Location: The subject line was located in the Niagara Peninsula within Southern Ontario, extending along the Niagara River Gorge between the communities of Queenston and Chippewa, via the city of Niagara Falls.
History: The concept of an electric railway, extending along the top of the Niagara Gorge between the communities of and Queenston through Niagara Falls, originated in the late 1880's amongst a group of prominent financiers, including Sir William Van Horne and James Ross. Their intent was twofold, to provide a scenic route that would tie in the natural and entertainment features of the area, and to provide a connection past the falls for steamers transporting people and freight between Toronto and Buffalo. Accordingly, the Niagara Falls Park & River Railway (NFP&R) was incorporated in 1891 by E.B. Osler and R.B. Angus with construction commencing shortly thereafter. A total of twelve miles of line was opened for operation in May 1893, extending between the wharves in Queenston and Slater's Dock at Chippewa. In Niagara Falls, connections could be made with both streetcars and radial lines to St. Catherines.
The line operated predominately along the road, or within lands controlled by Niagara Parks Commission at a set fee provided within a lease arrangement that was to extend forty years. While the line did operate year-round, activities were concentrated during the summer months when the tourism season was at its peak. At many locations, the car would stop to allow passengers the opportunity to view the scenery or make a purchase. In July 1898, a connection was made across the Falls View (Honeymoon) Bridge at Niagara Falls with the Niagara Falls & Lewiston Railway in the State of New York. This line was opened by American interests in August 1895 and included, as part of its mainline, track that extended in a spectacular and scenic fashion into the Niagara Gorge within feet of the wild waters of the river. Almost one year later, track was incorporated into the new Lewiston-Queenston Suspension Bridge, creating a full loop line between the two facilities.
In April 1899, ownership of the Canadian company was transferred to the Buffalo Railway Company which was then acquired in 1901 by the International Railway Company, owner of the its American radial cousin. At that point, the two companies were reorganized in name as the Niagara Gorge Railroad. For a number of years, the line operated quite successfully, utilizing a wide variety of rolling stock and equipment. It was found that only limited freight traffic was handled, mostly for the hydro electric plants then under construction in the area. Unfortunately, the NFP&R has the distinction of being subject to the most tragic accident to happen on an electric radial line in Canada. In July 1915, the brakes on an overloaded car travelling through Queenston failed, resulting in it plunging down a forested hill. Fifteen people were killed and over eighty injured, many seriously. With the expiration of the lease in September 1932, the company informed the Parks Commission it no longer would operate the line due to declining ridership. Service ceased immediately while other operators were sought but to no avail. Accordingly, the entire infrastructure was removed by 1935. The American portion of the line survived until September 1935 when the tracks in the gorge were blocked by a substantial rock fall. All companies were then dissolved. Interestingly, the Parks Commission was forced to pay $1 million as compensation for the value of the property in accordance with the original agreement, a matter that saddled the Commission for years to come.
Approximate Milage: 12 miles.
Current Status: The route within Queenston that led to Slator's Dock was deleted by the early 1900's. The remainder was abandoned in 1932 with the suspension of service with all track removed several years later. Portions of the line, much of it now indiscernible given changes in topography and the addition of many roads and buildings, are used as a recreational trail.
Principle Stations: Queenston, Niagara Falls and , in addition to several in the State of New York in the United States.
Remaining Stations: The only remaining station along the NFP&R is that at Queenston which has been relocated to the Niagara Parks School of Horticulture as an ice cream stand.
Last Updated: December 12, 1999
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