Burnaby’s favourite miniature train ride is on track to make a grand comeback for its 30th season this Friday.
Folks who were disappointed by the cancellation of Stanley Park train ride this year can now head with friends and family to Burnaby Central Railway, a ride-on miniature (one-eighth scale) railway, starting this Easter long weekend.
The popular miniature railway, which was built and operated by the British Columbia Society of Model Engineers (BCSME), will be open for the 2023 season from April 7 to Oct. 9.
On Friday, members of IAFF323 Burnaby Firefighters will be joining in as honourary members and volunteers from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. All proceeds from the opening day will be donated to the Burnaby Firefighters Charitable Society.
Featuring over two kilometres of track, the train is pulled by miniature locomotives.
“What we have here are genuine steam, diesel and electric trains to ride," said BCSMA president Ken Lear said a press release. "It’s literally the real thing, just smaller. Our trains look, act and even smell like the real thing because they are real, at one-eighth the size of a full size locomotive.”
The train ride, located in Confederation Park (120 North Willingdon Ave., five blocks north of East Hastings Street in Burnaby) will take you and 20-plus passengers through the woods and across tunnels, bridges, crossovers and spirals. A ride lasts about 10 minutes.
The railway is open to the public for rides from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (with last ticket sales at 4:45 p.m.) on Saturdays, Sundays, and other holidays. It is also now open for booking birthday parties and private functions.
Volunteers Wanted
BCSME is also asking for volunteers interested in helping run the railway throughout the season.
“There are train enthusiasts everywhere and we’re definitely looking for them to join us as new volunteer members,” Lear said.
“If you’re a railroad buff, or you would like to learn about how our trains work inside and out, come to the park, take a ride, see what we’re all about, and join us,” he said.
