Since its creation in 1961, several hundred thousand visitors, young and old alike, have experienced the railway culture at the Museum through a wide range of programming: permanent and special exhibits, guided tours, conferences, train and streetcar rides, special events, and activities such as sending telegraph messages or watching a live steam locomotive in operation.

Exporail offers visitors a unique opportunity to see and experience life in the railway world. Not only can one see trains, streetcars and all their related infrastructures, you can also use these various modes of transportation right on the Museum grounds.

Historic Streetcar MTC 1959 operates daily on the site while the Miniature Railroad runs when the weather permits. Every Sunday, a passenger train takes visitors for a short trip up to Montée des Bouleaux.

The Museum’s goal is to highlight the history and the role of the railways in Canada in a vivid, interactive way, using the full resources at its disposal.

Today, Exporail is home to the largest collection of railway equipment in Canada and is one of the most remarkable institutions of its kind in North America. The historical value of its collection is such that in 1978, the National Museums of Canada recognized it as being the specialized museum in Canadian railway history. The importance of the Museum’s collection and activities were also recognized in 1979 by the Quebec government’s Ministry of Cultural Affairs, which established the Museum’s status and awarded it a yearly operating subsidy.

A staff of five permanent and twelve seasonal employees carries out the Museum’s research, acquisition, conservation, interpretation and marketing programs. A team of more than 80 volunteers is also extremely active. Their projects are oriented towards research, equipment operation, mechanical maintenance, track work and equipment restoration.

Throughout its many years of operation, the Canadian Railway Museum  -- which is now open year-round -- has developed a highly successful educational program for young people.

The Museum’s activities are funded in part by the ministère de la Culture et des Communications du Québec and benefit from the support of the cities of Delson and Saint-Constant. The Ministère des Affaires municipales et des Régions provided financial support for this project. Financial support is also provided by Emploi-Québec. The government of Canada, through Canada Economic Development and the Department of Canadian Heritage and its Canadian Arts and Heritage Sustainability Program, participates in the development of Exporail and its special projects. The Museum is an initiative of the Canadian Railroad Historical Association.