Burnaby Central Railway opens this Friday with help from Burnaby Firefighters

With the Stanley Park train unable to run this spring, train enthusiasts and families are invited to head to North Burnaby starting this Easter long weekend and visit the Burnaby Central Railway. 

The popular miniature railway is back for its 30th season at our present location starting Good Friday, April 7th, and runs 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekends and statutory holidays through the Thanksgiving weekend. 

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. 

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.

“There are train enthusiasts everywhere and we’re looking for them to join us as new volunteer members,” 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!” 

Members of IAFF323 Burnaby Firefighters will be on hand to join in as honorary members and volunteers on Good Friday from 1:30 to 3:00 PM. Proceeds from opening day will be donated to the Burnaby Firefighters Charitable Society which raises funds for more than 60 charitable and community organizations.

“We enjoy tremendous support from the community, and this is our way of giving back to those in need,” Lear added. 

Burnaby Central Railway is located at 120 North Willingdon Ave.

Visit bcsme.org for more information.