Create heartwarming family memories to last a lifetime by joining picturesque train trips with York-Durham Heritage Railway (YDHR) gift experiences. Not only can you get out and appreciate the stunning natural setting of Ontario’s countryside, but York-Durham Heritage Railway also runs fun train rides throughout the year, each with a special theme. From Summer fun to Santa sightings, these events are an excellent gift idea for any special occasion!

On York-Durham Heritage Railway’s comfortable and charming vintage trains, guests ride from the charming small town of Uxbridge and then travel through the nature-rich Oak Ridges Moraine, an ecologically important landform. Feel free to relax and watch the countryside roll by from the popular open-door baggage car and even purchase a snack in the 1950s snack car.

Furthermore, YDHR hosts special meals, high tea services, special family-friendly themed events and Christmas trips during the holidays. Trains are also equipped with a wheelchair-accessible washroom.

YDHR Membership

The non-profit York-Durham Heritage Railway Association is dedicated to preserving and promoting the vast heritage of Canadian railways in South-Central Ontario.

You can even become part of the YDHR community as a member, helping to make a positive financial impact in the community of Uxbridge. York-Durham Heritage Railway strives to stay connected to the local community and its active members, as well as other neighbouring communities. Even better, members receive 10% off retail store purchases!

Yearly Train Rides

As well as themed train rides for holidays such as Easter, Thanksgiving, Halloween and Christmas, YDHR also hosts special meals, seasonal train trips and family-friendly themed events based on children’s characters and interests. Be sure to stay tuned for announcements about more exciting events happening in 2024!

Events hosted this past year include:

  • Holidays — Easter Festival and Hopper Express, Pumpkin Patch & Halloween Train Ride
  • Children’s Characters — Hallows Express High Tea & Train Ride, Dino Train Experience, Winnie the Pooh Festival
  • Themed Parties — The Wild West Festival and Train Robbery
  • Seasonal — Summer Family Fun Fest, Summer Heritage High Tea, Fall Harvest Lunch Train, Strawberry Tea, Spring High Tea

Christmas Themed Trips

In addition, there’s still plenty of time to get in on the festive fun this year to give your family a memorable Christmas gift with York-Durham Heritage Railway’s upcoming holiday train rides! Not only are these trips a must for train enthusiasts but also Santa enthusiasts and winter nature lovers. YDHR has very merry events to enjoy with your whole family this season:

  • Premium North Pole Experience Light Up Event — “How the Train Saved Christmas”  (November 24 – December 23)
    Experience holiday enchantment under the stars as York-Durham Heritage Railway presents their beloved Christmas story on rails, “How the Train Saved Christmas”. As the sun sets and you step into this world of wonder and joy, this magical train transforms into a portal to the North Pole, which includes numerous activity stations! During the journey, families also get to have an intimate meet-and-greet with Santa and children receive a special keepsake.
  • North Pole Experience & Train Ride (November 25-December 23)
    York-Durham Heritage Railway also offers the North Pole Experience & Train Ride during daytime hours. From the moment you step onto the beautifully decorated train, the Conductor Elves bring Santa’s train to life! Like the evening event, guests are immersed in the interactive fun of Santa’s Grand Station. There, the North Pole comes to life right before your eyes with delightful activities for all ages.
  • Christmas High Tea & Train Ride (November 24-December 15)
    The York-Durham Heritage Railway train gets decorated at its finest for the Christmas season! Take a trip back in time and watch the countryside roll by. Then, feast upon delectable pastries and cakes, along with the finest beverages, as you travel through the beautiful Oak Ridges Moraine in all its winter splendour. All the while, enjoy the special Christmas tea white-glove service, accompanied by delightful music.
  • The Nutcracker Evening High Tea Premium Experience (December 7-21)
    Start a new enchanted Christmas tradition for your family with The Nutcracker Evening High Tea Premium Experience. As the lights twinkle across the coaches, the evening starts with a champagne toast to celebrate. Then, guests indulge in a true English heritage Christmas tea experience. Meanwhile, the sights onboard include dance performances and even a visit with Father Christmas himself.

York-Durham Heritage Railway Gift Experiences

When: February-December, dates and times vary
Where: Uxbridge Train Station, 19 Railway Street, Uxbridge
Website: www.ydhr.ca

Discover more ideas for gift experiences on our website here!