With great anticipation we arrived at the gates of Iron Horse Park early on a
Saturday, eagerly anticipating a ride on a miniature railway, which would actually be a first for us. Alas, it transpired that, because the park, and the railway, is operated solely by volunteers, it is only possible for them to open on
Sundays, as well as a few other select days through the summer. When Sunday rolled around about 16 hours later, we would be 100 miles up the highway. As a result, we were able to get photos only of what was visible through the closed and locked gate. Sob. Sob. Maybe next time.
Operated by the Alberta Model Engineering Society, whose major mission in life appears to be the construction and operation of this park, the railway consists of 1.6 kilometres (about 1 mile) of scenic track designed to resemble the course of the Canadian Pacific Railway as it crosses Canada from the prairies to the Pacific. The members of the society operate a pair of diesel engines and a single steam engine pulling small passenger cars, 2 or three persons to a car.
IRON HORSE PARK
The miniature trains, track and landscape at Iron Horse Park represent the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) from the prairies to the coast. Take the 1.6km interpretive journey aboard one of the 1/8th scale diesel or steam locomotives at the park and get a feeling of what the railway was like in Western Canada during the pioneer days. The journey will take you over hills, across trestles and through tunnels across the varied landscape.
Snacks and souvenirs can be found in the full size replica of a CPR station on site. Picnic tables on site provide a place for small family gatherings.
The park is leased from the City of Airdrie and operated by the Alberta Model Engineering Society, which was incorporated in 1971. Anyone who wants to volunteer is welcome to come and put their skills to work by helping create and maintain a unique and special place within the community. The park is a work in progress with big ideas to add a small scale farmstead, town and industries typical to the journey. Check our "Open Days/ Schedule tab above for pricing information.
Birthday Party Bookings for the 2018 season are now AVAILABLE, online only. See Birthdays/Events tab above.
Our normal operating days are Sundays between the Victoria Day/May Long weekend and Thanksgiving weekend. And we do plan to host our usual "Frostbite Run" on Family Day Monday in February, weather permitting of course. Always consult our Facebook page or this web page for the latest run day information.
We are open every Sunday, until October 7, 2018.
We are open to the public every Sunday between 11:00AM and 4:00PM (LAST TRAIN LEAVES AT 3:45), weather permitting, until the Canadian Thanksgiving weekend in October. We are, 100%, a volunteer organization and as such, the park is, unfortunately, NOT open to the public on Saturdays or weekdays except for special events as detailed below or as announced on our main page.
Admission to the park is free. The cost of journeys is $3.00 each. Ticket Bundles of 8 for $20.00 and 25 for $50.00 are also available. We accept Visa, MasterCard and Debit cards at the register! Cash is still accepted as well. :-) Children 2 years of age and under ride for free but must be accompanied by an adult.
From Iron Horse Park