North Pole Express 2025 – A Magical Christmas Train Ride in Squamish

The North Pole Express returns to the Railway Museum of British Columbia in Squamish for the 2025 holiday season, offering one of the region’s most immersive and unforgettable Christmas train experiences. Families can step aboard a vintage train, enjoy live entertainment, meet festive characters, ride the Holiday Mini-Rail, explore Christmas displays, and visit Santa and Mrs. Claus at the North Pole.

This event consistently sells out each year and is considered one of BC’s most beloved Christmas traditions for children and adults alike.

Event information and ticket details are available on the
Railway Museum of BC – North Pole Express.

2025 Dates

November 29–30
December 6–7, 13–14, 20–21

All trains depart from and return to the Railway Museum of BC in Squamish.

Saturday Departures

• 10:00 am
• 12:00 pm
• 2:00 pm
• 4:00 pm
• 6:00 pm

Sunday Departures

• 10:00 am
• 12:00 pm
• 2:00 pm
• 4:00 pm

Tickets

All tickets include free parking and reserved seating, with seat selection available during booking. A $5 Museum Preservation Fee applies to all ticket types.

Coach & Class Options

Bronze – Coach Class
• $41.00 each + GST

Silver – Deluxe Coach Class
• $47.00 each + GST

Gold – First Class
• $52.50 each + GST
Includes a North Pole Express souvenir mug (approx. value $10), table seating, and station platform loading and unloading.

Gold Class is nearly sold out; only limited single seats remain.

Private Alberta Coach

Alberta Private Coach
• $1,500 + GST per ride
Maximum 15 guests.
To inquire, contact the team directly at northpoleexpress@wcra.org with the subject line “Alberta Ride”.

Booking Information

Tickets are purchased through the official museum ticketing system.
Clicking a date allows you to view availability and select seats during checkout.

Consumer Notice:
The Railway Museum of British Columbia is the only authorized seller of North Pole Express tickets. Visitors should avoid third-party resellers or unauthorized ticket websites.

What to Expect: The North Pole Express Experience

The North Pole Express is a fully immersive Christmas adventure designed for families. Highlights include:

The Train Ride

• Ride in beautifully decorated vintage coaches
• Enjoy live entertainment, storytelling, and Christmas carols on board
• Meet festive characters throughout the journey
• Receive cookies and treats during the ride

Your train will be pulled by 1950s-era FP9A passenger locomotives, including CN #6520 and CP #4069, along a scenic route featuring mountains, forest, Squamish River crossings, and views of the estuary and Stawamus Chief.

Arrival at the North Pole

• Warm up with unlimited hot chocolate and marshmallows
• Enjoy holiday activities, games, and crafts
• Explore the Holiday Model Train Displays
• Ride the Holiday Mini-Rail through Candy Cane Lane
• Visit Santa and Mrs. Claus for keepsake family photos
• Meet Marshall P. Bear, Santa’s workshop chief

Visitors can also explore the Christmas Car Shop, enjoy live holiday music, and browse the gift shop for seasonal merchandise.

About the Train Route

All trains operate entirely on the Railway Museum of BC property and surrounding CN railway tracks.
The route includes:

• Mountain scenery near the museum
• Portions of the CN mainline
• A ride across (or near) the Squamish River rail bridge
• A return trip through Squamish’s railway district
• A journey toward the Squamish Estuary wetlands

Trains return to the Squamish Station at the Railway Museum of BC.

Accessibility Information

• Coaches are accessible, but only one wheelchair station is available per departure.
• Visitors requiring accessibility accommodations should contact the museum in advance.
• Ticketing and wheelchair inquiries:
• Phone: 604-898-9336 ext. 2011
• Email: northpoleexpress@wcra.org
• Available Monday–Friday, 9:00 am–12:00 pm

Frequently Asked Questions

The museum provides a detailed FAQ section covering:
• Parking
• Ticket transfers
• Weather conditions
• Photo options
• Accessibility resources
• What to bring and wear

Visit the FAQ on the
North Pole Express official website.

Guest Reviews

Families consistently describe the event as magical, memorable, and well organized. Recent reviews praise:

• Engaging onboard entertainment
• Friendly volunteers
• High-quality Santa photos
• Fun mini-rail ride
• Beautiful scenery along the route

Many families return year after year, often recommending the experience to others.

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