Railway Museum of British Columbia
Explore BC's rich railway heritage with vintage locomotives, interactive exhibits, and charming miniature train rides in Squamish.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
More train activities
Railway Museum of British Columbia
Best Time
More train activities
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore BC's rich railway heritage with vintage locomotives, interactive exhibits, and charming miniature train rides in Squamish.
"A must-visit in Squamish! The museum has an amazing collection of historic trains, and the mini train ride is a highlight."
Volunteer Insights
Chat with the passionate volunteers; they're full of stories and knowledge about the trains! :speech_balloon:
Family Fun Zone
Kids love the wooden train sets and interactive exhibits. Plenty to keep them entertained! :child:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Vintage Locomotive Cab Ride
Main exhibition area
Experience the thrill of sitting in the cab of a historic locomotive like CN FP9 6520. A truly immersive railway adventure!
Miniature Train Rides
Outdoor track loop
Enjoy a charming ride on a miniature train that loops around the museum grounds, offering a unique perspective of the exhibits.
Historic Rolling Stock
Outdoor display yard
Explore a diverse collection of vintage locomotives and rail cars, including the impressive Royal Hudson.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Train Ride Tickets in Advance
Check Operating Hours
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Volunteer Insights
Chat with the passionate volunteers; they're full of stories and knowledge about the trains! :speech_balloon:
Family Fun Zone
Kids love the wooden train sets and interactive exhibits. Plenty to keep them entertained! :child:
Photo Opportunities
Capture stunning shots of the historic locomotives against the scenic BC backdrop. :camera:
Parking Availability
Street and lot parking are free but can fill up fast on busy days. Arrive early! :car:
Tips
from all over the internet
Volunteer Insights
Chat with the passionate volunteers; they're full of stories and knowledge about the trains! :speech_balloon:
Family Fun Zone
Kids love the wooden train sets and interactive exhibits. Plenty to keep them entertained! :child:
Photo Opportunities
Capture stunning shots of the historic locomotives against the scenic BC backdrop. :camera:
Parking Availability
Street and lot parking are free but can fill up fast on busy days. Arrive early! :car:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Railway Museum of British Columbia for its engaging exhibits and friendly, knowledgeable volunteers. The miniature train rides are a highlight for families, offering great value. While not overly fancy, the museum provides a solid collection of historic trains and a relaxed atmosphere for exploration.
"This is a great place for both kids and adults. There's a few ride on trains, with different engines, including a steam train so even a longer line doesn't take long. The ride itself was longer than I expected and they have small bridges, tunnels, a pergola, and a few silly things to see like gnomes etc. There are a couple different tracks so one ride can differ from another.
There's no admission fee to the park, just a nominal cost to ride the train, the concession, and souvenir items. There's a party area that can be booked, a grass area with smaller picnic tables and a few larger ones with umbrellas for shade and a little rain cover.
Mind the rules and watch young children when crossing the tracks to see the train displays on the far side. They usually have different scale trains running on tracks, such as N and HO. There's also a small scale train display inside the washroom building.
The volunteers are personable and informative if you have questions about the park and/or trains. They even have a machine shop to fix the trains on-site which sounds like a specialized field, often prompting them to create replacement parts that can't be purchased.
There is some street parking and a parking lot next to the park that are free but can fill up quickly if it's busy.
It's a nice little place and as a 3 generation family, we spent approx 2-3 hours here."
Dee H
"Such a fun and memorable visit! The museum has an amazing collection of historic trains, and the mini train and short ride are highlights. Definitely worth every pennies of the admission. The volunteers are incredibly friendly and passionate, which makes the experience even more special. A must-visit in Squamish!
Looking forward to the North Pole Express and Buddy Train Ride."
Ino Wong
"This place was one of my favourite places to visit with my Dad during my childhood, however life got busy and we never found the time to make another trip to return. I have just recently turned 20 and decided to return after almost 14 years to experience the good memories again. I was immediately greeted by friendly smiling faces as I came through the gates, and couldn’t hide the excitement of walking through the same exhibits that brought me so much joy as a child. It was incredible to see the layouts, history, and exhibits that offered so much to a young train enthusiast so many years ago, and was still able to keep me entertained today. I want to extend a sincere and heartfelt thank you to the wonderful staff and volunteers who were able to give me memories I hope to remember forever."
Matt L
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located at 39645 Government Road in Squamish, BC. If driving from Vancouver, take the Sea-to-Sky Highway (BC-99 N). Parking is available on-site and on the street, though it can fill up quickly.
