QNS&L

Trains Magazine General Discussion
1

I would like to take a railfanning trip to the QNS&L but I’m having a difficult time collecting information (Maps of Quebec, train schedules, radio frequencies). Also, does anyone know if Sept Isles is a French speaking area? Does anyone know of anyone I could speak with(in English please. I don’t know French)? Thank you very much.

2

First, welcome !

Look at the various Wikipedia pages and pages linked there as follows:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quebec_North_Shore_and_Labrador_Railway

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iron_Ore_Company_of_Canada

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tshiuetin_Rail_Transportation

Tshiuetin Rail Transportation - no, it’s not a Chinese company that bought the QNS&L, but instead a consortium of 3 First Nations - apparently now (since 2005) handles the passenger service. Tickets and schedules used to be available from a travel agency in Sept-Iles. Try these links - also recommend that you do a “Google search” (or similar) of “Tshiuetin Rail Transportation” - looks like some info is on at least one other forum:

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g182177-d1013517-Reviews-Tshiuetin_Rail_Transportation-Sept_Iles_Quebec.html

http://www.bonjourquebec.com/qc-en/tourist-services-directory/railway-line/tshiuetin-rail-transportation-inc_4494604.html

Yes, Sept-Iles is French-speaking.

For English, you may do best to work with someone from just “over the border” in Labrador, such as (no experience with them, just trying to be helpful here):

http://www.labradorhuntingfishing.com/maps

3

First, welcome !

I’ve tried to post a reply 3 times now, but I accidentally deleted it twice, and the “system” just did it again. So I’ll try 1 more time:

Do a “Google search” for “Tshiuetin Rail Transportation” - which is a consortium of 3 “First Nations” ('s term for native Indians) that have run the passenger service since 2005.

Also do same and look at the Wikipedia pages for Iron Ore Company of , Quebec North Shore & Labrador, & Tshiuetin Rail Transportation - especially look at all the links.

's Rail has Tshiuetin Rail Transportation as a “partner”, with a schedule and contact info at:

http://www.viarail.ca/planner/en_plan_viar_part.html#Tshiuetin

http://www.viarail.ca/pdf/2008/timetable/Corr-Qc-Atlan-20jun08.pdf

Sept-Iles is French-speaking, but the bi-lingual law means that enough people in public places should be able to help you. If not, suggest contacting one of the links (I have no pers

4

Confirming Paul’s posting, Sept-Iles is primarily French speaking. Labrador City, the present north end of the QNS&L, is much more anglophone.

The majority of the QNS&L route is completely inaccessible except by rail. The only place where any “chasing” is viable is the segment between Labrador City and the junction with Tshiuetin Rail that continues north to Schefferville. The Quebec Cartier is nearby at both Sept-Iles and Labrador City and provides a lot more opportunity. The Cartier, however, is very definitely French-speaking.

For detailed information, I strongly recommend you order a copy of “Canadian Trackside Guide” published annually by the Bytown Railway Society (www.bytownrailwaysocietry.ca) which covers, among other things, radio frequencies, passenger schedules, public contacts, subdivision details, rosters, preserved equipment, etc… In other words,just about everything you need to know about the railways when railfanning anywhere in Canada. According to the 2008 edition the passenger train frrequency between Sept-Iles and Schefferville was twice weekly in each direction.

John

5

Thanks for the info. I’ve decided to make it a trip for 2010 so I can do much more planning and research. I know it will be worth the wait. Watch for my pictures next yerar