Port Moody Station Museum
Step back in time at this charming 1908 train station museum, showcasing Port Moody's rich railway heritage with engaging exhibits and a historic CPR ...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal attention
Port Moody Station Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal attention
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back in time at this charming 1908 train station museum, showcasing Port Moody's rich railway heritage with engaging exhibits and a historic CPR train car.
"An awesome little gem! So much history to see, incredible to have this in the neighborhood."
Bring Cash for Donations
Entry is by donation. Cash is preferred to ensure the full amount supports the museum. :moneywithwings:
Chat with Volunteers
Staff and volunteers are incredibly warm and eager to share fascinating local history. :speech_balloon:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic CPR Train Car
Exterior & Interior
Step back in time inside a full-sized CPR train car. Experience the romance of rail travel from a bygone era.
Local History Exhibits
Main Museum Building
Discover artifacts, photographs, and stories detailing Port Moody's rich heritage and its connection to the railway.
Interactive Displays
Main Museum Building
Engage with history through hands-on exhibits, from old telephones to typewriters, offering a fun learning experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Donation-Based Entry
A Glimpse into Local History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring Cash for Donations
Entry is by donation. Cash is preferred to ensure the full amount supports the museum. :moneywithwings:
Chat with Volunteers
Staff and volunteers are incredibly warm and eager to share fascinating local history. :speech_balloon:
What are some of your favourite things to do in and around Coquitlam?
Kid-Friendly Space
There's a dedicated free play area for children, making it a great stop for families. :child:
Perfect for a Quick Visit
Allow about 30 minutes to an hour for a thorough yet unhurried exploration. :stopwatch:
Best activities for a weekend visit to Port Moody
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Cash for Donations
Entry is by donation. Cash is preferred to ensure the full amount supports the museum. :moneywithwings:
Chat with Volunteers
Staff and volunteers are incredibly warm and eager to share fascinating local history. :speech_balloon:
Kid-Friendly Space
There's a dedicated free play area for children, making it a great stop for families. :child:
Perfect for a Quick Visit
Allow about 30 minutes to an hour for a thorough yet unhurried exploration. :stopwatch:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Port Moody Station Museum as a charming local gem, highlighting the knowledgeable and warm volunteers and the engaging exhibits, especially the historic CPR train car. While small, it offers a delightful glimpse into the city's railway heritage and is a worthwhile, donation-supported stop.
"Loved it! Met a knowledge guide to start off the discovery in the museum and then enjoyed the beautifully curated collection. Learned a lot about the station's place in the community at the height of its use and a bit about the area as well. Would recommend!"
Paula Stewart
"Awesome little gem! So much history to see. From the first telephones to switchboards to the last payphone removed in 2022, to trying out a typewriter, etc. Incredible to have this in the neighborhood. Entry is by donation. I gave them cash to ensure the whole value goes to them rather than a fee taken out by the credit card company from the donation value. Bring cash!"
Mina A
"A small and charming museum in Port Moody, well worth a short visit if you’re in the area. It offers a gentle glimpse into the city’s past, housed in a historic station that still feels like it might welcome a steam engine at any moment.
Admission is free, though one does feel a polite moral obligation to leave a donation. These places don’t run on nostalgia alone, after all.
The exhibits are modest but lovingly maintained, photographs, artifacts, and handwritten details that speak more to care than curation. The highlight is the full-sized CPR train car, which you can enter. Stepping inside feels like time-travelling to a Canada where people wore hats unironically and rail travel was romantic rather than a logistical nightmare.
Staff or volunteers are wonderfully warm and seem genuinely pleased to share the stories behind the place. You won’t need more than half an hour, but you’ll leave with a quiet sense of appreciation for local history and the people keeping it alive.
Not a destination museum, but an utterly pleasant detour. Bring a 5-dollar bill or two for the donation box, it’s only fair."
Le Duc des Critiques Malicieuses
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located in the historic 1908 train station in Port Moody. It's easily accessible by car, with parking available nearby. Public transport options, including buses, also serve the area, making it convenient for visitors exploring Port Moody.
Yes, there is typically parking available near the station. It's advisable to check local signage for specific parking regulations and availability, especially during peak times.
Depending on your starting point, yes. The museum is situated in a central area of Port Moody, and attractions like the breweries and Rocky Point Park are within walking distance or a short drive.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to the Port Moody Station Museum is by donation. Visitors are encouraged to contribute what they feel is appropriate to support the museum's operations and preservation efforts.
No, advance booking is generally not required. As it's a donation-based entry, you can usually visit during operating hours. It's always a good idea to check their official website or social media for any special event closures or updated hours.
Operating hours can vary, especially seasonally. It's recommended to check the Port Moody Heritage Society's official website or contact them directly for the most current opening times before your visit.
While the historic nature of the station may present some challenges, efforts are usually made to ensure accessibility. It's best to contact the museum directly to inquire about specific accessibility features and accommodations.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore exhibits on local history, including the station's role in the community, and step inside a full-sized CPR train car. There are also interactive displays and a dedicated children's play area.
Most visitors find that 30 minutes to an hour is sufficient to enjoy the museum's offerings. It's a charming, focused experience rather than an all-day destination.
Often, knowledgeable guides or volunteers are on hand to offer insights and share stories about the exhibits and the station's history, enhancing the visitor experience.
Yes, the museum is very family-friendly. It features a dedicated free play space for kids and interactive exhibits that can engage younger visitors.
Photography for personal use is generally permitted, but it's always polite to ask volunteers if you're unsure, especially if using flash or professional equipment.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The museum itself does not have a cafe or restaurant. However, the surrounding area, particularly near the breweries, offers various dining options.
The area around the museum, especially near the breweries, has several popular spots. Rocky Point Ice Cream is a local favorite, and there are numerous pubs and eateries within walking distance.
📸 📸 Photography
The historic 1908 train station building itself is picturesque. The full-sized CPR train car offers unique shots, both exterior and interior. The surrounding area also provides scenic views.
For professional photoshoots, it's best to contact the museum administration in advance to inquire about policies and potential fees.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Combine your visit with a stroll along the nearby shoreline trail or a treat from Rocky Point Ice Cream for a perfect family afternoon in Port Moody. The museum's manageable size means kids won't get overwhelmed, and the chance to explore a real train car is always a hit.
🚂 Rail Enthusiasts
The museum's exhibits delve into the station's significance in BC's rail history, providing context and detail that enthusiasts will appreciate. The volunteers often have deep knowledge of railway lore, making for engaging conversations. It's a small but significant piece of Canadian railway heritage.
🚶♀️ Day-Trippers & Local Explorers
Pair your museum visit with a walk along the shoreline trail or a visit to the nearby breweries. The museum offers a quiet, reflective experience that complements the more active attractions in the area, providing a deeper understanding of Port Moody's roots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Heart of Port Moody's Past
One of the most captivating aspects of the museum is the full-sized CPR train car that visitors can enter. Stepping inside this vintage carriage is like stepping back in time, offering a glimpse into the passenger experience of a bygone era. Imagine the journeys taken, the reunions and farewells that unfolded within these very walls. The museum also features a variety of local history exhibits, showcasing everything from early communication technologies like switchboards and typewriters to personal anecdotes and photographs that paint a vivid picture of daily life in Port Moody's past.
Beyond the historical displays, the museum is noted for its warm and welcoming atmosphere. Volunteers, often deeply connected to the community's history, are enthusiastic about sharing their knowledge and answering questions. This personal touch transforms a visit from a passive observation into an engaging dialogue with the past. For families, the inclusion of a dedicated children's play area makes the museum an accessible and enjoyable experience for all ages, fostering an early appreciation for local heritage.
Experiencing the Museum: Tips from Visitors
The interactive nature of some exhibits is another frequently praised element. The opportunity to try out an old typewriter or learn about early telephone systems adds a hands-on dimension that appeals to all ages. Coupled with the chance to explore the historic CPR train car, these elements make the museum a memorable stop. The volunteers are often described as the museum's greatest asset, their passion and knowledge significantly enhancing the visitor experience.
It's important to note that the Port Moody Station Museum is a charming, smaller institution. Visitors should manage expectations accordingly; it's an enriching detour rather than a full-day attraction. Most people spend around 30 minutes to an hour here, leaving with a quiet sense of appreciation for local history and the dedication of those who keep it alive.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit