A whimsical 3 km miniature train ride is now open in Metro Vancouver
A rideable miniature railway is officially open for its 32nd season, and guests of all ages are invited to climb aboard.
Burnaby Central Railway is welcoming passengers to its 3 km track near Confederation Park every weekend until this fall.
The British Columbia Society of Model Engineers (BCSME) built and operates the mini railway, featuring three different types of locomotives that pull the rideable trains.
Burnaby Central Railway. (Kenneth Chan/Daily Hive)
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“What we have here are genuine steam, diesel and electric trains to ride. It’s literally the real thing, just smaller,” said Ken Lear, president of BCSME, in a previous release. “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.”
Burnaby Central Railway is beloved by children, adults and train buffs, as its cars are easy for all ages to ride. Passengers will chug along mere inches off the track and can feel every rail and corner.
Burnaby Central Railway/Facebook
It spans a seven-acre area at 120 N. Willingdon Ave. and features over three km of track through treed areas with two bridges, two viaducts, two tunnels, crossovers, and spirals. Each looping ride takes about 10 minutes.
Moreover, all of the locomotives used on the Central Railway are designed and built to be miniature replicas of real-world locomotives, including working models based on vintage steam, diesel, and electric vehicles. Of special note, their steam engines are one-eighth-scale, real miniature replicas, which are mainly fueled by propane.
In 2023, a new locomotive was introduced — a model of the GP7 diesel locomotive. Over 2,700 of these locomotives were built between 1949 and 1954 and were commonly used across Canada and the United States for decades.
Burnaby Central Railway. (Kenneth Chan/Daily Hive)
BCSME is looking for new members who are interested in helping to run and maintain 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 added in a previous statement. “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.”
Proceeds from opening day will be donated to the Burnaby Firefighters Charitable Society, which raises funds for over 60 charitable and community organizations. Visitors on opening day will also meet IAFF323 Burnaby Firefighters, who will participate as honorary members and volunteers from 1:30 to 3 p.m.
“We enjoy tremendous support from the community, and this is our way of giving back to those in need,” said Lear.
Burnaby Central Railway
When: Weekends and stat holidays until Thanksgiving weekend
Time:Â 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where:Â 120 N. Willingdon Ave., Burnaby
Cost:Â $4.50 for a single ride, all passengers three years old and up. $40 for a 10-ride pass