Alberta Prairie Railway

Riding the rails isn't your typical day out, especially when you do it old-school. Alberta Prairie Railway takes you on a trip back through time, where you can spend a day travelling through the rolling countryside from Stettler, a three-hour drive from Calgary to Big Valley or the Country Hideaway. When the train arrives in Big Valley or the Hideaway, guests can settle in for a community hall style buffet dinner and do some touring around the village or participate in all kinds of activities at the Hideaway. On board guests may enjoy a drink and entertainment on the way out or back. Choose from family-focused trips or adult-only excursions. Most trips take from five to six hours and run from the Mother's Day in May to October. Excursions include on-board entertainment (including country dinners, Newfoundlander, murder mystery rides and teddy bear specials). On most trips, the train will fall victim to the outlaw "Reynold's Raiders," a band of mounted robbers who are fended off by a resident lawman. In November and December, set to the sounds of a recorded soundtrack, passengers will relive the magic of the story as they are whisked away on A Journey to The North Pole. Once on board, passengers are served hot chocolate, and a cookie treat by dancing chefs and each family receive a ceramic souvenir mug. Santa will board the train at the North Pole, and during the return trip will walk through each car giving out a special Christmas gift – a silver sleigh bell. Call to book!