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– All aboard this year's Christmas Express aboard the restored 1920 Hillcrest Steam Locomotive* as it travels through thousands of twinkling lights that adorn the 100-acre enchanted woods of the BC Forest Discovery Centre. Thousands of visitors over the years have made a Christmas tradition of attending this colorful and entertaining event. “We love hosting the Christmas Express and seeing the magic of the holiday in the faces of everyone who attends. With lots of activities like crafts and indoor entertainment, we bring something for all ages in the family," explains Carol Miller, General Manager of the Centre. "This year, the Hillcrest Shay #1 steam locomotive steps up to pull an extra passenger car. 400 more guests can board and create their family tradition – each night! Our attendance has been growing, so we have added a new passenger car and a few dates to include 19 nights of holiday magic. We invite islanders to come out to see the light displays and ride the Christmas Express train,” says Carol Miller, Manager of the BC Forest Discovery Centre. The concession will open to warm you up after your Christmas journey with hot chocolate, mini donuts and fresh-popped popcorn.Tickets are ONLY available online in advance on our new website at www.bcforestdiscoverycentre.com
The Christmas Express is the museum’s largest fundraiser of the year, following our popular Halloween Train. These two fundraising events are paramount to the ongoing operation and maintenance of our antique vehicle collection, our trains, the maintenance of the historical buildings and the preservation of an important ecosystem within the Cowichan Region. Families and corporations can assist and support the museum by purchasing a membership for the 2026 season.
The Christmas Express runs from:
Friday, November 28th to Monday December 1st
Friday December 5th to Monday December 8th
Thursday, December 11th to Monday, December 15th
Thursday, December 18th to Tuesday December 23rd
A total of 19 magical evenings.
The BC Forest Discovery Centre opens at 3:30 pm on these dates with train departures every 30 minutes beginning at 4:00 pm. The last train departs at 9:00 pm.
Experience the magic of Christmas at the BC Forest Discovery Centre aboard the Christmas Express!
* The Hillcrest Shay locomotive is the only operational geared steam locomotive of its kind in Canada
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
2892 Drinkwater Road, Duncan, BC, Canada
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.
