday to Friday, 10 AM to 4 PM

Mid-May / June 2008
Monday to Friday, 10 AM to 5 PM

Group admission fees for 20 or more paid admissions

Taxes are included.
One free admission is offered for each group of 20 paid admissions.
All prices are subject to change without notice.

Obligatory Reservation

For more information or to make a reservation, please contact Maurice Binette, Coordinator of Client Services and Education, at (450) 638-1522, ext. 231, or [E-mail].

On site, the person responsible for the group must pay by certified cheque, school cheque, cash, credit card or debit card.  Cheques should be made out to Exporail unless otherwise indicated at the time of booking. We are able to send you an invoice if required. No deposit is required.

When making a reservation, please indicate:

1. the school’s name, address, telephone number, fax number and email address if available;
2. the number of pupils, teachers, and other accompanying persons;
3. children’s grade and age;
4. the name of the visit you have chosen and complementary activities (if any);
5. preferred date and time;
6. whether or not you want to eat at the Museum.

Supervision

During the visit, a Museum guide will supervise a group of 20 to 30 children accompanied by a teacher or group leader.  The teacher or leader must remain with the children throughout the visit and is responsible for them during the lunch period.

Lunch

The Museum provides a space inside the main pavilion where groups of children can leave their lunch boxes and personal belongings.  There are two places where lunch can be eaten: an outdoor picnic area near the parking lot and a picnic railway car with room for 40 people.  From fall to spring, the Museum also provides a room indoors that can welcome 60 people.

Access and parking

Exporail
110 Saint-Pierre Street
Saint-Constant, Québec J5A 1G7

Exporail is located on Montreal’s south shore and can be reached by routes 132/209. Look for the steam locomotive on rue St-Pierre and turn left. Free parking is available for cars and buses.

Map of route to Museum