Edmonton Radial Railway Society

Imagine traveling back in time just by stepping aboard a vintage streetcar. In the city of Edmonton, this is possible thanks to a unique organization called the Edmonton Radial Railway Society (ERRS). It’s not just a museum, but a living piece of transport history maintained by dedicated volunteers.

The society's main mission is the preservation and operation of historic streetcars. Canada is proud of this collection, as it is the largest in the western part of the country. The ERRS manages over 25 unique cars, many of which have been meticulously restored and now carry passengers along scenic routes through Fort Edmonton Park and across the majestic High Level Bridge.

A visit to the museum at the Strathcona Streetcar Barn allows guests to see rare photos, archival documents, and even an exclusive 1949 film capturing the golden age of streetcar transit. This place appeals to both tech enthusiasts and families, offering a rare combination of an educational tour and an exciting ride on vintage transport.

For more details about your trip or to organize a group visit, you can use the official contact information below. Please note that the society's activities are supported by volunteers.

The main reason to visit is, of course, a ride on a restored streetcar. Visitors are offered two main routes: one passes through Fort Edmonton Park, recreating the atmosphere of the early 20th century, and the second crosses the famous High Level Bridge. The bridge offers breathtaking panoramic views of the river and the city, making this ride a must for photography lovers.

In the Strathcona Streetcar Barn museum itself, be sure to take time to browse the vintage artifacts and the collection of streetcars from around the world. Among the most valuable exhibits is Streetcar No. 1, built back in 1908. Don't miss the chance to watch a rare 1949 color film that will transport you back to the era when streetcars were the city's primary mode of transport.

Chatting with the volunteers is a pleasure in itself. These people don't just operate the machinery; they are living encyclopedias of transport history and are happy to share interesting facts. Before you leave, check out the gift shop for railway-themed souvenirs, thereby supporting the work of this non-profit organization.

Finding the depot and museum of the Edmonton Radial Railway Society is easy: they are located at 8408 Gateway Blvd NW, in the Strathcona Streetcar Barn. The location is at the intersection of 103rd Street and 84th Avenue, right at the northern edge of the popular farmers' market.

If you prefer public transport, use the Edmonton Transit bus routes going to the Strathcona area. The museum is also easily reachable on foot if you are walking across the scenic High Level Bridge. For those traveling by car, parking is available near the farmers' market.

For tourists staying downtown, it may be most convenient to take a taxi or rideshare—the trip takes very little time. Additionally, a visit here can easily be combined with a trip to Fort Edmonton Park, where the society's historic cars also operate.

The history of electric transport in Alberta's capital began in 1908, when the Edmonton Radial Railway launched its first streetcars. They became a true symbol of progress, connecting different parts of the city. However, by the mid-20th century, their popularity faded, and the system was closed in 1951, with almost all cars being decommissioned. Only the legendary Streetcar No. 1 survived.

Interest in the steel tracks was revived in 1964 when enthusiasts began restoring the first car for the country's centennial. In 1979, in honor of the city's 75th anniversary, the streetcar made a triumphant run across the High Level Bridge. This success inspired enthusiasts to form the official Edmonton Radial Railway Society in 1980.

Since then, volunteers have done a monumental amount of work. Today, the society owns the largest collection of historic streetcars in Western Canada, featuring over 25 cars. These include not only local models but also unique examples from other countries, which have been carefully restored and returned to the rails for the enjoyment of residents and visitors alike.

To fully experience the nostalgic atmosphere and explore the exhibits, a typical visitor will need between 1.5 and 2.5 hours. This is enough time to take a streetcar ride, leisurely browse the museum artifacts, and visit the gift shop.

The vintage streetcar rides themselves are fairly short, but it's worth allowing extra time for waiting and chatting with the passionate volunteers, who are always ready to tell a few amazing stories about the city's transit history. If you plan to study the historical photos in detail and watch the archival film, it's better to plan for a full two hours.

The society and its routes operate on a seasonal schedule—typically from May to October (from Victoria Day to Thanksgiving). Streetcars on the High Level Bridge usually run Friday through Sunday from 11:00 AM to 4:20 PM (on Saturdays, service starts earlier at 9:00 AM).

The museum at the Strathcona Barn welcomes visitors on Saturdays (10:30 AM–2:30 PM), as well as on Sundays and holidays (12:00 PM–3:00 PM). Since the organization depends on volunteers, the schedule can change, so we highly recommend checking the latest information on the society's official website before your visit.

Exploring the area around the depot in the historic Old Strathcona district will allow you to make the most of your day. After visiting the streetcars, you can head to one of the many nearby parks or entertainment centers.

Below is a list of interesting places located relatively close to the museum: