Eastend Scenic Rail Tours: Where Railway History Meets the Frenchman River Valley

 Experience the beauty of southwest Saskatchewan and a piece of Canadian railway history aboard the Eastend Scenic Rail Tours.  

The tours are the realization of a longtime vision of Gary Southgate, whose passion for trains and railway history began during his childhood.

Gary grew up in a small village beside the railway tracks, during a time when steam locomotives were still part of everyday life. Twice a week, trains would pass through his community — one carrying freight and another carrying passengers. Watching the steam locomotives come through town was always a highlight.

Years later, the railway was abandoned, and with it disappeared an important part of the community’s history and its connection to the outside world. Those memories stayed with Gary and inspired a lifelong interest in preserving railway history.

Over the years, Gary began collecting and purchasing vintage railway cars as a way to preserve not only the equipment, but also the history and stories connected to passenger rail travel.

His vision was to bring that experience back to Saskatchewan and Eastend was the perfect place to make it a reality.

Gary saw something special in the combination of Eastend’s rich history, its small-town character and the spectacular scenery of the Frenchman River Valley. Together with the history of his vintage railway cars, he envisioned something more than a train ride: a working railway museum where history could be experienced rather than simply viewed.

Today, that vision has become the Eastend Scenic Rail Tours.

Departing from Eastend, the approximately three-hour round trip to Ravenscrag takes passengers through rolling prairie, rugged coulees and the beautiful Frenchman River Valley. The journey includes two scenic stops for photos and sightseeing, offering passengers the opportunity to experience areas and views rarely seen from the road.

Made possible through collaboration with Great Western Railway and local partners, the Eastend Scenic Rail Tours add a truly unique experience to the many tourism opportunities available in Eastend and southwest Saskatchewan.

It is a journey that brings together railway history, Saskatchewan heritage and the remarkable landscape of the Frenchman River Valley, bringing Gary Southgate’s vision to life and creating new railway memories for generations to come.

2026 Tour Dates

August: 15 & 22
September: 5 & 19
October: 3 — Last Tour of the Season

Ticket Prices

Adults: $150 + GST
Children ages 6–14: $75 + GST
Children 5 and under: Free

Advance reservations are required as seating is limited.

Complimentary water and a light snack are provided onboard. Passengers are welcome to bring a small bag with their own non-alcoholic drinks and snacks.

Please note: Chocolate, nuts and sunflower seeds are not permitted onboard.

Reservations & Information

Call (306) 295-7406 to reserve your seat.  

Come aboard and experience where railway history and the beauty of southwest Saskatchewan come together.