In 1984 and 1985, Le Tortillard du Saint-Laurent operated on these rail lines between Quebec City and Pointe-au-Pic. It was briefly again in service in 1995 before finally ceasing operations in 1996. In January 2009, Groupe Le Massif acquired Chemin de fer de Charlevoix, a 150 km section of track from Quebec City to Clermont, and formed Train touristique de Charlevoix to operate daily rail service along the route.
The touring train will accommodate up to 560 passengers traveling 136 km from Quebec City to La Malbaie, including 85 km of incomparable riverside scenery along its three and a half hour route. The train, which will run from June to October and December to April, will include scheduled stops at both the base of Le Massif's ski mountain in Petite-Rivière-Saint-François and at La Ferme in Baie-Saint-Paul.
The company will also establish twin rail shuttles accommodating 228 passengers each, providing a daily link between the ski area and Baie-Saint-Paul. Operating year-round, this new environmentally-friendly transit will assist in the development of Baie-Saint-Paul as a ski town for Le Massif.
In preparation for its rail shuttle and train launch, Le Train touristique de Charlevoix is currently focused on a CAN $15.4 million line rehabilitation for increased load capacity, safety, comfort and speed.
“After a summer filled with assorted inspections, checks and tests along the territory, this week marks the start of actual repair work on the Charlevoix portion of track, in preparation for rail replacement operations scheduled to commence during the week of October 15,” says Nancy Belley, director of Chemin de fer Charlevoix.
The train is expected to begin operation in 2011.
