Extra Credit is video series that examines topics related to history in the Thunder Bay District and exploring that history.
This episode, the tenth in sub-series on the former Kinghorn Subdivision and Part 1 of 2, takes us to Pass Lake, Ontario and one of the most recognizable structures on the line. The Pass Lake-Blende River area has some unique geography and that influenced the route and construction of the Canadian Northern Railway. Forced by the Canadian Pacific Railway and the ridges of the Sibley Peninsula to hug the shore of Lake Superior and then through a narrow gap known as “The Pass,” the rail line had to cross the wide Blende River Valley. The result was a massive, 2258-foot long, 130-foot high steel viaduct, which remains the largest in central Canada. Our ride takes us from the site of Pass Lake Station west to the viaduct, including through a stretch where the rails remain in place.
Video of the former Canadian Northern Railway/CN-Kinghorn (Dorion) Subdivision (MP 173.1) at Pass Lake, ON. Features the 2258-foot long, 130-foot tall Blende River Viaduct, which is more commonly referred to as the Pass Lake Trestle. Constructed between May and December 1912, the first train passed over its spans on or around January 14, 1913 and the last in the late fall of 2008. It remains the largest railway trestle in central Canada.
Video of the former Canadian Northern Railway/CN-Kinghorn (Dorion) Subdivision (MP 170.3-173.1) at Pass Lake, ON. Features the grade west of Pass Lake Station with a rock cut, rails that are still in place. and the eastern abutment and underside of the Blende River Viaduct. At 2258 feet, the viaduct, which opened in 1913, is the largest railway structure in Central Canada.
Video of the former Canadian Northern Railway/CN-Kinghorn (Dorion) Subdivision (MP 170.3-173.1) at Pass Lake, ON. Features the grade west of Pass Lake Station as it passes through Bayview Golf Course with signage, telegraph poles, culverts and rails that still remain in place.
Video of the former Canadian Northern Railway/CN-Kinghorn (Dorion) Subdivision (MP 170.3-173.1) at Pass Lake, ON. Features the grade west of Pass Lake Station to Bayview Golf Course with old level crossings, ties, rails and a rare, large stone culvert.
Video of the former Canadian Northern Railway/CN-Kinghorn (Dorion) Subdivision (MP 170.3-173.1) at Pass Lake, ON. Features the grade west of Pass Lake Station as it skirts the ridges of the Sibley Peninsula and Highway 587 with rock cuts and milepost markers.
Video of the former Canadian Northern Railway/CN-Kinghorn (Dorion) Subdivision (MP 170.3-173.1) at Pass Lake, ON. Features the grade at Pass Lake Station, including the former section house, the line as it skirts Pass Lake and the story of the construction of railway in the area.
Then and now photos featuring the Blende River Viaduct, more commonly known as the Pass Lake Trestle. Located northwest of the community of Pass Lake, ON, the first train rolled over its spans 110 years ago this week. In May 2005, the last regular train crossed the viaduct and the rails around it were pulled up in late 2008.
Constructed between May and December 1912 by the Canadian Northern Railway, the viaduct is 2258 feet long and 130 feet high. To bridge the wide Blende River Valley, workers poured 3600 cubic yards concrete and placed 5 million pounds of steel at a cost of $350,000. It remains the longest railway trestle in central Canada.
The viaduct as completed, circa 1913.Viaduct, August 2021.Viaduct, October 2021.Viaduct, October 2021.Viaduct, October 2021.Viaduct, March 2022.
Extra Credit is video series that examines topics related to history in the Thunder Bay District and exploring that history.
This episode is a follow up to our first video on the Kinghorn Subdivision. We venture outdoors to visit remains of the railway at Pass Lake, ON. This area was my first experience with the Kinghorn line and one of the first places I began making videos of it. We start at an area I call “The Cliff” (Milepost 118.7/168.4) and bike 2 miles west to the former site of Pass Lake Station. Along the way I highlight key areas of interest, including rock cuts, culverts and milepost markers.
Video of the former Canadian Northern Railway/CN-Kinghorn (Dorion) Subdivision (MP 173.1-175.1) at Pass Lake, ON. Features the grade west of the Blende River Viaduct/Pass Lake Trestle with a very large rock cut, stone culvert and beautiful views.
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