Railroad enthusiasts will enjoy the locomotive history on display in St. Thomas while families will enjoy the scenic railway excursions and wine lovers will enjoy the local vineyards.
St. Thomas is a midway point between Buffalo, New York, and Detroit, Michigan. This location made it an ideal railway hub in the early 1900s. At the railroads’ peak, St. Thomas had 100 trains running through it each day. The city added automobile manufacturing and other trades to its offerings to offset the decline of rail traffic in the mid-20th century. Today, visitors see a modern, diverse workforce and the traditional, automotive heritage side-by-side.
Reserve an afternoon for a scenic railroad excursion aboard the local Orangeville Brampton Railway. You can book excursions year-round and share a railcar with a VIP guest, Santa Claus, during the winter holidays.
Head to central St. Thomas and tour the Elgin County Railway Museum. Learn how railway workers formed brotherhoods and considered working the railroad a way of life more than a job. Gaze upon authentic railway tools and antique maps and photographs.
Continue down Talbot Street and marvel at the life-size statue of Jumbo the elephant. This famous circus performer spent his last days in St. Thomas before a tragic, fatal collision with a train. Toast the fallen giant at the nearby Railway City Brewing Company with their commemorative brew, Dead Elephant Ale.
Get closer to nature in southern St. Thomas at Pinafore Park where there are numerous cross-country ski and hiking trails. Check the park’s special events schedule to see what’s going on at the stadium and on the stage here during your visit.
Plan a day trip to the Quai du Vin Estate Winery in southeast St. Thomas. Be sure to call ahead for vineyard tour schedules.
St. Thomas has a very affordable public transport system, Metrobus Transit. If you choose to drive a rental car, be sure to designate a driver if indulging in the local beer or wine.
Saint Thomas
Travel Guide
Visit Saint Thomas
Holiday Inn Express & Suites St.Thomas by IHG
Everything from Check in to Check out was great. Very clean and rooms were very nice
Reviewed on Nov 10, 2025
Private room in a quiet and safe neighbourhood of St. Thomas, Ontario.
The New Elgin Motel
The room was small (suppose to be a suite with a kitchen). It had a small sink and a mix of dishes and utensils that clearly came from a thrift store as they were things your grandmother would have had. Nothing was clean. The shower was disgusting, the water out of every faucet in the room smelled ...
Reviewed on Apr 6, 2016
Spacious Pool House – 5 Minutes to Elgin Centre
Wonderful property, very clean and the host was very welcoming and responsive. Highly recommend!
Reviewed on Jul 12, 2025
Groups: wedding parties, large families, business trips
Unfortunately for me most of my family cancelled on me, so it was just me my grandson and my sister in law. We didn’t mind, we had our pick of bedrooms. Beautiful house. Great kitchen. Loved it.
Reviewed on Jul 15, 2025
Private room in a quiet and safe neighbourhood of St. Thomas, Ontario.
Popular places to visit
University of Western Ontario
Explore the campus of University of Western Ontario, during your travels in London. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.
Victoria Park
Come to one of London’s finest parks to attend a festival, watch an open air movie and to glide across an ice rink.
Covent Garden Market
Browse stalls for everything from jewelry and furniture to locally made cheese, then catch a show at this daily indoor market.
Delaware Speedway
Experience the thrills and excitement of Canadian stock car racing at this racetrack close to London, Ontario.
Museum London
Dive deep into the history of London and peruse the paintings, drawings and sculptures of a renowned art collection at this prestigious museum.
Budweiser Gardens
Catch an event at Budweiser Gardens during your trip to London. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.
