Local History Walk: Railside Heritage

Join us for a guided history walk through the Railside neighbourhood, exploring its railway roots and historic buildings. Free, but registration required.

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A small public art gallery inside a converted 1900s brick railway freight shed: white walls, exposed timber trusses, paintings and a sculpture, two visitors looking at work

Discover the stories behind Wrenford’s Railside neighbourhood on a guided history walk. You will meet at the Railside Gallery at 300 Railside Road and walk through the area’s historic streets, learning how the railway shaped the community when it arrived in 1859.

The walk begins at the gallery’s main entrance. You will follow the former rail line past the old warehouses and up to the hilltop view of the Tamsin River. Along the way, you will see how the city has preserved the original brick facades while adding modern parks and walkways. Your guide will share stories about the workers who built the tracks and the families who settled nearby in the early twentieth century.

The route is about one kilometre long. You can expect to walk for roughly two hours, with short stops at three viewing points. The first stop is near the old rail spur, where you will learn how freight trains moved goods across the city. The second stop is at the community garden, which sits on the edge of the old rail yard. The final stop offers a clear view of the river and the Centennial Bridge.

This event is free, but space is limited. You must register online or call the Wrenford Public Library at 519-555-0130 to reserve your spot. If you need accessibility accommodations, please let us know when you register. The library staff will do their best to arrange a wheelchair-accessible route or a smaller group if you need extra time.

Bring a camera or notebook if you want to capture the sights. The walk ends back at the gallery, where you can browse the current local history exhibit. Light refreshments will be available after the walk.