TransLink Reindeer Bus

Each holiday season TransLink dresses a few of its regular buses as reindeer, with antlers, a glowing red nose and festive wraps, and sends them out on everyday routes across Metro Vancouver. There is no special schedule or extra fare. You simply ride with a regular fare, and the routes change from day to day, so spotting one is part of the fun. TransLink usually publishes a real-time Reindeer Bus tracker on its website. The buses support TransLink's holiday toy drive, with drop-off points for new, unwrapped toys at major stations. On selected Saturdays the West Coast Express runs a Santa Train between Mission and Waterfront. Families ride free in exchange for a toy or cash donation, and Santa and his helpers are on board. Seats fill quickly, so arrive early. The 2026 launch date had not been announced when this was written. Last year's buses rolled out in late November.

TransLink Reindeer Bus: dates and details

• When: The 2026 dates have not been announced yet. Last season: the Reindeer Buses entered service on November 25, 2025, alongside a toy drive and the West Coast Express Santa Train. We will update this page as soon as the organizer confirms.
• Where: TransLink bus network (routes vary daily), Toy drop-offs in 2025: Waterfront Station, Commercial–Broadway Station, Lonsdale Quay SeaBus Terminal, Metro Vancouver
• Cost: Regular TransLink fare. Santa Train in 2025: free return ticket for a new unwrapped toy or cash donation.
• Official site: translink.ca

Dates, hours and prices can change, so check the official site before you go. For more festive outings, see our Christmas events in Vancouver guide and the list of Christmas tree lightings.