Burnaby Central Railway Miniature Train
Ride a charming 1/8 scale miniature train through scenic parkland, operated by passionate volunteers. Fun for all ages!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Full operating hours
Burnaby Central Railway Miniature Train
Best Time
Full operating hours
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ride a charming 1/8 scale miniature train through scenic parkland, operated by passionate volunteers. Fun for all ages!
"This is such a great place for kids and kids in heart to visit!"
🎯 Go Early to Avoid Crowds
Arrive shortly after opening to enjoy shorter queues for the popular miniature train rides.
🎟️ Consider a 10-Ride Pass
If you plan on multiple rides or have a larger group, the 10-ride pass offers good value.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Miniature Train Ride
Confederation Park
Enjoy a scenic 10-12 minute ride on a 1/8 scale train through the park's wooded areas.
+1
Model Train Displays
Museum area
Explore detailed miniature towns and control model trains with remote controls.
Volunteer-Run Enthusiasm
Throughout the railway
Experience the passion of dedicated volunteers who built and operate this charming attraction.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Operating Season & Hours
Affordable Family Fun
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Go Early to Avoid Crowds
Arrive shortly after opening to enjoy shorter queues for the popular miniature train rides.
🎟️ Consider a 10-Ride Pass
If you plan on multiple rides or have a larger group, the 10-ride pass offers good value.
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Enjoy a meal in the adjacent Confederation Park or Blue Mountain Park.
📸 Capture the Magic
Bring your camera to snap photos of the miniature trains and the charming park setting.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Go Early to Avoid Crowds
Arrive shortly after opening to enjoy shorter queues for the popular miniature train rides.
🎟️ Consider a 10-Ride Pass
If you plan on multiple rides or have a larger group, the 10-ride pass offers good value.
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Enjoy a meal in the adjacent Confederation Park or Blue Mountain Park.
📸 Capture the Magic
Bring your camera to snap photos of the miniature trains and the charming park setting.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Burnaby Central Railway for its charming miniature train rides and the dedication of its volunteer staff. It's highlighted as a fantastic, affordable outing for families and train enthusiasts alike, offering a delightful experience with model train displays and scenic park rides. Some minor waits can occur during peak times, but the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive.
"This is such a great place for kids and kids in heart to visit!
The small train ride is well worth the wait and the admission ticket. There’s also other toy train on display and you can control them with the remote control.
We spent about 2 hours there and the kids loved every second of it!"
Kevin Lee
"Once a place where one worried it might quietly vanish for lack of funds, Burnaby Central Railway now feels thoroughly revived.
Miniature freight trains dashed about with all the earnestness of a Victorian timetable, and to the great delight of small humans (and their taller, equally enchanted counterparts), there were little engines available for children to operate. Yes, truly, pint-sized engineers commandeering locomotives, puffing through the sun-dappled grounds like Lords of the Line.
If you’d once feared its days were numbered, fret no more. The railway is thriving. Bring a child. Or borrow one. Or simply surrender your adult dignity and queue up yourself. No judgment here.
Splendid outing. Long live tiny trains."
Le Duc des Critiques Malicieuses
"Confederation Park, 120 N Willingdon Ave, Burnaby
Hours
Weekends & holidays, 11 AM–5 PM, Easter to Thanksgiving
Ride Duration
~10 minutes through scenic 2-mile track
Cost
$4.50 per ride; $40 for 10-ride pass; under age 3 free
Extras
Garden railway, museum, concessions, parties available
Season 2025
Opens April 18, weekend-only until
Parking is near by or u can park on the sides."
Nick Singh
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Burnaby Central Railway is located in Confederation Park at 120 North Willingdon Ave, Burnaby, BC. You can reach it by car, and parking is available nearby or on the sides of the park. Public transit options are also available; check TransLink for routes.
Yes, there is parking available near the railway within Confederation Park, or you can find street parking on adjacent roads.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The railway operates on Saturdays, Sundays, and statutory holidays from Easter to Canadian Thanksgiving, typically between 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM.
A single ride costs $4.50 per person (ages 3 and up). A 10-ride pass is available for $40. Children aged 2 and under ride for free.
Tickets are typically purchased on-site on the day of your visit. It's advisable to arrive early, especially on busy weekends, to avoid long queues.
No, the railway operates seasonally from Easter to Canadian Thanksgiving. It does not operate much during the fall and winter months.
🎫 🎡 Onsite Experience
The miniature train ride lasts approximately 10 to 12 minutes and covers about 2 miles of scenic track through the park.
Besides the main train ride, you can explore the garden railway, visit the museum with model train displays, and even control some model trains with remote controls.
Absolutely! It's a fantastic and affordable activity for families with young children, offering a magical experience for kids of all ages.
Yes, Burnaby Central Railway is a popular spot for birthday parties and events, offering a unique and memorable celebration for kids.
🍽️ 🍔 Food & Dining
Yes, there are concessions available offering ice cream and snacks. Prices are noted as being reasonably affordable for families.
Bringing your own picnic is a great option, as you can enjoy it in the surrounding Confederation Park or nearby Blue Mountain Park.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the miniature trains in action on the tracks, the charming model town displays, and the happy faces of riders. The park setting also offers scenic backdrops.
Yes, photography is generally allowed on the train ride, but be mindful of other passengers and ensure your camera is secure.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 The affordable ticket prices, with children under 3 riding free, make it an accessible and budget-friendly outing. +1Beyond the ride, the interactive model train displays where kids can control trains with remotes are a huge hit.
💰 Budget Travelers
+1 Children under 3 ride for free, making it a very family-friendly option without breaking the bank. To further save money, consider packing your own snacks or a picnic to enjoy in the park, rather than purchasing from concessions.
The overall experience is highly rewarding for the low cost, providing hours of entertainment and memorable moments without a significant financial outlay. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Charm of Miniature Railways
+1The railway features real steam locomotives, adding an authentic touch to the experience. It's not just about the ride; the site also boasts an impressive miniature town complete with model trains that visitors can even control with remote devices. This interactive element, combined with the passion of the volunteers, makes for a truly engaging visit for all ages.
This attraction has seen a revival and is thriving, ensuring its future for generations of train enthusiasts. It's a place where both children and adults can find joy, whether they're operating a pint-sized locomotive or simply enjoying the nostalgic charm of a bygone era.
Planning Your Visit: Tips from Travelers
Consider packing a picnic to enjoy in the beautiful Confederation Park or the adjacent Blue Mountain Park, as this can be a cost-effective and pleasant way to extend your outing.
The park setting provides a lovely atmosphere for a relaxed meal before or after your train adventure. Don't forget your camera! The miniature trains, the detailed model displays, and the scenic park surroundings offer plenty of photo opportunities.
Remember that the railway operates seasonally, so always check their schedule before planning your visit, as they are closed during the fall and winter months. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit