Miniature Burnaby Central Railway is Open for the Season
byThe Stanley Park Train remains inoperable but there’s another miniature railway option for families and train enthusiasts. The Burnaby Central Railway (“BCR”) in North Burnaby is opening up this long weekend for its 30th season.
Miniature Burnaby Central Railway is Open
- Where: Confederation Park in North Burnaby (120 N Willingdon Ave, Burnaby)
- Tickets: $4.50 for a single ride, all passengers 3 years old and up. $40 for a 10 ride passes (may be used over multiple days, no expiry)
Starting Friday, April 7th it will run 11:00am to 5:00pm on weekends and statutory holidays all the way through to Thanksgiving weekend in October.
The BCR provides an authentic railroad experience that attracts crowds every season. Cars are easy to ride for children and adults alike. Glide along mere inches off the track, so you can feel every rail and corner. Trains consist of multiple cars carrying 20 or more passengers on a two-mile, outdoor ride through the woods, with bridges, tunnels, crossovers, and spirals. A single ride takes approximately 10 minutes.
Each train is pulled by a miniature – but real – steam, diesel, or electric locomotive. The engines, plus rolling stock, track and maintenance shops, are owned and maintained year-round by the volunteers of the British Columbia Society of Model Engineers (“BCSME”).
“What we have here are genuine steam, diesel and electric trains to ride. It’s literally the real thing, just smaller,” says Ken Lear, president of BCSME, which has been around for 94 years. “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.”
Volunteers Wanted
BCSME is also signing up new members interested in helping run the railway throughout the season, and who want to be part of a new generation of members ready to help run and maintain the railway. Lear says: “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!”
Opening Day
Members of IAFF323 Burnaby Firefighters will be on hand to join in as honorary members and volunteers on Friday, April 7th from 1:30pm to 3:00pm. Proceeds from opening day will be donated to the Burnaby Firefighters Charitable Society which raises funds for more than 60 charitable and community organizations.
