BURST
While the Stanley Park Christmas Train remains closed — perhaps forever — there’s still other ways to celebrate the holidays with a locomotive theme around Metro Vancouver.
The Vancouver-based attraction was abruptly shut down last December after a train operator fell ill from exhaust fumes. The train did not return for its annual Easter Train event and, in July, it was announced it would stay closed for the remainder of 2025 .
If your family includes a train enthusiast who’s still looking to take a festive holiday ride, consider one of these other holiday train rides or events:
Surrey: Bear Creek Christmas Train
Hop aboard this miniature train pulled by Eddy the Engine as it goes through a decorated illuminated forest in Surrey’s Bear Creek Park.
The train offers daytime rides from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and night rides from Wednesday to Sunday, between 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. There is also crafts and treats and a photo opportunity with Santa. The Grinch might make an appearance on night trains.
When:
Dec. 1 to 31, except the evening of Dec. 24 and all day Dec. 25
Where:
13750 88 Ave., Surrey
Tickets:
$12.50 per person, while kids under two are free.
Tri-cities: CPKC Holiday Train
The CPKC holiday train returns to the Lower Mainland in December at the tail end of a cross-country trek that starts in New Brunswick in mid-November.
This year, the holiday train stops in Agassiz, Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows on Dec. 19, and in Port Coquitlam and Port Moody on Dec. 20. You can’t ride the trains, but you can witness the train pull into the station at each stop, decked in lights, and enjoy a live performance this year from the Barenaked Ladies.
The event is a fundraiser for local food banks and visitors are encouraged to bring donations. Check the official calendar for exact times .
Where:
Various locations
When:
Dec. 19 and 20
Tickets:
Free, by donation
Chilliwack: Greendale Express Train
If you can make the trek out to Chilliwack, consider a ride on board the Greendale Express, as part of Christmas at Greendale Acres. The train ride takes you through a magical light display and is just one festive activity among many at Greendale Acres.
When:
Nov. 28 to Dec. 23; no timed tickets until Dec. 12 but after that, be sure to buy your tickets ahead of time
Where:
41905 Yale Rd. West, Chilliwack
Tickets:
Train rides are $4 each plus tax
Squamish: Railway Museum of B.C.’s North Pole Express
Further afield up the Sea to Sky Highway, the Railway Museum of B.C. offers Christmas train rides on restored CN coaches pulled by 1950s vintage locomotives. There will be carol singing, cookies and candy canes, and other entertainment during the 50-minute ride.
But make no mistake — the North Pole Express isn’t a quick hop-on, hop-off ride. It’s a fully immersive experience with sing-along entertainment, unlimited hot chocolate and marshmallows and activities for the kids. Tickets can be purchased individually or you can even book out a private coach for you and up to 14 of your loved ones.
Tots can also hop aboard the mini rail ride, an outdoor two-kilometre ride that goes around the museum grounds. Inside the roundhouse, check out the holiday model train displays and say hi to Santa.
Where: 39645 Government Rd., Squamish
When: Nov. 29 to 30, Dec. 6 to 7, Dec. 13 to 14, Dec. 20 to 21.
Tickets: Starts at $82 per pair, private coaches available for $1,500.
Langley Christmas Glow: Glow-Comotive
“Hop aboard the beloved Glow-comotive train ride and enjoy a tour of the festive light displays. Its a perfect way to enjoy the magic of Glow.” Take a ride on the festive train as part of the larger Langley Christmas Glow event, where you can admire hundreds of twinkling lights, explore an interactive indoor playground for kids, play mini golf, visit with Santa and enjoy more family-friendly activities.
When:
Nov. 20 to Dec. 31
Where:
Glow Gardens Langley (6690 216 St., Langley)
Tickets:
Train rides are $4 each plus tax
With files from Stephanie Ip.