Gary Southgate’s dream of showcasing the beauty and history of southwest Saskatchewan’s Frenchman River Valley has come to life through Eastend Scenic Rail Tours. A passionate farmer from North Battleford, Sask., Southgate has been collecting and restoring old trains since 2013 with the goal of sharing the stories of the “Valley of Hidden Secrets.”
Southgate’s fascination with trains dates back to his childhood, watching steam locomotives pass by in Biggar to North Battleford. Starting his collection with a 1929 Canadian Pacific Railway steam locomotive, he later shifted to purchasing CN equipment to recreate the ambiance of the old Super Continental passenger trains. Over the years, he has acquired numerous rail cars, saving them from being scrapped and aiming to restore them for operational or museum purposes.
Despite facing challenges, including disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the logistical difficulties of managing the tours while farming 360 kilometers away, Southgate remains determined to make his vision a success. Eastend Scenic Rail Tours, in collaboration with Great Western Railway, has already conducted several trips this year, with more scheduled rides ahead.
Southgate’s ultimate goal is to create a hub for train enthusiasts and history buffs, with plans for an RV park, a museum showcasing vintage train equipment, and facilities for winter maintenance work. Optimistic about the future of his venture, Southgate hopes to leave a lasting legacy that will preserve the region’s history and attract visitors from far and wide.
