All aboard! Get into the festive spirit this year with a holiday train ride. There are many opportunities available to have a meet and greet with Santa while riding the rails in various parts of the country (mostly centred in Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia). These rides are a great way to enjoy the holidays with friends and family and take part in a unique tradition that’s fun for both kids and adults. Here are some holiday train rides to check out.
Port Stanley Terminal Rail Santa Treats Train, Stanley, Ontario
Ride the Santa Treats Train in Port Stanley, Ontario on Dec. 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 and 21. The ride though Elgin County includes mince tarts and hot apple cider in heated train cars, and at the end of the ride kids get to meet Santa. Some train rides will also include live entertainment.
Christmas Special to Big Valley, Stettler, Alberta
On Saturday Nov. 29 and Saturday Dec. 3, Alberta Prairie Railway Excursions in Stettler, Alberta is offering a fun and festive Christmas party train ride aboard a diesel powered train complete with a turkey buffet dinner, music from a live band, caroling and hay rides. The ride on Dec. 13 is sold out, but you can call to reserve a spot on the waiting list.
Huntsville and Lake of Bays Railway Portage Flyer Christmas, Huntsville, Ontario
On Saturday, Dec. 20 visitors and residents of Huntsville can get into the festive spirit with a ride on the Portage Flyer Christmas Train. The train runs from 5pm until 8pm with the last train leaving the station at 7:30. Arrive early to enjoy hot chocolate and cookies, and dress warmly as the trains are open-air. The ride along the Muskoka River takes about 20 minutes and Santa will be there waiting at the end.
West Coast Railway Heritage Park Polar Express, Squamish, British Columbia
Get ready to ride the Polar Express in Squamish, British Columbia courtesy of West Coast Railway Heritage Park on various dates from Nov. 29 through Dec. 14. There will be caroling, hot chocolate and a special gift for each child on board. Two evening rides (6p.m. Dec. 6 and 13) offer a few bonus treats, such as a souvenir Polar Express mug and a Polar Express lanyard.
Bear Creek Park Christmas Train, Surrey, British Colunbia
The Christmas Train at Bear Creek Park in Surrey, British Columbia runs from Saturday, Dec. 6 until Sunday Jan. 4 with the exception of Christmas day. The park is open from 10am to 4pm and the last train leaves the station at 3:45. Santa is at the station from Dec. 6 to the 24 and visitors get a candy cane, Christmas activity kit and a ride through the Christmas forest.
York-Durham Heritage Railway Santa Train, Uxbridge, Ontario
Riders on the York-Durham Heritage Railway Santa Train depart from Uxbridge, Ontario and train rides to meet Santa run Saturdays and Sundays through Dec.14. The ride is approximately one hour and there will be live entertainment on board along with Santa visiting each child on the train as well as giving everyone a holiday treat.
Waterloo Central Railway Santa Train, Waterloo, Ontario
Head to Waterloo for a fun, festive ride on the Waterloo Central Railway Santa Train. There are rides on Nov. 29 and 30, Dec. 6 and 7 and Dec. 13 and 14, and there are three departures each day at 10am, 12:30pm, and 3pm. Each trip is 90-120 minutes and includes music, caroling, hot drinks, snacks and visits from Santa. Bring your own camera for photos.
BC Forest Discovery Centre Christmas Express, Duncan, British Columbia
Ride with Santa in Duncan, British Columbia aboard the Christmas Express. Rides are being offered Dec. 5-7, 12-14, and 29-23 and depart every 20 minutes from 4:30pm and 8:30pm. The ride is aboard a 1910 steam locomotive and it is a great opportunity to get into the festive spirit with friends and family.
South Simcoe Railway Santa Clause Express, Tottenham, Ontario
The South Simcoe Railway station in Tottenham, Ontario is offering a Santa Clause Express train ride from Nov. 29 through Dec. 21. The return trip from Tottenham to Beeton takes just under an hour and riders travel in restored 1920s coaches for a fun, Christmas-themed adventure.
Alberni Valley Heritage Pacific Steam Railway Santa Train, Vancouver Island, British Columbia
Alberni Valley, located on Vancouver Island, is where you’ll find the Alberni Valley Heritage Steam Railway. On Saturday Dec. 6 at 11 am and Sunday Dec. 7 at 3 pm they will be hosting a 30 minute train ride with Santa. The ride is all about getting both the kids and adults ready for the holiday season. They recommend dressing warmly and booking ahead since the event usually sells out fast.
CP Holiday Train, various locations across Canada
While not a train you get to ride on, the CP Holiday Train does bring holiday cheer wherever it goes. The brightly coloured, and vibrantly lit, train makes stops across the country to raise money for food banks in Canada and the United States. The train runs for three weeks and with each stop offers free concerts and seasonal festivities from a boxcar that has been transformed into a stage. Musicians such as Roxanne Potvin, Odds, Tracey Brown and Jim Cuddy will be providing entertainment this year. The shows are free, but donations are appreciated. The full schedule can be found here.
Halton County Radial Railway Christmas on the Rails, Milton, Ontario
Milton, Ontario is home to the Halton County Radial Railway where you can enjoy Christmas on the Rails Dec. 6 and Dec. 13 from 1pm to 8pm. This is the last train ride of the season, and one which celebrates the holidays. You can expect a scenic ride through the woods, Christmas carols and a visit from Santa. Tickets are sold at the door.
Lead photo: Don DeBold
