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 Grand Trunk Pacific Lake Superior Division and we venture out into the field to see some of the remnants of it. One of the most interesting features on this former line was a location known as the “Moose’s Nose” or the “Devil’s Elbow,” which is located on the western side of the City of Thunder Bay. Built to try to mitigate grade issues as the line climbed westward away from Lake Superior, it was part of 28 miles of track that was abandoned in 1925. The northern side of the “Nose” is municipal property and forms a great little trail which includes a 1917 concrete culvert, a possibly original stone culvert and a lengthy rock cut.
Video of the former Grand Trunk Pacific Railway-Lake Superior Division, Canadian Government Railways-Fort William Subdivision, Canadian National Railways-Fort William/Lake Superior/Graham/Crest Subdivision at Thunder Bay, ON. Features the grade as it crosses Gratton Road and passes through farming areas on the western side of the city.
Video of the former Grand Trunk Pacific Railway-Lake Superior Division, Canadian Government Railways-Fort William Subdivision, Canadian National Railways-Fort William/Lake Superior/Graham/Crest Subdivision at Thunder Bay, ON. Feature the grade west of Oliver Road where it passes through the area on a very elevated right of way, eventually crossing a branch of the Neebing River on an unknown structure, a small remnant of which can still be seen in creek.
Video of the former Grand Trunk Pacific Railway-Lake Superior Division, Canadian Government Railways-Fort William Subdivision, Canadian National Railways-Fort William/Lake Superior/Graham/Crest Subdivision at Thunder Bay, ON. Features the grade west of Mapleward Road as it becomes Kline Road and then transitions back into a trail. There is a significant section of the grade that has been removed before it crosses the Neebing River and the remnants that structure are still visible. There was also a water tank nearby to the river from prior to 1915 to 1921.
Video of the former Grand Trunk Pacific Railway-Lake Superior Division, Canadian Government Railways-Fort William Subdivision, Canadian National Railways-Fort William/Lake Superior/Graham/Crest Subdivision at Thunder Bay, ON. This area with a unique layout was known as the “Moose’s Nose” or “Devil’s Elbow.” Features the grade along the northern side of the nose as it passes through a long, interesting rock cut and some scenic areas to Mapleward Road.
Video of the former Grand Trunk Pacific Railway-Lake Superior Division, Canadian Government Railways-Fort William Subdivision, Canadian National Railways-Fort William/Lake Superior/Graham/Crest Subdivision at Thunder Bay, ON. This area with a unique layout was known as the “Moose’s Nose” or “Devil’s Elbow.” Features the grade westward along the northern side of the nose to the site of a unique, well-preserved stone culvert.
Video of the former Grand Trunk Pacific Railway-Lake Superior Division, Canadian Government Railways-Fort William Subdivision, Canadian National Railways-Fort William/Lake Superior/Graham/Crest Subdivision at Thunder Bay, ON. This area with a unique layout was known as the “Moose’s Nose” or “Devil’s Elbow.” Features the grade from Alba Station around the tip of the nose and some rock work, crossing Wappner Road to the site of a well preserved concrete culvert dating to 1917.
*Please note that a portion of the right of way lies on private property and permission was obtained to explore the grade.
Video of the former Grand Trunk Pacific Railway-Lake Superior Division, Canadian Government Railways-Fort William Subdivision, Canadian National Railways-Fort William/Lake Superior/Graham/Crest Subdivision at Thunder Bay, ON. This area with a unique layout was known as the “Moose’s Nose” or “Devil’s Elbow.” Features the southern end of the nose with a large rock cut and the site of Alba Station, which unfortunately has disappeared as a result of quarrying work in the area. According to Canadian National records, there was no station building at Alba.
*Please note that this portion of the right of way lies on private property and permission was obtained to explore the grade.
Video of the former Grand Trunk Pacific Railway-Lake Superior Division, Canadian Government Railways-Fort William Subdivision, Canadian National Railways-Fort William/Lake Superior/Graham/Crest Subdivision at Thunder Bay, ON. This area with a unique layout was known as the “Moose’s Nose” or “Devil’s Elbow.” Features the southern end of the nose with an all-concrete culvert that was constructed in 1917 before the line was abandoned in 1925. There were two of these structures close to each other, but sadly the western most one has been removed.
*Please note that this portion of the right of way lies on private property and permission was obtained to explore the grade.
Video of the former Grand Trunk Pacific Railway-Lake Superior Division, Canadian Government Railways-Fort William Subdivision, Canadian National Railways-Fort William/Lake Superior/Graham/Crest Subdivision at Thunder Bay, ON. Features a portion of the original mainline route where it met the Empire Branch at Empire Junction. The line then continued westward along what is today part of CN’s Kashabowie Subdivision until it veered off, crossed through modern Highway 61 and the Thunder Bay Airport.
Poverty, Agony, Distress & Want! 