About the Society

The Bytown Railway Society is a volunteer, non-profit organization incorporated under federal government statute to promote an interest in railways and railway history. It was founded in 1969 and has a membership of approximately 1400. Among the Society's activities are its twice-monthly meetings, the publication of a magazine for members (Branchline) and the restoration and operation of a number of pieces of historic railway equipment located at the Canada Science and Technology Museum in Ottawa.

The Bytown Railway Society (BRS) has had a long history of active participation in the rail scene in Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec from running excursions to providing the service crews for the National Museum of Science and Technology's operation of ex-CP steam locomotive 1201. The Society has produced over 30 publications and continues this activity with some recent highly praised publications plus its flagship book "Canadian Trackside Guide®". Find out more about the Bytown Railway Society's activities and how you can become a member, by reviewing the information on the BRS site.

What's New

2009 EDITION OF THE CANADIAN TRACKSIDE GUIDE IS SOLD OUT

NOTE:   Although the 2009 Guide is sold out, we still have a few copies of the 2007 and 2008 editions available. They have all the information you need for train watching this summer and fall and we are offering them at reduced prices. To order visit our Back Issues page.

NEXT TRACKSIDE GUIDE COMING IN JANUARY 2011

For many of the last 28 years, the Annual Canadian Trackside Guide sold out. However, sales have declined in the past few years. The recent economic downturn and significantly increased mailing charges have both contributed to further reduce sales of the 2009 edition. It also appears that many purchasers are buying the "Guide" every two or three years. Howeer, response to recent questionnaires indicated that the content of the "Guide" should not be significantly altered.

The executive has therefore decided to publish the next "Guide" in January 2011. Visit this page in the Fall for information and pricing for the next Guide.

The Society is pleased to announce the creation of an online index of Branchline, Canada's Rail News Magazine, since it's introduction in 1966. Our thanks to Colin Churcher a long time member for his extensive work in putting the index together and to Jack Loucks for converting it for the Internet. For more information see the introduction to the index.