Burnaby Central Railway

Ride a miniature railroad through the beautiful Confederation Park in Burnaby

Boarding the Burnaby Central Miniature Railroad
Boarding the Burnaby Central Miniature Railroad cc licensed photo by Mike W.

Operated by volunteers from the BC Society of Model Engineers, the Burnaby Central Railway is a charming 1/8 scale miniature railroad that the whole family will love. This hidden gem, located in Confederation Park since 1993, offers a delightful experience for railway enthusiasts and families looking for a fun day out.

Why Visit Burnaby Central Railway?

  • A Unique Ride: Climb aboard a miniature train for a 15-minute journey along two miles of track, passing through tunnels, over bridges, and around the scenic 7-acre site.
  • Volunteer-Run Passion: The railway is run by passionate volunteers who build and maintain the engines and tracks, adding a special charm to the experience.
  • More Than Just Trains: In addition to the main ride, you can see smaller garden-scale model trains, visit a small museum, and enjoy a picnic.
  • Affordable Fun: With a nominal fee for rides and free admission to the grounds, it's an inexpensive and memorable outing.

What to See & Do

  • Ride the Rails: The main attraction is the ride itself, a delightful trip through the forested parkland.
  • Garden Railway: Watch the smaller G and O gauge model trains (both steam and electric) operate on an intricate outdoor layout.
  • Concession & Gift Shop: Grab a light snack or pick up a railway-themed souvenir to remember your visit.
  • Explore the Park: The railway is part of the larger Confederation Park, which has walking trails, a playground, and a swimming pool.

Pro Tips & Local Insights

  • Check the Schedule: The railway is run by volunteers and operates weather-permitting. It's always a good idea to check their official website or social media before you go.
  • Bring Cash: While they may have other payment options, having cash on hand for tickets and the concession is recommended.
  • Special Events: The railway hosts special events throughout the year, like Halloween and Christmas-themed rides, which are very popular.

Nearby Attractions (Transit-Friendly)



Facts For Your Visit

Fee: Yes, there is a nominal fee for rides. Admission to the grounds is free.

Burnaby Central Railway Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays

  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: Closed
  • Wednesday: Closed
  • Thursday: Closed
  • Friday: Closed
  • Saturday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Address: 120 N Willingdon Ave, Burnaby, BC V5C 1H6, Canada

Phone: (604) 291-0922

Official Website: Burnaby Central Railway

Burnaby Central Railway Reviews

Rated 4.7 out of 5 Star Rating

5 Star Rating Great place for miniature train rides. My daughter loved it .. They have different trains and tracks. Go early to avoid crowds
Yogesh Gotarkar - 3 weeks ago

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4 Star Rating Good place for the people who love trains and for each ride just take for $4.5. Adults also can enjoy the ride. However, the place is small, it also sells the souvenir and some food.
Momo WU - 2 months ago

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5 Star Rating This place is what train dreams are made of. Second time we’ve been here and it has never disappointed. Stunning scenery too. Always organized even if it’s really busy at opening time like today. I would say best time to go is after the opening rush around 1 even 2pm. There was quite a long line and we got there at 11:15am. Only critique I have is that I kept noticing the departing trains had lots of open spaces. Line ups wouldn’t be as long if the trains were fuller. I get that sometimes there will be a one spot at the back of a train where there isn’t just a single person that wants to ride there but I’m talking about an entire half train empty when there’s big lineups. Perhaps there was a reason tho but it happened every train ride I saw during our visit and we were there from 11:15-2:30pm. Highly recommend this place and if I could give it 6 stars I would. Thanks Burnaby Central Railway for helping make some core memories for my kids. We will most certainly be back again.
Kayce H - 2 months ago

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5 Star Rating 🚂 All Aboard for Family Fun at Burnaby Central Railway! 🚂 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 We took the kids to Burnaby Central Railway on a sunny Saturday afternoon, and it was an absolute blast! Located just a short drive from Metro Vancouver, this miniature train park offers a unique and fun experience for all ages. The ride itself is about 10-15 minutes long, taking you through tunnels, over bridges, and around lush greenery, giving everyone that nostalgic train ride feel. 🚂 The trains are detailed replicas of real-world locomotives, including steam and diesel engines. Our kids were thrilled to ride on them, and it’s clear why this place draws about 100,000 visitors each year. Watching the excitement on their faces as the train whistled and chugged along was priceless! 🛤️ The setting at Confederation Park is perfect for a family outing. There’s a small museum showcasing model trains, a picnic area, and a concession stand serving up classic treats like ice cream and hot dogs. Everything is well-maintained by the friendly volunteers who run the railway, making it a welcoming place to spend a few hours. 🏞️ If you’re looking for a memorable activity that combines fun, history, and a bit of adventure, Burnaby Central Railway is a must-visit. It’s a great way to enjoy some quality family time while exploring one of Burnaby’s hidden gems. We’ll definitely be back for another ride!
Kwong Tang - 9 months ago

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5 Star Rating Great experience for the kids. Train ride was about 10 minutes long. Wait time to get on the train can be over 30min depending on when you go during the day.
Sam Law - a week ago

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Directions

Bus Line Nearest Station Walking Time
#130 BusFrom Metrotown Station~20 Mins
#134 BusFrom Brentwood Station~10 Mins

How to get to Burnaby Central Railway by Bus

From Metrotown Station, take the #130 bus from the bus loop. Get off at Willingdon Avenue and Penzance Drive, then walk east into Confederation Park to the railway entrance.

From Brentwood Town Centre Station, take the #134 bus from the bus loop. Get off at Willingdon Avenue and Penzance Drive, then walk east into the park.

From downtown Vancouver, you can also take the R5 Hastings St RapidBus to Willingdon Avenue and walk about 10 minutes north to the park entrance.

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