All Aboard!

historic 1980 photo of miniature train ride by train station

Miniature Train Ride Replacement

The train is a part of our cultural heritage and marks a significant effort to celebrate our location and history while offering fun to all who have a ticket to ride. The existing miniature train is a replica of an 1860 locomotive. Established in 1974 with the generous support of James Hamilton, the train has been a rite of passage for more than a million visitors.  Riding the train at the zoo has created generations of fun family memories for children and the youthful for over four decades.

Accessible passenger coach for wheelchair riders

The wheelchair accessible coach has made it possible for more riders to create memories of crossing the great Otonabee River through the tunnel and beyond.

Why help replace the Train?

miniature train on the tracks in the woods

We are the top family tourist destination in the area with a quarter of a million visitors per year, and 25% of our visitors make the train ride a vital part of their visitor experience.

The train is a part of history and our future.  At a reasonable fare, the train offers substantial sustainable revenue that supports a free-admission accredited zoo that can adapt to economic changes and exceed excellence in education, animal care and conservation.

We have been planning for replacement of the train and thanks to our generous community partners and donors, we are closing in on our target. Until we have completed the procurement process and the required fundraising, we will do all we can to keep the existing beloved train in service.  Help us to replace the Riverview Park and Zoo train to keep the legacy and fun going.

Give a little

All aboard our train campaign!

  • Consider doubling, tripling, or quadrupling your fare just once this year to be a part of the lasting cultural heritage at Riverview Park and Zoo.  Add an extra $2, $4, or $8 on to your normal $2 a ride fare.
  • Make a donation over $20 and receive a charitable donation receipt and letter of thanks.
  • Personal donations of $250-500 will earn you a spot on our recognition board and get you a quality photo of the historical train and a contributor certificate sent in the mail.

Give a lot

Opportunities available for your business or community group to be recognized through a permanent installation.

  • Sponsor a Passenger Coach Car: $25,000
  • Sponsor a Bench on a Passenger Coach: $5,000
  • Sponsor the accessible wheelchair compartment on the Passenger Coach: $7,500

Have your business name recognized on your own train car as thanks for your generous contribution and ongoing support. 

Your gift will continue to help the Park and Zoo keep the train ride alive, and Riverview accessible for all.

The train ride replacement project is underway!

Train project update - June 2026

In 2020, we began this journey to replace the train ride. Thanks to community support, we have reached a fundraising milestone of $300,000. We are still actively fundraising for the train ride replacement. Thank you for your ongoing support!

Research, site assessments, and feasibility studies have progressed and are helping prepare the project for its next stage. Since the project began, the team has also had to respond to changing circumstances and address a number of challenges along the way.

We are pleased to share that the project team is moving ahead with a Request for Proposal (RFP) in 2026.

More information will be shared in September 2026, including a progress update and next steps.

If you would like to stay informed, here are two ways to receive updates: