All aboard for Buddy and Friends Children’s Festival, a brand new event at the Railway Museum of BC!
Join Buddy and his friends for a weekend filled with train rides, games, activities, live music, storytelling, and dance performances. The Railway Museum of BC is the best place to visit for train aficionados young and young at heart, and the events are packed with activities that the whole family will enjoy.
Start your visit by riding all three trains available and on the track for the weekend, beginning with the Mini-Rail Train that will take families on a 20-minute journey around the museum grounds. On this journey, check out the different train parts in the back lot and enjoy the serene scenery as you ride along on this fun train. If your crew is ready for more train excitement, you won’t want to miss a ride on the popular BC-21 Budd Diesel Car. This is one of the operational trains at the Railway Museum of BC and a favourite amongst visitors for the feeling of taking a ride on a ‘real’ train journey!
Take a break from rides and explore the museum by spending time playing with wooden and electric train sets and getting your picture taken with Buddy, the Royal Hudson Steam Locomotive. The Canadian Toy Train Association will be operating their huge electric train layout featuring Thomas the Train with a special controller for visitors to try out. Then, visit the Creative Corner workshop to try your hand at making a puppet, participate in some mural painting, and get creative with arts and crafts supplies!
But the fun is just building up steam because the Buddy and Friends Children’s Festival also features some of the best family-friendly entertainment in BC. Join Norman Foote, a JUNO-winning singer/songwriter, for a special songwriting session and hear your new composition performed live in front of an audience. Practice your improv skills with educator and entertainer Ira Pettle and learn how to juggle with Mike Battie.
In the Storytime Station, catch Roxy Lewis, a singer, drummer, and storyteller from Coast Salish and Nuu Chah Nulth First Nations, and singer/storyteller Beverly Elliott as they weave tales designed to delight and spark imagination in all ages. With plenty of activities and performers to keep you entertained, your family will enjoy a full day of fun and enjoyment. Before you leave, don’t forget to take a spin on ‘Big Red,’ the CN Maintenance-of-Way Track Speeder, to close out the day.
Events at the Railway Museum of BC offer ample opportunities for learning and fun and tend to sell out fast! Secure your tickets today.
Buddy and Friends Children’s Festival:
Dates: May 3 & 4, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Venue: Railway Museum of BC
Address: 39645 Government Road, Squamish
Website: www.wcra.org
