Who’s ready to ride through BC’s breathtaking spring colours this upcoming season? There are a handful of scenic train rides you can take in the province, from mountainside routes to heritage railways, and we’re here to share them with you. So start making your plans for mid to late spring, because these rides are absolutely worth the trip.
Here are scenic train rides you can take in BC this spring.
Fraser Valley Heritage Railway
Journey back in time along the original BC Electric Railway, which dates back to the early days of electricity in 1910. This year, passengers can go on the popular Heritage Rail Adventure ($25 per person), which starts at the Cloverdale railway station and takes you to Discovery Centre past Honeybee hives, wildflower meadows, and historic sites.
Note that this railway will open for the season on May 4th.
Where: Highway 10 and 176A Street, Cloverdale
Kettle Valley Steam Railway
The Kettle Valley Steam Railway, takes passengers through the beautiful Okanagan Valley on a 90-minute journey ($33 per adult). Inspired by the bygone era, the railway travels through the picturesque Prairie Valley, full of scenic orchards and vineyards to colour your journey.
The restored steam locomotive rolls onto the Trout Creek Bridge with a breathtaking view of Okanagan Lake and the canyon below, and passengers are also treated to lively music and historical commentary to complete the experience.
Trains will operate at 10:30 am and 1:30 pm on Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays starting May 18th. From June 25th to September 2nd, the railway will operate Thursdays through Mondays.
Where: 18404 Bathville Road, Summerland
Stanley Park Railway Easter Train
The Stanley Park Train is officially back this spring for an ‘egg-citing’ ride through the forest, where passengers can look out for cotton-tailed displays. Yup, you guessed it, it’s the Stanley Park Easter Train!
From Friday, March 29th to Monday, April 1st, families can hop aboard, enjoy a magical journey together, and meet the Easter Bunny.
When: Friday, March 29th to Monday, April 1st
Where: Pipeline Road in Stanley Park
Cost: $9 for ages 3 and up, free for 2 years and under
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VIA Rail
Canada’s first passenger train service has several BC routes to offer. Vancouver passengers can travel to Kamloops, and if you’re heading from Jasper, you can visit Prince George or Prince Rupert as well.
Note that there are several service tiers to choose from, including all-inclusive train and hotel packages.
Where: 1150 Station Street, Vancouver
Rocky Mountaineer
Aboard the Rocky Mountaineer, you’ll be treated to top-of-the-line service and comfort in addition to incredible views of the Canadian Rockies. Plus, it’s the only passenger rail service to navigate through this historic rail route (First Passage to the West) – so it’s definitely worth adding to your bucket list.
On the route from Vancouver to Jasper, passengers will travel through the iconic Spiral Tunnels at the Kicking Horse Pass National Historic Site, travel across the Continental Divide, and wind through jaw-dropping mountain passes and dramatic canyons.
Passengers can also explore historic Goldrush sites and journey through lush rainforests on other routes.
Where: Multiple pick-up locations in Vancouver
So there you have it, BC! If you’re looking for a way to experience BC’s natural landscape, a train ride is the perfect spring plan.
