If you couldn’t snag a seat on Stanley Park’s ever-popular Bright Nights Train before it sold out, you’re not alone – and the good news is that there’s more than just one holiday train ride to board in British Columbia! So buckle up and get ready to start a new holiday tradition this year.

Here are five magical train rides to check out across BC this holiday season.

North Pole Express

Nothing says it’s the holidays like a magical train ride through the mountains, and that’s exactly what you’ll find aboard the North Pole Express in Squamish. Here, guests will be treated to live entertainment, carolling, warm, gooey chocolate chip cookies, candy canes, and festive decor before arriving at the ‘North Pole’ and meeting Santa and Mrs. Claus.

When: November 23rd and 24th, 30th, December 1st, 7th and 8th, 14th and 15th, and 21st
Where: 39645 Government Road, Squamish
Cost: $82 to $132 for two

Kettle Valley Christmas Express 

The Kettle Valley Steam Railway in Summerland is bringing back its enchanting holiday train ride experience just in time for the holidays, starting on Friday, December 6th. Passengers get to climb aboard a decorated 3716 locomotive and enjoy festive music, warm beverages, and experience the magic alongside Santa himself.

When: Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays from Friday, December 6th to Monday, December 23rd
Where: 18404 Bathville Road, Summerland
Cost: $35.50+

Greendale Express Train

Starting Friday, November 22nd, Greendale Acres is transforming into a magical Christmas wonderland complete with festive holiday lights, a Christmas Market, fresh-cut Christmas trees, and a charming Greendale Express Train that will meander through this year’s displays!

When: Friday, November 22nd to Monday, December 23rd
Where: 41905 Yale Road West, Chilliwack
Cost: $15 for GA + $6 to $8 for the holiday train

Bear Creek Christmas Train 

Bear Creek Park Train and Mini Golf in Surrey will have two holiday trains to check out this season, complete with magical light displays, festive tunnels, and twinkling decor that is sure to put a smile on your face.

The daytime train will operate every day from Sunday, December 1st to Tuesday, December 31st from 10 am to 4:30 pm.

The night train will operate from Wednesday, December 4th to Sunday, December 29th from 6 to 10 pm everyday except Mondays and Tuesdays, and may even feature an appearance by the Grinch!

When: Sunday, December 1st to Tuesday, December 31st and Wednesday, December 4th to Sunday, December 29th
Where: 13750 – 88th Avenue at King George Boulevard, Surrey
Cost: $12.50 per person

CPKC Holiday Train

Finally, we come to the CPKC Holiday Train, which may not technically qualify as a “ride,” but does bring all the holiday magic, bright lights, and festive music you’ll need to be transported to holiday fun. The train stops through dozens of communities every year, raising food and cash donations for food banks across North America.

According to the City of Port Coquitlam, each holiday train consists of 14 brightly decorated rail cars, including a boxcar that’s been turned into a travelling stage for performers.

On Friday, December 20th, the train arrives at Port Coquitlam, allowing Metro Vancouver visitors to experience it for themselves!

When: Friday, December 20th
Where: Port Coquitlam Station (to the left of the West Coast Express platform)
Cost: By donation

And that’s a wrap on some enchanting holiday train rides to go on in British Columbia this season. Enjoy!

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Isabelle Vauclair

Staff Writer, Vancouver – Isabelle is a West Coast native with an appreciation for Vancouver’s natural landscape, patio scene, and community spaces. She loves to discover new hidden gems in her neighbourhood and share them with readers across the city.

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