E&N commuter train to Shawnigan - 119 years ago

Early in the 20th century, the E&N Railway saw the benefits of establishing a commuter train to Shawnigan Lake and, in 1903, launched a daily 'Suburban Train' to Shawnigan Lake. The train left downtown Victoria at 6pm and returned the next morning at 8:30am.This allowed workers to 'commute' to and from Shawnigan and enjoy summer evenings at the lake. This service was a big hit but was discontinued in 1907. The users were not impressed and petitioned the E&N Railway to reinstate the service...without success.

Could it work now?

1903 -The Suburban Train Arriving at Shawnigan Lake

BC Archives (H-02392)