A map in the beginning of this video and perhaps intermittently throughout it would be useful.
@ka11332 ай бұрын
You missed the whole section of the former train route that went right through the tourist section at Clifton Hill. That was one of the main reasons for the train being discontinued. The disruption in the area was incredible, and the city no longer would tolerate it. And just passed Clifton Hill is where all the new commercial buildings were built along that railway right away. And let’s not forget the old Victoria Station at the top of Clifton Hill. Remnants of the building are still there and have just been repurposed and renovated. It was at one time that Houdini Hall of Fame at the top of Clifton Hill at Victoria Avenue and it currently is another tourist attraction now with a multicolored painted building.
@Mike-hu3pp2 ай бұрын
Your videos are amazing. Simple history, but the dedication and commitment to teach this valuable history has me focused on every second.
@goodmaro2 ай бұрын
I love the surprise pan starting at 1:30. That's great presentation.
@Edwards-Videos2 ай бұрын
I remember seeing freight trains running along that line. I also remember when the walking trail was first installed that there were still railway signs at various points. The story as to why the two bridges are still standing is that they were going to be used for trucks to cross the border at that location. I am not sure why the never occurred or if it was an idea that was never followed through on (if the plan ever really existed.)
@corinnelaking5695 ай бұрын
Interesting! We spent a weekend for our 20th anniversary in Niagara Falls this past summer (2023). We stayed at the Quality Suites right across Murray St. from the casino. I didn't realize that the pathway we used to walk to the Skylon Tower and Clifton Hill was a former rail line! Thanks for the video! I've only recently discovered your channel, but I'm enjoying it very much. 🙂
@epacm50Ай бұрын
Thank you so much for the info. I was just around that neighborhood today. I thought CP owned both of those bridges. Someone else told me about the usage of the Whirlpool bridge (upper deck). CP would sometimes use those tracks for alternative freights and container runs. I am planning to visit there again next year and catch the Via Rail or Go Rail to Toronto from Niagara Falls.
@hippynothipster2 ай бұрын
I was just cruising around google maps wondering about these bridges a few weeks ago, thank you youtube algorithm for serving this up 🙏
@jaygatz43355 ай бұрын
I have a keen interest in that former rail line. I have walked it many times and recall the tracks along Victoria Ave. that crossed Clifton Hill. It would have been interesting for you to show that part of the line. The Fallsview Hotel/Casino spelled the death knell for the line - another sad event in rail history. I have found historic videos on KZfaq showing train traffic over the bridge and along Victoria Ave.
@robmausser6 ай бұрын
I'd love to see Niagara Falls put a streetcar on that route, at least from Niagara Falls GO station to the Casino area, or continue along the road where the rail trail meets the casino. It would be a nice addition to the beatification of the area as well as offer a better solution for the crowds of people that get off the GO train for tourism. There is a bus, but its not great.
@jaygatz43355 ай бұрын
Great idea. It's a very nice route along that line.
@AndrewMott64 ай бұрын
The three families that own Niagara Falls would never approve of a LRT/street car. They make money off parking, that’s why the tracks were never put to use. What they don’t realize, if an electrified train were only 1 hour away from Toronto, they would probably make more money with the increased day trippers.
@richardhorlings37743 ай бұрын
This was a branch of the Canada Southern Railway which ran from Detroit to Buffalo.
@steeplecab3 ай бұрын
The CASO was the key to the New York Central Railroad's fast route between Boston and New York, and Detroit.
@leep51133 ай бұрын
I remember those trains working through Niagara Falls
@rockerdave19845 ай бұрын
Very good video. Thanks for this :-)
@johnpatterson42722 ай бұрын
Well done notsmoothsteve. I remember the rail crossing at the top of Clifton Hill Street in NF from the 70s. It was a relative busy line of both freight and passenger trains back in the day. Not sure why such an integral link interfered with the business of casinos and worn-out tourist traps? Please provide more on-location shots of this rail corridor in the future.
@user-dh5dr7xm3r11 ай бұрын
Well done
@edclinch52493 ай бұрын
I remember the railroad there as a kid. It was wild to me that they would have built tracks through the city like that. It didn't even register to me that, the last time I was in the Falls (pre-COVID) that the tracks were gone until after we left. I miss them because there were a lot of areas the we would park for free. Guess the Niagara Parks Commission caught on to that, too.
@tramppaints3 ай бұрын
we only had one overpass over the rail lines in niagara falls on. it was on portage rd. was made of wood about 100 years old, it caught on fire about 30 years ago and now we have no overpasses in town. when the 100 car plus trains roll through it's bad.
@arrghhscott278511 ай бұрын
Great video! I would have liked a closer map showing the locations you were filming from and how they were in relation to each other. I found it hard to visualize. Is this the railway that used to be at the top of Clifton Hill?
@notsmoothsteve11 ай бұрын
Thanks! Yes, this is the line that used to run through the Clifton Hill area.
@AChapstickOrange2 ай бұрын
Steve, I love what you do, but... could I buy you a _second_ song...?
@epacm50Ай бұрын
Just imagine if CN has a monopoly in this area. You only have one bridge in existence. Don't be surprised if CN merges with CSX within the next several years.
@intercityrailpal2 ай бұрын
Was this MC bridge used by C&O or Wabash too?
@TheGreatLaker7 ай бұрын
I hope you didn't catch any ticks up on that bridge 😅
@notsmoothsteve7 ай бұрын
Yeah, it's a bit overgrown, isn't it? There was someone living in a tent on the bridge but I made sure they and their home weren't in the shot.
@jamesgee30522 ай бұрын
Hey Steve thanks for video. I’m new to your channel. I like your informative videos. I lived in Toronto decades ago.
@John.Mann.19412 ай бұрын
Interesting video, but I almost stopped it early because of the annoying chiming sounds between scenes