As far as I know, there are four operational funicular railways in Canada. Two of them are located in Edmonton. The list may be incomplete.
Funicular railways in Canada
Funiculaire du Vieux Quebec – a funicular with a turbulent history and one of the city’s most popular attractions. Located in the Old Quebec district, the funicular connects Lower Town with Upper Town, where most of the tourist attractions are situated. The railway line is very steep, and according to internet users, the advantage of the ride is the beautiful views from the cabin.
The funicular was built in 1897. It was destroyed by fire in 1945. In 1996, a British tourist died in an accident caused by a brake failure—the funicular car descended to the lower station and crashed. The funicular was out of operation for two years following the accident. It currently operates without interruptions.
Falls Incline Railway – a short funicular railway line near Niagara Falls. It provides easy access from a street full of hotels and casinos to the vicinity of the falls. The cabins are air-conditioned. The funicular was built in 1966 and underwent a major renovation in 2013, during which the open cabins were replaced with air-conditioned ones. It is reportedly the slowest funicular railway in the world.
The length of the route is 59.8 meters, with a 30-degree incline and a speed of 1 meter per second. Each cabin can accommodate 40 passengers.
Falls Incline Railway – official website
Shaw Conference Centre – a glass elevator on tracks at the Shaw Conference Centre in Edmonton. No detailed information available.
River Valley Railway – a funicular railway in Edmonton, built between 2016 and 2017. The funicular was constructed alongside wooden stairs, and the surrounding area was transformed into a picturesque park.
Related articles:
Train travel in Canada – a general overview
Railway museums in Canada
