Exploring a Railway Legacy Hiking the E&N

In February, this story about hiking parts of the near-defunct Esquimalt & Nanaimo Railway on Vancouver Island was posted by BC Chronicles blogger and fellow historian, Tom Paterson. It's reposted here for your pleasure and perambulation (walking about, that is).

I've written it so you might enjoy some historical aspects of this quiet section of old track. There are many more. The poor E&N is in such terrible condition that trains can no longer operate over the rotted ties, plus the line has had rails removed in two sections.

You are witness to a dying railway.

As you choose to walk these four sections, imagine how the trains of yesterday may be accompanying you:

This story was posted by British Columbia Chronicles blogger Tom W Paterson on April 3, 2025. Beyond our shared initials, we share a deep appreciation for history. Tom invited me to provide guest columns for his weekly postings. In addition to being a prolific writer, he, like me, is also an author in print. His site is a paid service which sends engaging, illustrated stories directly to your email inbox.

Check him out at: britishcolumbiachronicles.ca.