While direct public transport to the museum might be limited, you can take BC Transit buses to Squamish from Vancouver. From the Squamish terminal, a short taxi or rideshare would be needed.
Many visitors combine a trip to the Railway Museum with exploring Squamish, often driving the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway. The gondola is also a popular nearby attraction. +1
Yes, there is free parking available in a lot next to the park and some street parking. However, it can fill up quickly, especially during peak times or special events.
Absolutely! The Railway Museum of British Columbia is a great stop on a day trip from Vancouver, especially if you're driving the Sea-to-Sky Highway. Allow at least 2-3 hours for your visit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no admission fee to enter the park itself. However, there is a nominal cost for the miniature train rides and any concession or souvenir purchases.
The cost for the miniature train rides is nominal and offers great value for the experience. It's best to check the museum's official website for current pricing.
For special events like 'Day Out With Thomas,' train tickets sell out very quickly and advance booking is essential. For regular miniature train rides, it's advisable to check if advance booking is recommended, especially on busy days.
Operating hours can vary by season and for special events. It's crucial to check the museum's official website or social media pages for the most current information before planning your visit.
Yes, the museum hosts special events throughout the year, such as the 'Day Out With Thomas' and the 'North Pole Express.' These events often feature unique train rides and activities.
🎫 🚂 Onsite Experience
You can explore a large collection of vintage locomotives and rail cars, enjoy miniature train rides, see model train displays, and learn about BC's railway history from knowledgeable volunteers. +1
The miniature train rides are a highlight for children, offering a fun and safe experience. They often include short tunnels and bridges, making it exciting for little ones.
Visitors can often walk through various train cars and some locomotives. Special cab ride experiences might be available for certain engines, offering a closer look.
Absolutely! Adults can appreciate the historical significance, the impressive scale of locomotives like the Royal Hudson, and the passion of the volunteers sharing their knowledge.
Most visitors spend around 2-3 hours exploring the museum and enjoying the train rides, though families with young children might stay longer.
📸 📸 Photography
The outdoor display yard with the various locomotives and rail cars offers fantastic photo opportunities. The miniature train rides also provide unique angles.
Yes, photography is encouraged! Capture the grandeur of the historic trains, especially the larger engines like the Royal Hudson.
Generally, there are no major restrictions on personal photography. However, always be mindful of other visitors and the operational areas of the museum.
A camera with a good zoom lens can be helpful for capturing details on the locomotives. Wide-angle lenses are great for showcasing the scale of the trains in their setting.
Special events often bring unique trains and decorations, offering even more creative photo possibilities. Keep an eye out for themed backdrops and activities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during special events like 'Day Out With Thomas' for an extra dose of kid-friendly fun, but be sure to book tickets well in advance as they sell out quickly.
The museum grounds offer picnic areas, making it easy to spend a good portion of the day here. Remember to check operating hours before you go, as they can vary. 🚂 Train Enthusiasts & History Buffs
The knowledgeable volunteers are a key asset, offering deep insights into the history, restoration, and mechanics of the exhibits.
Special events and the chance for a cab ride in certain locomotives offer even more immersive experiences for dedicated enthusiasts. Day-Trippers from Vancouver
+1Combine your visit with other Squamish attractions like the Sea-to-Sky Gondola for stunning views, or a stop at Shannon Falls.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Historic Fleet
Beyond the large locomotives, the museum often displays model train layouts in different scales, such as N and HO, providing a fascinating miniature world for enthusiasts.
For a truly immersive experience, keep an eye out for opportunities like the cab ride in CN FP9 6520.
These special experiences allow visitors to step into the driver's seat and feel the power and history of these iconic machines. Such opportunities provide a unique glimpse into the operational heart of a locomotive, making the visit even more memorable. The Charm of Miniature Train Rides
The route typically takes a U-shape or loop, passing by various exhibits and offering a delightful way to see more of the rolling stock from a different vantage point.
While the rides are generally a nominal cost, they are considered well worth the price for the joy they bring.
The experience is a testament to the museum's commitment to providing interactive and enjoyable railway adventures for all ages. Squamish and the Sea-to-Sky Corridor
Visitors often combine their trip to the railway museum with other popular attractions in the area. The Sea-to-Sky Gondola is a major draw, offering panoramic views of Howe Sound and the surrounding peaks.
Traveling to Squamish from Vancouver involves a scenic drive along the Sea-to-Sky Highway (BC-99 N), considered one of the most beautiful drives in Canada.
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