Do you have a young train lover in your household? (Or maybe a grown-up one?!) Trains capture our collective imagination, no matter how old we are. And even our language shows our connection to the rails, with sayings like ‘full steam ahead’ or ‘going off the rails.’
Trains offer so many possibilities – from fun activities with the kids to practical transportation to interesting distractions. Find out where to see and discover trains in and around Calgary!
Alberta Prairie Railway Excursions | Select Days from Spring to Christmas
The Alberta Prairie Railway offers exciting adventures on a 1920s passenger train, powered by both steam and diesel locomotives. They offer a variety of themed excursions and special events throughout the summer, including delicious dinners and special family trains. Don’t miss the Polar Express© during the holiday season. And of course, it’s the Wild West, so you never know what to expect! Alberta Prairie Railway Excursions is based in Stettler.
Aspen Crossing | Select Days from Spring to Christmas
Make a trip out to Aspen Crossing (near Mossleigh) for a memorable train excursion adventure. There is just something magical about riding a train; it captures the imagination of people of all ages, and at Aspen Crossing, the nostalgia of riding the rails comes to life. Throughout the summer, Aspen Crossing plans themed train excursions for a special and unique experience. Check out the Father’s Day Train, the Western Train, the Princess and Superhero Train, the BBQ Train, the Great Alberta Prairie Tour Train, and more! At Christmas, you can climb aboard for a trip to the North Pole on THE POLAR EXPRESS™.
Bowness Park Mini-Train | July to September
The Bowness Park Mini-Train has been around for decades – making it a truly vintage Calgary experience! Bowness Park has a lot to attract families, with a playground, a wading pool, and lots of space to run and enjoy the outdoors. The Mini-Train’s gentle ride through the east end of Bowness Park elevates a day at the park to something special.
Calaway Park | May to October
Calaway Park is Western Canada’s Largest Outdoor Family Amusement Park. The park opened in 1982 and has grown from a small amusement park to one of Calgary’s best attractions. The park has a collection of 32 rides and 19 midway games, plus live entertainment, the Cinemagic 3D theatre, the Haunted Hotel, and the CP Spray n’ Play splash pad. It’s fun for the whole family with numerous attractions, 20 food locations, top-notch entertainment, and rides for all ages. But more to our point here, you can ride the Rocky Mountain Railroad around a quarter mile of track, with a gorgeous view of the mountains.
Heritage Park Historical Village | May to October
Heritage Park Historical Village is one of the first places people think of for trains in Calgary. And rightly so! With an authentic steam train you can ride around the park, historic rolling stock trains, train exhibits, and several different rail cars to explore in the Railway Car Shop, you can fill your day with trains. There’s even a railway-themed playground! Occasionally, you can visit special rail cars, like the River Forth Dining Car and the C.P.R. Caboose. See the train events below for special train events, like Day Out With Thomas. And rail enthusiasts won’t want to miss Railway Days, when they can see the turntable in action!
Iron Horse Park | May to October
Do you have a child who loves trains? Then climb aboard at the Iron Horse Mini Train Park in Airdrie! This park, open only on Sunday, is all about miniature trains representing the Canadian Pacific Railway in the west. A 1/8‑scale locomotive will carry you along a scenic 1.6 km journey through tunnels, over trestles, and across prairie-inspired landscapes, for a one-of-a-kind railway adventure. Beyond the tracks, the park offers a peaceful, natural setting where families can slow down and enjoy the outdoors. Listen for birds in the trees, spot local wildlife, and take in the quiet beauty that makes this hidden gem feel like a true escape—right in Airdrie. Pack a picnic or buy snacks in the full-size replica CPR station, and make a day of it.
Day Out With Thomas | May
If you have little train lovers in your house, you have probably met Thomas the Tank Engine. Heritage Park offers two full weekends of exciting Thomas-themed activities in May. The highlight of the day is an interactive train ride pulled by Thomas himself, but there are plenty of other special activities. Families can say hello to everyone’s favourite railway controller, Sir Topham Hatt™ and enjoy live entertainment. There are hands-on activities and lawn games, plus stop by the exclusive pop-up gift shop for toys and swag. For extra fun, don’t forget your youngster’s favourite Thomas apparel or railroad conductor outfit for wonderful photo ops!
CPCK Holiday Train | December
Over the course of the holiday season, a CPKC Holiday Train will travel across the country, stopping along the way to collect food and money for local food banks and raise awareness in the fight against hunger. The train will feature free concerts, and you are asked to bring food or monetary donations for local food banks. It’s striking to see the Holiday Train all lit up.
Railway Days | September
Railway Days is one of Heritage Park’s most popular annual events. It offers all the fun you’ve come to expect from Heritage Park, plus a wide variety of unique activities to fascinate rail enthusiasts. Trains take centre stage for a weekend of demonstrations, hands-on activities, and exciting exhibits. Heritage Park also has an accessible rail car, allowing everyone to have an iconic, memorable experience.
Wondering what to expect at Railway Days? See model train displays, tour the cab of an antique steam engine, and catch a rare glimpse of  Heritage Park’s turntable in action. Send telegrams from station to station, ride the handcar, and watch the locomotive take on water. Children can join the Kids’ Railway Challenge for interactive activities and extra engagement. Visit the Hobo Camp and check out the Railway Garden. There is so much to do during Railway Days. And don’t forget to check out the LEGO display!
Supertrain | April
SUPERTRAIN, organized by the Calgary Model Railway Society, is Canada’s largest train show and has been for more than 30 years. Over 100 exhibitors from across North America come to SUPERTRAIN in April. Families will enjoy seeing the operating model railroad layouts, Lionel, LEGO, and Thomas trains, and model-building demonstrations. You can check out historical associations, railroad art and photos, hobby shops, manufacturers, and much more. The kids will love the Children’s Play Area, with large Thomas and Lego tables – all waiting to be enjoyed. Plus, Iron Horse Park will be back with their free ride-on trains and CPKC’s Little General train, a star of the Stampede Parade, will be there too!
Don’t forget that the Canada Strong Pass includes a VIA Rail deal during the summer, where kids 17 and under can travel for free in Economy class when accompanied by an adult (conditions apply). And if you need a quick, affordable train fix, jump on the CTrain and create your own adventure. (It’s all about managing expectations – my niece’s dream was to ride the CTrain, but she was quite disappointed she never saw the sea.)
Well, I think we’re on the right track to family fun on the rails! Did we miss any? Email us at calgary@familyfuncanada.com.
