North Pole Express 2025 – A Magical Christmas Train Ride in Squamish
A Fully Immersive Christmas Experience at the Railway Museum of British Columbia
The North Pole Express returns to the Railway Museum of British Columbia in Squamish for the 2025 holiday season, offering one of the most enchanting and immersive Christmas train adventures in the province. This event is beloved by families across Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, and Vancouver Island—often selling out weeks in advance—and remains one of BC’s most authentic holiday traditions.
Guests board beautifully restored vintage trains and are transported into a world of festive storytelling, holiday characters, on-board entertainment, Christmas treats, and a magical arrival at the North Pole where Santa, Mrs. Claus, and their cheerful helpers await. With spectacular scenery, themed activities, and professional performers, the North Pole Express delivers an unforgettable Christmas journey for visitors of all ages.
Event Details
Dates:
November 29–30
December 6–7, 13–14, 20–21, 2025
Departure Times (Saturdays):
10:00 am
12:00 pm
2:00 pm
4:00 pm
6:00 pm
Departure Times (Sundays):
10:00 am
12:00 pm
2:00 pm
4:00 pm
Location:
Railway Museum of British Columbia
43360 Government Road, Squamish, BC
Event Start Example:
November 29, 2025 – First train at 10:00 am
Official Website & Tickets:
https://www.wcra.org/north-pole-express/
Ticket Information
Tickets include reserved seating, free parking, and full access to the North Pole activities. A $5 Museum Preservation Fee applies to all bookings.
Bronze – Coach Class
$41.00 + GST
Standard coach seating with festive decor and entertainment.
Silver – Deluxe Coach Class
$47.00 + GST
Upgraded seating with enhanced comfort.
Gold – First Class
$52.50 + GST
Includes a North Pole Express souvenir mug, table seating, and priority platform boarding.
Note: Gold Class is nearly sold out; only limited single seats remain.
Alberta Private Coach
$1,500 + GST
Private coach for up to 15 guests.
Inquiries: northpoleexpress@wcra.org
Subject line: “Alberta Ride”
Consumer Warning:
Tickets are sold exclusively by the Railway Museum of BC. Avoid third-party resellers.
What to Expect on the North Pole Express
The Train Ride
Guests board vintage 1950s FP9A locomotives, including CN #6520 and CP #4069, for a journey filled with live entertainment, storytelling, Christmas carols, and surprise festive characters. Cookies and treats are provided on board, adding to the warm holiday experience.
The scenic route includes mountain views, snowy forest landscapes, river crossings, and glimpses of the Squamish River and Estuary.
Arrival at the North Pole
Upon arrival, families are invited to explore a festive holiday village filled with themed activities and Christmas charm.
Highlights include:
– Unlimited hot chocolate and marshmallows
– Holiday arts, crafts, and games
– Christmas Model Train Displays
– The Holiday Mini-Rail ride through Candy Cane Lane
– Visits and photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus
– Appearances by Marshall P. Bear, Santa’s workshop chief
– Live holiday music and entertainment
– The Christmas Car Shop
– Museum gift shop with seasonal merchandise
The North Pole portion of the experience is fully walkable, with indoor and outdoor activities.
Route Overview
The train journey travels through multiple scenic and historic locations, including:
– CN railway track sections
– The Squamish River rail bridge and wetland views
– The Squamish Estuary
– Forested areas surrounding the museum
– Squamish’s historic railway district
All trains begin and end at the Railway Museum of British Columbia.
Accessibility
The Railway Museum of BC provides accessibility support, though wheelchair spaces on each departure are limited.
Contact for Accessibility & Ticketing Questions:
Phone: 604-898-9336 ext. 2011
Email: northpoleexpress@wcra.org
Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 am–12:00 pm
Frequently Asked Questions
The museum provides a detailed FAQ on its website covering:
– Parking
– Ticket transfers and changes
– Weather conditions
– Photography guidelines
– Accessibility resources
– What to bring
– Clothing recommendations
Visitors should review the FAQ before arrival, especially on weekends or sold-out days.
Guest Reviews
Families often describe the North Pole Express as:
– Magical and immersive
– Well organized with friendly volunteers
– Perfect for young children
– Beautifully decorated with attention to detail
– Offering excellent Santa photo opportunities
– Featuring a fun and memorable mini-rail ride
– A holiday tradition worth repeating every year
This event consistently earns some of the highest praise among BC’s Christmas attractions.
Why You Should Go
The North Pole Express is ideal for anyone seeking:
– A fully immersive Christmas train experience
– A festive activity surrounded by dramatic coastal and mountain landscapes
– An unforgettable family holiday tradition
– High-quality entertainment and holiday storytelling
– A magical Christmas outing away from the city
The combination of scenic rail travel, vintage locomotives, festive characters, and North Pole activities makes this one of the most unique holiday events in British Columbia.
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